STUDY METHODOLOGY Literature review over 50 historical documents Interviewed 22 diverse stakeholders Conducted policy

2. STUDY METHODOLOGY Literature review � over 50 historical documents Interviewed 22 diverse stakeholders Conducted policy roundtable conference call On-line survey of transit customers � 118 responses (70% wheelchair users, 25% scooter users)

4. Boarding and Maneuvering 17% reported problems boarding transportation vehicles: Lifts that did not operate (41%) Lifts that malfunctioned while in use (37%) Operators not able to operate lifts (34%) 41% reported not enough space to turn the wheelchair around 25% say WTORS caused problems with mobility device and/or personal accessories (80% backpack, 51% shopping bags, 41% laptop computer or briefcase)

5. Securement Issues 45% have devices secured on every bus ride 14% never have devices secured 62% want device secured to protect in event of crash 54% want securement for other passengers� safety 76% would obtain WC19-compliant wheelchairs (without accounting for cost)

6. Securement Issues (cont�d.) 20% of the time, passengers do not ask drivers to secure device � embarrassment / time issues Vehicle operator error was most reported reason for non-use of WTORS; 39% say driver attitudes vary greatly, sometimes don�t secure a wheelchair even when rider asks 50% reported difficulty using tie-downs 29% say occupant restraints usually don�t fit the rider well 45% reported that their device either tipped over or shifted dangerously during rides

7. Transit Vehicle Issues Spaces for wheelchairs and securement equip. are not standardized in vehicle interiors Small vehicles present challenges due to limited interior space and vehicle suspension Ramps can be a barrier when angle is steep, as allowed by current ADA vehicle guidelines Aging lifts are a challenge to maintain and operate safely

8. Wheelchair Design, Purchasing, and Usage Issues Issues with oversized wheelchairs Oversized, overweight, or less maneuverable wheelchair/scooter/passenger combos can cause problems maneuvering into or out of vehicles; damage to lifts; unsafe weight distribution on smaller vehicles Transit providers have varying responses, from allowing whatever will fit, to measuring and denying service to those exceeding US DOT �common wheelchair� definition Some paratransit agencies are �screening out� oversized wheelchairs during ADA paratransit eligibility certification

9. Wheelchair Design, Purchasing, and Usage Issues (cont�d.) Non-wheelchair mobility aids and other items carried Increased use of non-traditional mobility aids (Segways, wheeled walkers with seats, orthopedic strollers) Backpacks, shopping bags, oxygen tanks can impact maneuverability or securement, block aisles � need more guidance, best practices Shopping carts, baby strollers, service animals use wheelchair spaces

10. Transit Operational and Training Issues Securement Issues Some passengers refuse securement - independence, stigma, fear of damage, invasive Difficulty securing wheelchairs - lack of identifiable securement points, not enough space Agency policies and information is inconsistent; although many have �mandatory� securement policies

11. Transit Operational and Training Issues (cont�d.) Securement Issues (cont�d) Accidents related to securement are a small percentage of total, but are the most costly passenger accidents Training and disability awareness of transit personnel is sometimes inadequate Monitoring of performance is needed

12. Regulatory and Policy Issues Lack of progress in making �Transit-safe� wheelchairs available �WC-19� transit option is available on only some models, and is purchased on a small fraction of wheelchairs; unavailable on scooters Transit providers, vehicle/equipment manufacturers want mandatory �certification� of transit-usable wheelchairs, but consumer advocates are concerned about denying access to non-certified device users Examination and consensus building is needed to remove barriers, including regulations and policies of health care funding agencies

13. Regulatory and Policy Issues (cont�d.) Elements of federal guidance are unclear ADA regulations and guidance should be better coordinated and communicated Mandatory vs. �optional� securement policy Draft revisions of vehicle guidelines were recently released � many questions Research, development, and industry standardsVoluntary industry standards and ADA vehicle requirements are not harmonized Securement on large, low-speed vehicles (and rail) often demands different solutions than for small vehicles; research, demonstration, and regulatory approaches are needed

14. Regulatory and Policy Issues (cont�d.) Education and dissemination of available resources Information on �transit-safe� wheelchair options (WC-19) needs much more dissemination and outreach Guidelines and dissemination are needed for best practices for auxiliary securement aids, such as wheelchair marking and tether straps �Travel training� or vehicle orientation sessions, and marketing outreach, can be used to educate wheelchair users regarding vehicle boarding and securement