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Disability advocates tell committee Connecticut transit needs accessible signage, enforcement for service animals
Summary
Members of the Connecticut Public Transportation Council and disability advocates told the legislature's transportation committee the state's transit system lacks accessible signage, usable websites and enforcement for service animals, and urged action under federal and state accessibility law.
At an informational meeting of the Connecticut Public Transportation Council before the legislature, council members and disability advocates said Connecticut transit systems fall short of legal accessibility requirements and practical needs for riders who are blind or have other disabilities.
The issue matters because, council member Philip McGowank told lawmakers, people with disabilities make up "approximately 20 percent of the population," and many rely on trains, buses and paratransit for medical appointments, work and daily life. Without accessible signage, audible announcements and enforcement of service-animal rules, McGowank said, many riders cannot travel independently or safely.
"There must be an audible component to that, as well as, for instance, the New Haven Train Station going…
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