Hello NATAN!

This month, ATRC Director Charles Rutkowski visited our Community of Practice team in Lincoln Park, Mich., led by PEAC [https://www.bikeprogram.org/]. PEAC employs staff with developmental and physical disabilities and receives bicycle donations which they disassemble and rebuild or recycle. They also provide travel training for people with disabilities. The Community of Practice team is addressing barriers to accessibility among bicyclists and pedestrians by examining signage, route planning, ticketing systems, and overall ease of navigation with the goal of implementing solutions that increase cognitive accessibility.

A member of ATRC’s Steering Committee, Kevin Parkes, is a volunteer at another bike organization: Rochester Community Bikes [https://www.rcommunitybikes.net/home] in Rochester, N.Y. RCB repairs and distributes bicycles and offers bike education. One of their current initiatives places tandem bicycles with individuals with disabilities who are not able to ride a single bike. Programs like PEAC and RCB help make cycling accessible. Check out our Featured Resources section for more resources on accessible cycling!

We’re glad you’re here! The National Accessible Transportation Accelerator Network (NATAN) Newsletter is ATRC’s monthly update on accessible transportation around the nation. Keep reading to learn about upcoming events, resources, opportunities, and more.

Webinar: Empowering Emergency Preparedness for Individuals with Sensory Disabilities

November 26, 2024 | 12:00PM – 1:30PM Eastern Time

In stressful emergency transport and evacuation situations, individuals with sensory disabilities may face greater difficulties. Register now for this Transportation Research Board webinar on practical planning to enhance emergency preparedness, accessible communications, and strategies to secure organizational support.

Webinar: Accessible Bus and Van Transportation

December 5, 2024 | 2:30PM – 4:00PM Eastern Time



Register here for this U.S. Access Board webinar on ADA compliance for bus and van transportation, as well as requirements for accessible facilities, transit stops, and transit shelters. 

Accessible Cycling Resources:

• Micromobility Opportunities for Older Adults and People with Disabilities
• Pedestrian and Bicycle Information Center
• Adaptive Bicycles Pave the Way for Riders with Disabilities
• We Need to Make Cycling Inclusive and Accessible to All

Facts about Service Animals and Transportation

The NADTC recently released this rack card on the U.S. DOT’s definition of a service animal, customer’s rights and responsibilities regarding service animals, and customer service practices.

NADTC Announces Recipients of Rural Community Innovations Grants

The National Aging and Disability Transportation Center has selected 12 rural communities to receive planning grants to increase access to accessible and equitable transportation services. Read more about the selected communities here.

Medicaid Transportation Coordination Fact Sheet

The FTA recently released this Medicaid Coordination Fact Sheet to guide transportation coordination between state Medicaid agencies and state departments of transportation. The fact sheet helps clarify and encourage partnership at the state level and includes commonly asked questions and relevant resources.

FTA Issues Updated Guidance on Section 5310 Programs

The Federal Transit Administration (FTA) is updating guidance on the Enhanced Mobility for Seniors and Individuals with Disabilities Program (Section 5310). The Circular (C. 9070.1H) includes new information on program requirements, labor protections, equipment management, vehicle use, leasing and title to vehicles, satisfactory continuing control requirements, reporting requirements, management plan, drug and alcohol testing requirements, and more.

• American Airlines fined $50M for violating disability laws
• ‘We cannot forget about rural America’: UI researchers working towards accessible transportation
• CA: Marin-Sonoma bike rental transit program launches