25 Years of Demanding "REAL CHOICE NOW!"

25 Years of Demanding "REAL CHOICE NOW!" Remembering ADAPT's Historic 2000 Rally

By Tim Wheat

Twenty-five years ago today, on June 18, 2000, a powerful roar echoed through Washington D.C., as 800 disability rights activists converged near the U.S. Capitol. Led by the determined and unwavering voice of Justin Dart, this ADAPT rally ignited a quarter-century of relentless advocacy, demanding nothing less than "REAL CHOICE NOW!" and an end to the forced institutionalization of people with disabilities.

Dart, often called the "Father of the ADA," didn't mince words, bravely labeling the incarceration of people with disabilities in state hospitals, ICF/MRs, and nursing homes as "the hidden holocaust of 2000." His message to the President and Vice President was clear: "America demands REAL CHOICE now, MiCASSA now." And to the impassioned crowd, he fired up their resolve with a resounding, "Today we say no more bullshit." This wasn't just a rally; it was a declaration of war against systemic injustice.

The day began with a series of workshops, setting the stage for the collective action to come. Discussions ranged from ADAPT's rich history and procedures to critical topics like MiCASSA (Medicaid Community-Based Attendant Services and Supports Act parts of which are still evident in the LaTonya Reeves Freedom Act), defending the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) from attacks, implementing the landmark Olmstead decision, and effective negotiation strategies. Around noon, the energized contingent made their way to a plaza with the Capitol dome looming in the background.

As the crowd swelled, Mike Auberger warmed up the atmosphere with legendary ADAPT chants, building anticipation for the main event. At 2:00 PM, Linda Anthony officially welcomed ADAPT and other MiCASSA supporters to the "Voices and Faces of Institutionalization" Rally for MiCASSA.

The rally featured a diverse array of voices, all united by a common purpose. When Tim Westmorland from HCFA spoke, a symbolic white-bearded figure appeared, carrying an hourglass and scythe – a stark reminder that time was running out for those trapped in institutions. Andy Imperato, then president of the American Association of People with Disabilities, acknowledged ADAPT's crucial role, stating that "we would not get anything done in this town if it wasn't for ADAPT."

Perhaps the most poignant moment came from Kyle Glozier, who, wearing Justin Dart's hat, asked the gut-wrenching question, "What crime did I commit to be put into the crippled children's home?" He powerfully articulated how forced institutionalization shattered constitutional principles. Yet, his story also highlighted the transformative power of family, as he gratefully acknowledged his father's determination in rescuing him. "By the way, happy father's day dad," Kyle said, looking toward his father, "I love you." His words resonated deeply, reminding everyone of the personal toll of institutional bias and the hope found in community-based living.

Advocates from Georgia, Kansas, and the Washington D.C. area shared their personal experiences in nursing homes, further emphasizing the urgent national need for MiCASSA. Their testimonies painted a vivid picture of the lives impacted by the lack of choice and the critical importance of home and community-based services.

As the rally concluded, Mike Auberger underscored ADAPT's presence: "Washington must know that ADAPT is here." He passionately reminded advocates of their responsibility to "advocate for those brothers and sisters in nursing homes that cannot."

The rally then transformed into a powerful march down Pennsylvania Avenue to the White House. Passing iconic marble buildings like the Old Post Office, the Ronald Reagan Building, and the J. Edgar Hoover FBI Building, ADAPT carried its message directly to President Clinton and Vice President Gore: Americans nationwide were demanding an end to institutional bias.

Back at the hotel, ADAPT members gathered to plan their next moves. Mike recounted the very first ADAPT action in Washington D.C. back in 1984, inspiring newer members with the movement's long and impactful history. Stephanie Thomas perfectly encapsulated ADAPT's persistent progress with an analogy Bob Kafka often used: "It's like turning the Queen Mary," she said, "because it is such a huge project, it is hard to see the progress."

Twenty-five years on, the echoes of "REAL CHOICE NOW!" still reverberate. While significant progress has been made, the fight for full community integration and an end to institutional bias continues. Today, we honor the courage, tenacity, and vision of Justin Dart and all the ADAPT activists who, on that pivotal day in 2000, declared loudly and clearly that disability rights are human rights, and the time for change was, and still is, now.

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What are your thoughts on the progress made in disability rights and community integration over the past 25 years?

MATA PLUS TRANSPORTATION SERVICE FOR PEOPLE WITH DISABILITIES

DCM Intern on why MATAplus is important

By Brittany Alyse Bryant, DCM Intern

Why is transportation important? Transportation is crucial for several reasons. It plays a vital role in promoting economic development, connecting people to necessary services, facilitating urban growth, and creating employment opportunities. Public transportation is an excellent resource; for instance, buses offer an economical and dependable option for those without their own vehicles. 

Every day, millions of Americans depend on public transportation to reach work, educational institutions, appointments, and other commitments. A 2019 study by the U.S. Department of Transportation revealed that 25.5 million Americans reported having disabilities that limit their travel. Among these, 3.6 million individuals remain at home due to their disabilities, which may result from physical limitations, cognitive challenges, or financial difficulties. 

Access to public transportation significantly impacts various aspects of an individual's life. Individuals with disabilities often face challenges related to mobility, making public transportation essential for them to get around, whether it's for running errands, visiting friends, or accessing healthcare services. 

Many people with disabilities depend on paratransit, a service that provides personalized rides using taxis, minivans, or small buses that are equipped with wheelchair ramps and lifts to facilitate access. Paratransit fills the gaps where regular public transportation may not adequately serve the needs of individuals with disabilities. This is why it's essential to involve individuals with disabilities in planning and budgeting discussions, as they are significantly impacted by the services provided. Their participation ensures that people with disabilities have equal chances to engage in all aspects of life according to their abilities and aspirations. 

This idea extends beyond mere physical accessibility to encompass overall social inclusion, which is a crucial component of a fair and just society. They have the freedom to convey how these services affect their ability to live more independently. This highlights the importance of such services. 

Recently, a brief questionnaire was created for users of MATAplus services to gather their opinions on the services and their experiences. The unfortunate reality is that we can't resolve accessibility issues immediately. However, we can work to promote change. It's essential to highlight the significance of inclusion within the community by advocating for change, engaging with the local government, and raising awareness about these matters. For additional advocacy advice, organizations, and resources.

More Money for MATA

Better Transit for a Better Memphis 

Earlier this week, MLK50 released an article with a troubling headline, "Council proposal would ‘end’ public transit in Memphis, says interim MATA CEO". Council members Jerri Green and Philip Spinosa Jr. proposed cutting MATA’s funding to $15 million from the $30 million proposed by Memphis Mayor Paul Young at a city council budget meeting on May 21. 

Current leaders say accountability for the current MATA financial mess is the reason for once again withholding overdue investment in public transit. The problem is those responsible for the financial mishaps- the previous MATA administration, MATA Board, and City Administration- are now long gone. The interim MATA CEO has already identified multiple efficiences to maximize the current funding and has publicly presented multiple detailed financial reports. There are no more efficiencies to be found and no more excuses left. 

Over the past year, Mayor Young and the City Council have taken BOLD action to get MATA back on track. With a brand new MATA board, new experienced leadership, and an ongoing financial deep dive, BTBM says NOW is the time for the Mayor and the City Council to continue the bold moves and increase the MATA operating budget funding. 

With an investment of $50 million, $20 million more than the Mayor's proposed $30 million, MATA will be able to deliver 100% of the published schedule, restart the steel wheel trolleys, and pay vendor outstanding balances. On the flip side, if the City Council chooses to fund only $30 million, they will effectively be cutting the already limited service by 30%!

Join us in urging Mayor Paul Young and the Memphis City Council to keep MATA on track and increase the MATA investment! Here's what you can do:

1. Attend the City Council Budget Wrap Up Hearing and Show Visible Support for Transit
   Thus June 5th 2:30pm on the 5th floor of City Hall
2. Attend the Full City Council- Show Visible Support and Provide Public Comment in support of Public Transit!
   Tues June 10th 3:30pm- City Hall Chambers
3. Send an email to the Mayor and City Council members using this email action link. Customize your message or send as is! https://bit.ly/transitfunding25

We've got the right leadership and now is the time for the City to demonstrate their commitment to the thousands of daily riders and the thousands more who once could and can now no longer count on Public Transit, and the many others who share in your vision for a thriving Memphis and a thriving Shelby County. 

The 2025 Mega Conference in Nashville

The Mega Conference is a chance for people with disabilities to be in community with one another

By Allison Donald

There’s something powerful about being in a room full of people who just get it. That was my experience at the 2025 Mega Conference in Nashville—a two-day event that brought together hundreds of advocates, professionals, and individuals with disabilities to learn, connect, and push for change.

As Ashli Seibers-Bell, Director of Family Voices of Tennessee, put it best, “The Mega Conference is a chance for people with disabilities to be in community with one another, connect professionally, and share resources.” That quote stayed with me throughout the event, because that’s exactly what happened.

The Mega Conference is highlighted by the advocacy work that is being done across Tennessee and beyond, and by the push for continued innovation to improve the lives of people with disabilities. It’s a place where both progress and challenges are named, where voices are raised, and where real solutions start to take shape.

I had the honor of being one of five panelists in a session that dove deep into some of the most important issues we face. We came from different backgrounds and lived experiences, but shared a commitment to speaking truthfully and openly.

Together, we talked about the importance of effective communication—how often it's overlooked, and how crucial it is, especially healthcare, education, and everyday interactions. We shared stories of times when poor communication created barriers, but also highlighted those meaningful moments when someone took the time to adapt, listen, and include us.

We also had a powerful conversation about the intersection of race and disability. This part really resonated with me. Living with a disability is already complex, but when race enters the equation, the challenges can multiply. We discussed how racial and cultural identity shape our experiences with disability and how advocacy has to be intersectional in order to be truly inclusive and effective.

Another big theme we touched on was representation. Sitting on that panel—alongside others who understood my experiences—was validating and empowering. It reminded me of how critical it is to see people who look like you and live like you in leadership roles, public conversations, and decision-making spaces. When we’re represented, our issues don’t get overlooked—and our communities get stronger.

More than anything, I left the Mega Conference feeling energized. I was surrounded by people who are passionate, informed, and committed to building a better, more accessible world. It reminded me that while our individual journeys may differ, we’re walking them together—and that kind of community is everything.

To everyone I met, spoke with, and learned from—thank you. And to anyone who’s never been to a Mega Conference: go if you can. There’s nothing like being in a space where your voice doesn’t just echo—it’s heard.  If you would like more information on the Mega Conference 2025 visit https://tnmegacon.org/. 

MATAplus Capacity Constraints - Part 2

Part Two - Charting a Course to Improved Service at MATAplus

Read Part One - MATAplus Capacity Constraints: https://mciljournal.blogspot.com/2025/04/mataplus-capacity-constraints.html

By Tim Wheat

In the previous post, Disability Connection delved into a critical challenge: the capacity constraints of MATAplus. We explored how trip denials are part of the system and ultimately, a less reliable and capacity constrained service for those who depend on it most.

But identifying these hurdles is only part of the road to a solution. Today, we're shifting our focus to explore potential answers – ways we can work towards a more robust and responsive paratransit system for Memphis.

Determining the necessary size of the MATAplus vehicle fleet hinges on understanding the daily demand for paratransit services. The core principle should be that every eligible rider in Memphis who needs a trip on a given day should be able to schedule it the day before. This demand-responsive element is the primary driver in calculating the required capacity. 

While the total number of daily ride requests will naturally fluctuate, the system's fundamental capacity must be built around accommodating these next-day requests. To ensure this responsiveness, a crucial operational guideline should be to dedicate a significant portion of the fleet – ideally, no more than half – to "subscription services," those regularly scheduled trips for eligible passengers with disabilities. The remaining capacity is what directly addresses the fluctuating, day-to-day demand. A paratransit system functioning effectively should prioritize having sufficient vehicles available to meet these next-day requests, even while allocating up to 50% of its fleet to the predictable needs of subscription services. 

Unfortunately, MATAplus appears to operate in a counterintuitive manner, prioritizing the establishment of subscription service and then limiting next-day reservations. While subscription services inherently offer scheduling advantages and the potential for efficient shared rides due to their predictability, the primary determining factor of capacity should be the ability to meet the needs of the demand-responsive passengers who have a right to a ride the next day. 

Demand-responsive services may be more difficult to schedule. John Lewis, however, reported to the MATA Board Service Committee that MATAplus was avergering just one person per trip. It does not seem that MATA is effectively using the technology they have or efficiently scheduling subscription trips as well as the three-day in advance trips. The solution seems to be returning to providing eligible riders with next-day service and making efficient and effective use of subscription service. 

Solving the capacity constraints at MATA should also include examining the effectiveness of the procedures and the hardware, software and training that MATAplus uses. For instance, modern software can obviously refine routes and schedules instantaneously, not requiring three days. MATA seems to have this software to schedule the “Ready Ride” an on-demand service they offer in parts of the area. The data held within MATAplus should be invaluable in a realistic assessment of the capacity of the system. 

Analysis of the process to be effective use of vehicles and real-time vehicle tracking, dynamic rerouting, and efficient dispatching must be part of the change at MATAplus.It seems simple to also explore the potential for intelligently grouping and consolidating trips for passengers heading in similar directions around the same time. Shared trips will more efficiently align with the travel patterns of riders and minimize wasted mileage. This will also increase the average passenger per trip that the TransPro CEO reports. 

Finally, the flow of communication between dispatchers, drivers, and passengers seems to be very poor. While most people use the phone for scheduling and trip information, there are some MATAplus riders who would benefit from modern communication. A MATAplus app that allows scheduling, cancelling, ETAs and real time GPS data could move the paratransit system into the  Twenty-First Century.  That app does not exist, but each bus has GPS data and it does not seem to be a stretch that those functions could be included. Online scheduling, text ETAs and reminders are all part of basic technology without a dedicated app. 

Ultimately, addressing the capacity constraints is a civil right. People with disabilities are dedicated and quality customers of MATA. Many, because of their disability, are not using other transportation methods and rely on the public transit system to meet the responsibilities of the federal law. By strategically optimizing the existing resources, making informed and data-driven enhancements to the fleet, exploring complementary technologies, and planning for the future needs of Memphis, we can collectively work towards a more reliable and responsive paratransit system for our community. 

What innovative solutions or best practices have you witnessed in other paratransit systems facing similar capacity challenges? Your insights and ideas, specifically in the context of Memphis, are invaluable, and we encourage you to share them.

MATAplus Capacity Constraints

Part One - MATA transportation service for people with disabilities not meeting the federal requirements.

By Tim Wheat

Now that TransPro is looking closely at MATA, it is time they turn some attention to the paratransit service. In past meetings, MATA has reported that the fixed route is struggling to match the standards of other transportation systems while MATAplus reports 97% on-time performance with only 3% denial rate.

Most critically, Disability Connection believes that those reported numbers do not give an accurate picture of the paratransit service. Very simply, the paratransit service is capacity constrained because a certified rider with a disability can be confident they will not receive a ride when they request one the next day. MATAplus riders know they must call three days in advance to have any hope of getting a ride. 

To use the fixed route, you only need to go to a bus stop, paratransit riders must be certified and must schedule rides one to three days in advance. This difference in the service is allowed in the thirty-five year-old Americans with Disabilities Act, but the paratransit service still has a responsibility to be comparable to the fixed-route. And the standard is that a rider must be able schedule a trip for the next day. 

The ADA requires transportation service to have a capacity that will meet the needs of riders that request a ride the day before they need it. It also makes clear that half of the capacity should be retained for the flexible schedules of people with disabilities. The maximum amount of time is to make a reservation three days in advance, but MATA begins booking trips three days in advance, fills to capacity and rarely takes requests one or two days prior to travel. 

This past summer and fall, DCM sampled MATAplus and asked riders to call and request a trip the next day. Not one caller was able to schedule a trip. Although the MATAplus Rider’s Guide says “Customers can make a reservation for trip(s) from one (1) to three (3) days in advance,” riders know that if you do not call early, three days prior to your trip, you will be told that there are no scheduled times available.

While MATA reports a minimal denial rate, they have not been taking next-day reservations and have trained the ridership to call three days in advance of a needed trip.

 This problem is not new. We want TransPro to know that MATAplus has had issues with this in the past. Twenty years ago the FTA found Capacity Constraints and five years ago, during the heart of COVID, the FTA found:

MATA is denying a significant portion of trip requests for MATAplus service, and is undercounting its denials, either by mis-coding certain denials or not tracking them.

More specifically, the report notes how MATA reservation agents are denying and underreporting denials. First, the agents directly denied trips, according to the 2020 ADA Paratransit Compliance Review, MATAplus denied customers, “...particularly for trip requests made one or two days in advance (p. 37)…” These direct denials were theoretically counted, however, the report also notes that some denials were not documented. This process was made simple because once denied, the reservation agent could simply move on to the next call. 

Secondly, the caller may accept a trip scheduled beyond the sixty-minute reservation window and it was not noted as a denial. The MATAplus Riders Guide provides a explanation:

A rider may still accept an alternative pick-up time that is more than one (1) hour from the requested pick-up time will be considered a trip denial. (p. 13)

Because the rider accepted the trip, the FTA found that MATA was just not considering these late reservations a denial.

MATA reservation agents were also accepting a trip request to a location, but stating directly that they could not book a return trip. Rather than this being logged as a trip denial, it was considered a “trip refusal” and a trip denial. This bureaucratic trick diluted the number of denials while not providing anyone with transportation.

The report further says that the software was not properly set up and MATA agents were not able to see all the trip possibilities. The obvious result is that people who called were denied trips when MATAplus had ride options. MATAplus riders also were not provided with a full range of potential trips and either took reservations that were not ideal to the rider or they declined the ride. The FTA report additionally states that MATA staff only searched for that specific time and did not negotiate further with riders for a time within the reservation window. MATA agents also used the term advanced cancellation rather than denial. 

Finally, the report notes that MATA agents directly told riders that they had to call three days in advance to get a ride. The training of MATAplus riders to call three days ahead began five years ago and clearly continues at this time. When DCM sampled MATAplus rider’s request for next-day trips, this was misinformation that the MATA agents continued to use. 

Riders of the system also feel that there is a very obvious operational capacity constraint. MATAplus riders are often picked up in vehicles that advertise the “Ready Ride,” service at MATA. People in the disability community cannot help but feel that the reason there are no buses to give people with disabilities rides is because those vehicles are used for other services. 

John Lewis' voice resonated at the MATA board meeting as he illuminated the profound meaning of the Community Commitment score. It's not simply about buses running on schedule, he insisted, but about acknowledging the very real impact on individuals when MATA cannot even get a bus on the road. For Lewis, this score serves as a stark reminder of unmet needs and the daily challenges faced by those who rely on consistent and reliable transportation.

We ask the MATA and TransPro not to exclude MATAplus from this Community Commitment philosophy. Refusing attempts to schedule trips one and two days in advance should be scored like a bus not even leaving the yard. We would give MATAplus a Community Commitment score of roughly 33 percent, like not having two out of three buses even leaving the yard. A truly effective MATA demands a functional paratransit system, and rectifying this inequity must be a priority before TransPro concludes its work.

NEXT WEEK: Disability Connection Midsouth offers solutions

Read Part Two: https://mciljournal.blogspot.com/2025/05/mataplus-capacity-constraints-part-2.html

 

ADA Racket in Memphis?

Lawsuit Raises ADA Questions

Four Oregon businesses have filed a class-action lawsuit alleging a nationwide "racket" of fraudulent disability claims. The businesses claim they were targeted for disability access violations under the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) and that two Tennessee-based law firms are involved in extorting money by filing fake ADA complaints.

This lawsuit highlights a concerning issue: the potential for misuse of the ADA, a law designed to protect the rights of people with disabilities. While the ADA is crucial for ensuring accessibility and preventing discrimination, these Oregon businesses claim that some entities are exploiting the law for financial gain.

The lawsuit mainly contends that the method of finding ADA violations was flawed and may have even used people with disabilities in the process. The complaints also stem from parking, and accessible routes outside the businesses. Violations that can be seen from the street or from computer mapping and not necessarily a complaint from a person with disabilities personally experiencing a barrier. 

The staff at DCM has had good conversations about peculiarities of the ADA. First, the ADA allows for recovery of attorney’s fees and costs, but people with disabilities who sue are not entitled to any monetary damages. The ADA as Civil Rights law does not have “ADA Police.” The law is to be enforced by private attorneys and the lawyers are awarded money, but many people do not see much enforcement and are not motivated to sue over the daily violations that they see. 

What does this mean for the disability community?

It's important to remember that this lawsuit is about alleged fraud. The ADA remains a vital piece of legislation that protects individuals with disabilities from discrimination. Disability Connection Midsouth remains committed to advocating for the rights and inclusion of people with disabilities and ensuring legitimate ADA claims are addressed.

This case does, however, raise awareness about the importance of understanding your rights and responsibilities under the ADA, both as a person with a disability and as a business owner.

Resources:

• For more information on the ADA, visit the ADA National Network.

• If you believe you have experienced ADA discrimination, you can find resources and file a complaint through the Department of Justice.

• For local resources and support, contact Disability Connection Midsouth.

Disability Day on the Hill 2025

Disability Day on the Hill 2025: Advocating for Change in Tennessee

On March 11th, staff from Disability Connection Midsouth traveled east on I-40 to Nashville to participate in Disability Day on the Hill (DDH). This annual event, hosted by the Tennessee Disability Coalition, brings together the disability community and advocates from across the state to engage with legislators on critical issues impacting their lives. Each year, key legislative priorities take center stage, and this year was no different. Below, you’ll hear from two of our newest staff members, Kendra Brown and Leo Manriquez, about their first experience at DDH, along with insights from Allison Donald on the legislation that brought us to the Capitol.

First-Time Experiences at Disability Day on the Hill

As newcomers to DDH, Kendra and I were unsure of what to expect. We anticipated a gathering of dedicated advocates, but the scale and enthusiasm of the event far exceeded our expectations! People from all across Tennessee—and even beyond—came together in a powerful display of support and solidarity. The welcoming atmosphere, eagerness to share stories, and commitment to learning from one another made this an unforgettable experience.

DDH provided an invaluable opportunity for advocates, organizations, and families to connect and strengthen the movement for disability rights. For our team at Disability Connection Midsouth, it was particularly rewarding to meet others who share our mission to advocate, educate, and unite our communities. Learning about different advocacy approaches and resource-sharing strategies will help us better serve the people of Memphis and beyond.

Beyond networking, DDH underscores the importance of presenting a united front. The phrase “Nothing about us without us” was a recurring theme, reminding us that decisions impacting the disability community must be made with direct input from those affected. Engaging with legislators, sharing personal experiences, and witnessing government processes firsthand reinforced the necessity of showing up and making our voices heard.

For those considering attending in the future, we wholeheartedly encourage you to get involved! We are already looking forward to what Disability Day on the Hill 2026 will bring.

Kendra Brown and Leo Manriquez

Legislative Focus: The Family Caregiving Act (HB712/SB1178)

A key legislative priority at this year’s DDH was the Family Caregiving Act (HB712/SB1178), a bill designed to address the barriers preventing family members from being paid caregivers for their loved ones. For years, TennCare’s policies have prohibited family members from being hired as Direct Support Workers (DSPs), exacerbating financial strain on families and contributing to the statewide caregiver shortage. This bill seeks to change that.

Family caregivers play an essential role in supporting individuals with disabilities, yet the existing restrictions deny them compensation, even when the state fails to provide necessary services. The Family Caregiving Act aims to recognize and support these caregivers by ensuring they have access to employment opportunities and financial relief.

Key Goals of the Family Caregiving Act:

• Ending Discriminatory Hiring Practices: Removes barriers preventing family caregivers from being employed as DSPs by provider agencies.

• Creating Clear Employment Pathways: Requires TennCare to provide guidance on how agencies can hire and supervise family caregivers.

• Providing Financial Relief: Allows family members to be compensated for caregiving, reducing financial hardship.

• Laying the Groundwork for Future Legislation: Establishes a foundation for additional reforms that enhance caregiver training and compensation.

Advocate Katrina Guber emphasized the significance of this bill, stating, “This legislation acknowledges the role of family caregivers and provides a much-needed pathway for them to be fairly compensated. It’s not just about financial relief—it’s about restoring dignity and fairness to the caregiving process.”

The Family Caregiving Act is part of a broader movement to reform TennCare policies and create a more equitable care system. Additional legislative efforts, including the TennCare Network Reporting Reform and the Katie Beckett Part A HRA bills, further aim to expand care access and flexibility for Tennessee families.

These policy changes are crucial in addressing the financial and systemic challenges faced by family caregivers. By passing the Family Caregiving Act, Tennessee can take an important step toward valuing and supporting those who dedicate their lives to caring for their loved ones.

Looking Ahead

Our participation in Disability Day on the Hill reaffirmed the power of advocacy and the importance of collective action. As we continue to push for meaningful policy changes, we encourage everyone to stay informed, engage with their legislators, and be part of the movement for disability rights. Change happens when we show up, speak out, and demand better for our communities.

Transit Equity Day

“What would Rosa Parks Do?”

By Allison Donald 

Transit Equity Day, observed on February 4th, Rosa Parks’ birthday, honors her pivotal role in the civil rights movement. Specifically her refusal to give up her seat on a segregated bus in

Montgomery, Alabama in 1955. Rosa Parks' action sparked the Montgomery bus boycott. 

Transit Equity Day serves as a reminder that the struggle for civil rights and inclusion are deeply connected to transportation.  Accessing the community is critical for everyone regardless of race, socioeconomic status, or ability. Memphis deserves a transit system that empowers its citizens. 

February 1st in Memphis is an opportunity to highlight the ongoing challenges that people with disabilities face when trying to access public transportation. For Memphis bus riders with disabilities we face issues with limited paratransit service availability, insufficient bus stop accessibility, inconsistent and non-compliance with ADA. 

Without equitable public transit Memphians with disabilities face greater social isolation, economic hardship, unequal access to community resources and jobs. As a person who relies on paratransit as their primary source of transportation it has become a never ending cycle of hoping that affordable and accessible public transit becomes a reality. Reliable public transit is something that all Memphians can value.

“As a person living with a disability,” said Allison Donald, “I should be able to access public transit just like any other non-disabled Memphian.” 

Transit Equity isn’t just a disability issue, it is a community issue. Affordable and accessible transit options benefit everyone from the people living with disabilities who want to travel independently in their community to the elderly person who may rely on buses to run their errands. An equitable transit system strengthens communities by providing its residents with the opportunity to fully participate in the social, economic and civic life of Memphis.

As Memphis continues to grow and evolve we must continue to demand equal access for all our residents. Transit Equity Day is a reminder that every person regardless of ability should have the right to travel freely and independently within their own communities. For more information about public transit and Transit Equity Day visit https://www.disabilitymidsouth.org/news for the latest news, updates and how to get involved.

Notice from the Administration for Community Living

 

Notice of Court Order You are hereby advised that a temporary restraining order has been entered in the case of New York et al. v. Trump, No. 25-cv-39-JJM-PAS (D.R.I.), ECF No. 50 (Jan. 31, 2025). You are receiving this Notice pursuant to the Court’s directive that notice of the order be provided “to all Defendants and agencies and their employees, contractors, and grantees by Monday, February 3, 2025, at 9 a.m.”  This case challenges an alleged “pause” of certain Federal financial assistance, related to OMB Memorandum M-25-13, Temporary Pause of Agency Grant, Loan, and Other Financial Assistance Programs (Jan. 27, 2025) (“OMB Memo”). Although that OMB Memo was rescinded on January 29, 2025, the plaintiffs in the above-referenced case allege that the funding pause directed by the OMB Memo is still in effect, including because of recently issued Executive Orders by the President.  In response, the Court has entered a temporary restraining order prohibiting certain actions by the Defendants in the case, which is effective immediately. All Defendants—including their employees, contractors, and grantees—must immediately comply with the Court’s Order. For complete details and terms of the Court’s Order, please refer to pages 11 and 12 of the Order.  To assist in your compliance, here is a summary of the key terms:       1. Federal agencies cannot pause, freeze, impede, block, cancel, or terminate any awards or obligations on the basis of the OMB Memo, or on the basis of the President’s recently issued Executive Orders.       2. This prohibition applies to all awards or obligations—not just those involving the Plaintiff States in the above-referenced case—and also applies to future assistance (not just current or existing awards or obligations).       3. Agencies may exercise their own authority to pause awards or obligations, provided agencies do so purely based on their own discretion—not as a result of the OMB Memo or the President’s Executive Orders—and provided the pause complies with all notice and procedural requirements in the award, agreement, or other instrument relating to such a pause.            a. On pages 11 and 12 of the Order, the Court prohibits agencies from pausing funding “except on the basis of the applicable authorizing statutes, regulations, and terms.” Thus, agencies remain free to exercise their own discretion under their “authorizing statutes, regulations, and terms,” including any exercise of discretion to pause certain funding. Additionally, agencies remain free to take action pursuant to the terms of the relevant award or obligation, such as in cases of grantee noncompliance.            b. Any exercise of agency discretion, however, cannot be based on the OMB Memo or the President’s Executive Orders, given that the Court has prohibited agencies from “implementing or giving effect to the OMB [Memo] under any other name or title[.]” (Order, pg.12). Additionally, any decision to pause, stop, delay, or otherwise withhold federal financial assistance programs must comply with all notice and procedural requirements in the award, agreement, or other instrument setting forth the terms of the award or obligation.       4. Out of an abundance of caution, all federal agencies (even those not named as defendants in the case) should comply with the above-referenced terms.  As the Court’s Order reflects, the above terms are temporary as litigation in the case is ongoing. At present, however, the Court’s Order is in effect and must be complied with.  If you have any questions about the scope or effect of the Court’s Order, please contact your agency’s Office of General Counsel or your grant officer, as appropriate. Thank you for your attention to this matter.  ACL.gov Advancing independence and inclusion of older adults and people with disabilities This email comes from an unmonitored account. Please do not reply to this email.