Accessible Widget

March 16, 2018

Why not share why “On-Demand Taxi Service matters to your City Councillor?


Did you know only about 11% of our taxis are accessible in our City?Some of us have waited more than 90 minutes or up to 5 hours for an on demand taxi. 

We think this needs to change. And you can be of help! 


19% of the Taxis in New York are accessible and have a central dispatch
Last week, Members of the  Disability Action Hall, as well as taxi drivers and Citizens from the community attended the committee and spoke in favour of the recommendations going before council known as "The Accessible Taxi Review". 

What we heard at the meeting: 
  • It costs more to drive an accessible taxi in gas, maintain a ramp and be well trained. 
  • Taxi drivers need more funds to drive accessible taxis 
  • We need more taxi plates also be given funds to keep the accessible taxi plates, we are about 11% of our taxis are accessible. 
  • We also want a central dispatch system to find out when the taxis are coming. 
  • It will funded by a per trip fee on every taxi in the City (.20 cents more). 



On Monday, March 19th City Council will be discussing making 24/7 on demand taxi service a reality. To learn about the report, visit “Accessible Taxi Review” (Item CPS2018-0127)

How you can help....
Why not share why “On Demand Taxi Service matters to your City Councillor?

This weekend, we ask if you also support the recommendations, to either
1.  Call 311 or contact your City Councillor to support the recommendations going forward.
2.     Email the Office of City Councillors:

picture of speeding wheelchair on blue background



The official language of the recommendations are below. 

1.     Receive the report for information
2.     Endorse the Phase 1 Accessible Incentive Program Framework in Attachment 1 and direct Administration to:
a. Fund the incentive through a per-trip fee applied to all taxi and Transportation Network Companies trips;
b. Bring forward amendments to the Livery Transport Bylaw 6M2007 based on this option no later than 2018 Q3;

3.     Direct Administration to monitor the effectiveness of the Accessible incentive Program for up to two years and report back to Council, through the SPC on Community and Protective Services, no later than 2020 Q2; and
4. Direct Administration to explore options related to a pilot central dispatch approach including but not limited to:
a. Considering innovative technologies; and
b. Utilizing Calgary Transit Access or other existing mechanisms as a dispatch resource.

March 13, 2018

3 Ways to have your say about a Disability Advocate!

By March 31st, the Minister wants to you to tell them in a survey why we need a Disability Advocate Office.


Why do we think this is a good idea? Why would a self-advocacy group want a disability advocate? 

We all have a voice.
Some of us need support to help speak up for ourselves.
File photo "Now You See Me" 
We have been doing self-advocacy for the last 20 years in the province. 

Many of our friends are not lucky enough to come to the weekly meetings at the Disability Action Hall. 


We know there are self-advocacy groups and offices around Alberta. 

But is it enough?

Are you stuck? 


Are you... 

  • Stuck in your home?   
  • Need more than a website to help with a problem you are facing?
  • Find the government too confusing and don't know where to start?
  • Can't afford to pay for a doctors test to help get services?
  • Have been on a wait list too long? 
  • Been turned down for services and don't know why? 
  • Don't know how or where to go for help? 
  • Don't know your rights? 
  • Don't know how the government can help you find services?
  • Want to know how the government is helping people with disabilities year after year?
  • Have a worker but they too don't know how to help you with a problem? 
  • Have friends that can help, but maybe someone could train people around the province to help more? 
Then maybe, you might want to share why we need a disability advocate office. 
We are excited about this chance to share our thoughts about the role of the new office. 

3 ways you can share your ideas

  

 Do the survey!

1. Try the Survey

If you would like to share your ideas, try the survey
You can also download a version ahead of time by clicking on this link if you need to see the questions ahead of time. 


2. Send an email

 advocate.disability@gov.ab.ca



3. Use the phone 

Or Use the toll-free number. 

Dial 310-0000 

Then ask or dial (780) 422-1095