Category: State News
The article below higlight’s NJ’s new law that County paratransit systems will be starting Uber-like services, complete with phone apps, supported by $56 million of State funding. The law will help fill the gap for disabled/senior folks who currently live or work just outside of public transportation service areas.
This is a step in the right direction but Advocacy is still needed!!
View the full article – Governor signs law to expand microtransit to seniors, disabled residents statewide • New Jersey Monitor
Check out the new video Wharton State Forest has released!
Visitors to Wharton State Forest with mobility impairments can explore select trails with a reservable Trackchair — an all-terrain, electric-powered wheelchair designed to navigate terrain that may be inaccessible to standard wheelchairs.
Advance reservations are required. To reserve the Trackchair, call the Wharton State Forest Batsto office at 609-561-0024. Only one reservation is accepted per day.
On the day of your reservation, you and your required companion will be asked to sign a waiver. You will also receive a map outlining permitted areas of use, along with an instruction packet that includes operational guidelines and helpful tips for using the Trackchair.
Check out the video – here
Learn more and plan your adventure at Wharton State Forest: https://dep.nj.gov/parksandforests/state-park/wharton-state-forest/
Join Kessler Foundation this Fall for their Fall Fest event for inclusion and accessibility bringing together people with disabilities, their caregivers, and the community for a day of fun, food, friendship, disability resources and more!
News 12 NJ has released an informative segment on navigating NJ public transit for individuals with disabilities.
The New Jersey Travel Independence Program which is supported by Rutgers University teaches riders how to safely navigate buses and trains, giving participants the confidence to get to work, school and everyday activities on their own.
View the full story here – News 12 – NJ Program Helps People With Disabilities Gain Independence Through Public Transit
United Spinal is calling on disability advocates. For years, Medicare rules have forced wheelchair users to pay the full cost of a carbon fiber or titanium frame out of pocket. But on July 20, the U.S. House of Representatives passed a fix.
The Choices for Increased Mobility Act (H.R. 1703/S. 247) requires Medicare to create billing codes so you pay only the difference for an ultralight frame. It costs taxpayers nothing. The bill moved because of advocates like you, who put it in front of their representatives at this year’s Roll on Capitol Hill.
This is a bipartisan sponsored that know needs the Senate to approve it next. Your Senators need to hear from you today!
You can use this link – Advocacy Action created by United Spinal to contact your senators for this issue.
The new legislative session has begun and continued advocacy for smart policies that will help New Jersey build a safer, more accessible transportation future is needed. The list below includes some bills which are important for safe and accessible outdoor passive recreation. Stay tuned for updates!
• H.R.9041 – America Bikes Act establishes programs to improve bicycle and pedestrian infrastructure and incentivize the use of bicycles in transit.
• H.R.7751 – Parks to People Active Transportation Act, requires the DOT to establish a grant program for community greenways.