Transportation a heavy burden for lethbridge resident

Transportation a heavy burden for westside resident: "Transportation a heavy burden for westside resident
By DAVE MABELL
Apr 30, 2008, 04:26

For most residents, getting around Lethbridge isn’t much of a challenge. If they don’t drive, there’s a modern transit service operating easy-entry buses on every route.
For those who need help, Lethbridge also offers Access-a-Ride service with wheelchair lifts and personalized service.
But it you’re over-sized, there could be a problem. Westside resident Bill Chomos says he’s grateful for LA Transit’s response when he needs to see his doctor."

Not being able to get around is a problem,” particularly when there’s a medical appointment on the other side of the river.
Realizing the lifts on their Access-a-Ride vans can’t handle Chomos plus his 400-pound power wheelchair, the transit dispatcher sends a full-sized bus instead. But Chomos — who’s battling a thyroid disorder — says he’d been picked up by Handi-bus drivers before the city took over that operation.

Now transit officials warn he’s too heavy for lifts on their Access-a-Ride vans.

“They have an 800-lb. capacity,” says special services co-ordinator Diane Boulton at LA Transit. Beyond that, it’s hazardous to the driver, the passenger and any others on board.

Enabling Accessibility Fund - Deadline: April 30, 2008

http://www.hrsdc.gc.ca/en/disability_issues/eaf/call2008/index.shtml
Enabling Accessibility Fund

Office for Disability Issues

The Enabling Accessibility Fund supports community-based projects across Canada. It provides funding for projects that improve accessibility and enable Canadians, regardless of physical ability, to participate in and contribute to their communities and the economy.

Approved projects will have strong ties to, and support from, the communities they serve. All projects must be in Canada and must identify a positive impact on people with disabilities.

Two types of funding are available periodically through Calls for Applications (grants) or Proposals (contributions). Open calls are always indicated on this page.

The Call for Applications for Small Projects Enabling Accessibility 2008-2009 is now open. Deadline: April 30, 2008

The Call for Proposals for Major Projects Enabling Accessibility 2008-2009 is now open. Deadline: April 30, 2008

more at: www.hrsdc.gc.ca/en/disability_issues/eaf/call2008/index.shtml

You laugh about the possibility...

Every paratransit driver chuckles at the thought of this... because it would never happen. Right?

Read this recent article (emphasis is mine):

Man in wheelchair robs bank
By Banks Albach and Jason Green, MEDIANEWS STAFF
Article Created: 04/05/2008 02:35:38 AM PDT
www.insidebayarea.com/sanmateocountytimes/localnews/ci_8821898

A senior citizen in an electric wheelchair allegedly robbed a bank at Stanford Shopping Center on Thursday afternoon and managed to motor his way to freedom, authorities reported.

Police described the suspect as a white male, 65 to 70 years old, with gray hair and a beard. He was last seen about 4:25 p.m. wheeling toward El Camino Real in a wheelchair, one of his legs in a cast, said Agent Dan Ryan of the Palo Alto Police Department. Both of the suspect's legs were wrapped in some type of bandage or gauze.

The suspect entered a Wachovia Bank at the shopping center and allegedly pointed a black handgun at a teller and demanded money, Ryan said. The hood of the man's sweat shirt was pulled over his head during the incident.
"It sounds unusual because it's certainly not the fastest getaway in town," Ryan said.

Police did not disclose how much money the suspect absconded with but it appeared as though he needed the wheelchair, Ryan said. The device was large, bulky and probably required some type of hydraulic aid to lift.

Roughly 10 minutes before the heist, a man in a wheelchair, presumably the bank robbery suspect, entered a nearby Sharper Image and asked for a shopping bag, a request perplexed store employees fulfilled, Ryan said.

Clerks then watched the man get into a white service van with red lettering, which Ryan said may have belonged to a paratransit service.

"We're not sure the person who was driving the van was aware of what this guy was doing," he said.

(article continues)

Wetaskiwin Times Advertiser, Wetaskiwin, AB

Wetaskiwin Times Advertiser, Wetaskiwin, AB: "Handi-van confusion
The Wetaskiwin Community Transportation Society which operates the Wetaskiwin Handi-van is offering service to Millet, but there was confusion as to how much it would cost.

“A motion was passed to allow Millet seniors access to the dispatch services we provide, based on payment of the same rate paid by the County of Wetaskiwin,” a letter to council stated.
The cost would be $10,000 per year for operating costs and 38 cents per kilometre.
While Coun. Margaret Andrade was very supportive of the project, noting that, “this is a lot cheaper than us funding this on our own,” council was not sure what the 38 cents meant.
“Does 38 cents mean per person or per trip?” Mayor Dave Gursky asked.
Council tabled the item for clarification."