This paper describes the accessible transport services in Massachusetts. It discusses the concepts of cross-disability access and universal bus and rail design. It includes a description of guidelines developed by the Massachusetts Bay Transportation Authority (MBTA) to facilitate access for all persons, including individuals with sensory impairments and hidden disabilities. It discusses consumer involvement in the design and implementation of these accessible services and the development of sensitivity training programs for transit personnel. Finally, it outlines future directions that consumers and service providers are taking in our efforts to make public transit in Massachusetts accessible to all people.
Abstract