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HomeMy WebLinkAboutMinutes Committee For Persons With Disabilities - 05/11/2005 - Special CITY OF CORPUS teRISTI-COMMITTEE FOR PERSONATH DIS Summary Minutes for the Special Meeting of May 11, 2005e •8 I. Meeting was called to order at 4:07 PM m 0.0\1'0 W s A. Roll call. $ 0S el Present Committee Members: Linda Fallwell-Stover, Mary Saenz, David Walker, Brian qn, d� Crystal Lyons criz Present Staff Members: Mr. Leon Bazar, Ms. Wanese Butler, Ms. April Moffett B. Excused Absences: II. Presentation and Public Comments: Presentation: Lamont Taylor- Regional Transit Authority(RTA) Wheelchair Securement Policy Update(Handout) The RTA does not have a policy in place regarding Wheelchair Securement. They have a practice in place. Current options for securing wheelchairs on RTA buses include: a. Wheelchair lock/clamp b. Straps across frame c. Floor tension restraints The Securement device varies per bus. The current practice is for the operator to be responsible for ensuring that the wheelchair is secure with all securement devices. The operator can provide the rider seat belts and shoulder harness but cannot require the rider to use it. There were six reasons a policy is needed. a. For the RTA to focus on safety b. So the RTA will establish history of securing wheelchairs c. To have clearer guidance and direction d. Consistency in policy for all services e. Increasing wheelchair boarding f. Challenges from riders The purpose for establishing this policy is to give clarity to all operators. Some issues regarding drafting an effective policy are: a. Proper way to secure wheelchair b. Optional means of Securement at choice of rider c. Different types of wheelchair devices d. Care and attention to protect the wheelchair e. Operator interaction with rider f. Procedures upon non-compliance SCANNED CFrwuoemros 1 The RTA dowant input from riders on how to secu�both the rider and the wheelchair and they want input from the community. Some of the concerns voiced so far have been: a. The height of the wheelchair wheels on the wheelchair b. Older buses having limited means of Securement c. Different types of wheelchairs all requiring different methods of Securement. d. Ongoing training of operators The remaining steps before implementation are: a. Board of Directors (June 2005)— Public hearing b. Education and Implementation 1. Operator training 2. On-board bus cards 3. Notices at stations 4. Policy mail out upon request The floor was then opened to hear from the public. Mr. Rendon —RTA Board Chairperson RTA does not have a policy. The RTA has a practice. Some riders want to be secured at the bottom of the wheelchair and some others want to be secured at the top of the wheelchair. Some riders do not want to be secured at all. It is important that all of us talk about this issue and take action. Wanda Peak—Current rider and former bus operator Some of the problems with securing the motorized wheelchairs are: a. The securement cranks at the bottom behind the frame of the wheelchair. b. The wheelchair shifts causing the crank to tighten or the belt tightens. Ms. Peak had already been forewarned about this. She receives funding for wheelchair replacement once ever five years. Ms. Peak left the podium and then came back to state that currently the operators all secure differently. Ken Hawkins— He voiced a couple of questions and concerns regarding wheelchair securement. Roy Ortega— Mobility Store Owner Mr. Ortega has been in this business for 3Q years. Securement is what his business does. They are building heavier faster chairs but proper securement is not being considered. The securement has to be proper. The ratchet system is obsolete. There were three people in the room and they each had different wheelchairs. CFPWD 05/I lIDS 2 Mr. Taylor stated that it is RTA's goal to secure the chaitself) -this is the purpose for this policy. Currently there are four points for securement. Mr. Taylor confirmed that there are six different types of buses and there are four different types of devices types of securement systems on the different buses. If a securement is not compatible to a chair type, the rider will not be denied a ride and nor will they be asked to wait until the next bus. The four different types of securement devices will secure a manual wheelchair. The RTA has provided more securements on the buses due to increased boardings. The number of wheelchair passengers who have refused to be secured is about 10 and the common reason is the wheelchair being ruined; however, to the best of his knowledge, he is not aware of any wheelchair being wined. There are wheelchairs and scooters that cannot be secured. The RTA is looking at a policy on what to do if an accident occurs so that those who are in wheelchairs can be evacuated. The RTA and the riders believe that there is a need for a securement policy. Some riders do not want to be secured; RTA is saying you need to be secured and RTA is addressing the need for a consistent practice to give clarity. The Chairperson stated at the beginning of the special meeting that the purpose for this meeting was to hear the one item on the agenda— RTA presentation on Wheelchair Securement. She then thanked everyone for their presence. Adjournment: MOTION: Crystal Lyons moved to adjourn the meeting with Second by Brian Watson. The meeting adjourned at approximately 5:05 PM CFPWD05/11/05 3