The Wednesday Camburger: Does DATS think Edmontonians with disabilities are NOT busy?








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.