The Arc of Snohomish County: Focus on Transportation
Originally published by The Arc of Snohomish County in Leadership Newsletter (2021, Issue 3)
Transportation is an essential service of everyday life. Whether it’s going to the store, work, a doctor’s appointment, or simply visiting a friend, everyone needs transportation. For the DD [Developmental Disabilities] community, accessible transportation continues to be difficult to obtain.
SNOTRAC
Snotrac advocates for connecting people and communities in Snohomish County and beyond with safe, equitable, and accessible transportation. Snotrac’s priorities include creating & coordinating mobility services, education, outreach, and engagement, planning & design of livable communities, securing public support & funding, and emergency response coordination. For more information on Snotrac or to join in their advocacy efforts, check them out at https://www.gosnotrac.org/.
DISABILITY RIGHTS WASHINGTON
At Disability Rights Washington, access to transportation is consistently listed as one of the top concerns for their constituents. Those who can’t drive or don’t have access to a car are more likely to be disabled, BIPOC, indigenous, and immigrants. There are also elders and young people, as well as those who can’t afford to own or maintain a vehicle.
DRW believes in a model of change that begins with sharing stories with each other. DRW’s organizing and these stories will begin to shift the narrative that only drivers in Washington State have mobility needs worth prioritizing. Read DRW’s research paper, and if you’re a non-driver and live in Washington State, DRW wants to connect with you through their story map. For more information about DRW, check them out at https://www.disabilityrightswa.org/.
COMMUNITY TRANSIT TRAVEL TRAINING PROGRAM
Need help figuring out the bus system? Community Transit’s Travel Training program could be the tool you need. The Travel Training program is designed to teach the basic skills necessary to ride the Community Transit’s bus service. Travel Trainers ride with you during training, guiding you through the transit experience all the way to your destination. Travel Training is geared for anyone who needs a little extra help navigating the transit system, including
- Senior citizens
- Students
- People with disabilities
- Non-English speakers
- New residents
- New riders
The program is customized to meet your individual needs and can last from one hour to several sessions – as long as you need to feel safe and confident. Signing up is easy and there is no cost to you.
EVERETT TRANSIT
Everett Transit is committed to providing equal access to all services. The Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990 (ADA) prohibits discrimination and ensures equal opportunity and access for persons with disabilities. Information for Everett Transit ADA compliance and complaints can be found here.
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Contact: Email Leigh@arcsno.org or Jake@arcsno.org