There are many different angles to share about the new
Disabled Adult Transportation System policy, which is scheduled to roll through
Edmonton streets Sept. 1. DATS users are being asked to cancel rides two hours
before their scheduled pick-ups, 90 minutes more than tee current half-hour cancellation
policy. Today, let’s discuss the possible perception DATS administration has of
Edmontonians with disabilities: that we are really not that busy.
Perhaps such at attitude still exists from decades ago when
people with disabilities were yet to be mainstreamed into employment and school
programs. So maybe an outing could be cancelled two hours before a trip because
folks didn’t have many things going on. Over the years, though, people with
disabilities garnered more services which increased our independence. We became
part of the community and our lives became busier.
It’s somewhat frustrating to understand why such an integral
support system — transportation — is taking away from our independence. People
with disabilities in Edmonton have busy lives. In today’s fast-pace society we
need the flexibility to make changes at the last second. Now, under the new
two-hour cancellation policy, if we don’t comply within the given time frame,
we will be sent a letter from DATS, slapping our wrists. I am sorry, but this
isn’t fair.
We have launched a petition against the
implementation of the two-hour policy. If you want to show your support, please
sign it.
