For travelers with restricted mobility, ground transportation has often been the weak link in an otherwise accessible travel experience. In many countries, lift-equipped or ramped vehicles are either unavailable or prohibitively expensive. And even in the US, there are still many challenges including a lack of accessible taxis in even major cities.
Recognizing the importance of accessible ground transportation, Open Doors Organization (ODO) has from the beginning worked with companies in the industry such as Avis to help them improve facilities and service to their clients with disabilities. The 2005 ODO Market Study includes a section on Rental Cars and also examines the types of ground transportation used by adults with disabilities during their vacation or business travel.
Open Doors Organization also helped with the design of the Standard Taxi, a purpose-built, fully accessible taxi now being built in Mishawaka, Indiana, and marketed as the MV-1 by the Vehicle Production Group. The MV-1 has now been approved for use in taxi in paratransit fleets in several major cities including New York and Philadelphia.
MV-1 with ramp deployed
Wheelchair passenger in MV-1
Open Doors Organization provides disability awareness training and other consultative services within the motorcoach industry. Research Director Laurel Van Horn served on both the disability advisory committee at Greyhound and the Easter Seals Project Action/American Bus Association committee that developed the ADA Training Program for Motorcoach Companies. She remains active as a writer and speaker on disability access in the industry, working closely with the United Motorcoach Association.
In 2011, Open Doors Organization took on its largest ground transportation project to date: training for nearly 8,000 frontline staff for Amtrak. The day-long class on customer service for people with disabilities is taking place in 17 cities simultaneously across the United States, employing primarily trainers who have disabilities themselves. The program’s goal is to enhance awareness and sensitivity while teaching specific skills such as guiding techniques for passengers who are blind.
ODO Ground Transportation Services
- Staff training
- Video production
- Marketing strategies
- ADA compliance reviews
- Web accessibility analysis
Please call us at 773.388.8839 or email Eric Lipp or Laurel Van Horn to discuss your specific needs.
Ground Transportation Resources
US Access Board – Transportation Vehicles Homepage
Resources for Motorcoach and Over-the-Road Bus Operators – Easter Seals Project Action
Accessible Transportation Links – Easter Seals Project Action
Motorcoach Operator’s ADA Pocket Guide – Easter Seals Project Action Store (free pdf download)
Frequently Asked Questions about Service Animals – Easter Seals Project Action Store (free pdf download)
A.C.C.E.S.S. Matters: Accessibility, Communication, Cooperation, Excellence, Sensitivity and Service – Easter Seals Project Action Store (free CD and DVD – Training course for Transit Operators)
Taxi Operator’s Pocket Guide – Easter Seals Project Action Store (free pdf download)
Taxi Toolkit – Easter Seals Project Action Store (free print material and CD)
The ADA and You: Frequently Asked Questions on Taxicab Service – Easter Seals Project Action
MV-1 Wheelchair Accessible Mobility Vehicle
See also Business Resources
