Our Successes Include:
Improving access to the MBTA
BCIL and its partner in MBTA advocacy, Greater Boston Legal Services, settled a landmark class-action lawsuit against the MBTA for violations of the Americans with Disabilities Act in 2006. Public transportation service was essentially off limits to many people with disabilities, denying them reliable access to jobs, cultural offerings, educational opportunities and recreation. Well over $300 million has been spent by the MBTA to improve access to buses, subways, and stations, and MBTA management is demonstrating a commitment to overhaul how they serve customers with disabilities.
Some of the gains that have upgraded the system include:
- Improved system-wide elevator performance, now operating at near 100% capacity
- Installation of redundant elevators at key stations
- Procurement of 310 new low-floor buses, improved vehicle maintenance, ensuring operating bus lifts
- Retraining of MBTA personnel in providing service to customers with disabilities
- Development of a comprehensive internal access monitoring program
- Creation of the Department of System-Wide Accessibility
- Development of a plan to reduce subway platform gaps in order to eliminate obstructions impeding wheelchair users access
- Appealing a decision from a housing, educational or medical provider or an employer
Protecting the Personal Care Attendant program and supporting affordable healthcare
PCA Quality Workforce Council legislation establishes a registry of PCAs, making it easier for disabled individuals to find a PCA. The legislation also allows for collective bargaining and improved compensation for PCAs. More than 30,000 people utilize over 35,000 Personal Care Attendants each year in Massachusetts in order to maximize their independence, stay out of institutional settings, raise families, pursue jobs and continue schooling.
Promoting municipal access
BCIL has sought compliance by the City of Boston with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA). On the 18th anniversary of the signing of the ADA, Mayor Menino announced a $20 million commitment from the city to fix curb cuts and pedestrian ramps that are not up to ADA codes. Language that requires ADA compliance was added to all Public Works contracts, and projects that go through the Public Improvement Commission. In response to BCIL advocacy there is an ongoing city effort to improve polling access. Through our work with the Disability Law Center (DLC) the city has moved 35 sites to accessible locations, while barriers at other sites are being addressed by use of portable ramps and special threshold mats. The city now has Automark machines at all polling sites, with employees trained on how to use them. Through meetings with city officials, combined with poll monitoring by our members, BCIL is helping the city move forward and ensure that disability is not a barrier to exercising one’s right to vote.
Increasing affordable, accessible housing
Housing is the number-one issue for people contacting BCIL for assistance. Our advocacy efforts have generated millions of dollars for programs that support integrated, accessible, and affordable housing for people with disabilities, including the Home Modification Loan Program, the Community Based Housing Program, and the Alternative Housing Voucher Program. But even with these successes, housing remains a crisis concern for people with disabilities. BCIL is currently advocating for increased funding for the Alternative Housing Voucher Program (AHVP), which provides rental assistance to low-income people with disabilities. To become involved or be a supporter email contactBCIL@bostoncil.org.