[CTPP] Disability Status (new thread)

All: My apologies for opening such a can of worms with my reply regarding FHWA/FTA reviews of MPO Benefits & Burdens analysis documents. Many of you are aware of these issues, but I'd like to address some questions that have arisen, if I may... 'Environmental Justice' traces many of its origins to Title VI of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, which says that "No person in the United States shall, on the basis of race, color, or national origin be excluded from participation in, be denied the benefits of, or be subjected to discrimination under any program receiving Federal financial assistance." In 1994, then-President Clinton issued Executive Order 12898 that extends those rights by mandating that "Each Federal agency shall make achieving environmental justice part of its mission by addressing, as appropriate, disproportionately high and adverse human health or environmental effects of its programs, policies, and activities on minority populations and low-income populations." Furthermore, through various pieces of legislation and legislative guidance, the spirit and intent of Environmental Justice-if not the letter of the law--has been extended to other groups such as the elderly, those with Limited English Proficiency and those with disabilities (see the Americans with Disabilities Act). These issues are particularly pronounced in the transportation realm in that, through highway, transit, pedestrian and all other modes, movement affects ALL persons from ALL walks of life. We, as transportation practitioners, need to ensure that we are addressing these persons (note that the legislation specifically says "persons" and "populations", not "citizens") in our planning and programming. The question regarding vehicle ownership as a "protected class" under E.J. is interesting. While vehicle ownership for most of us is a choice, those with limited income and/or certain disabilities are, by virtue of their situations, precluded from vehicle ownership. For them, it is not a choice. In our MPO and, I suspect many MPO's, overlaying a map of low-income households with a map of zero-car households would show striking similarities. Very walkable and/or expensive cities like New York and Philadelphia have a wealth of transportation options that allow many residents a car-free lifestyle. Complete transit systems, ZipCar-like institutions, mixed use development (and redevelopment) all work in conjunction with each other to allow car-free CHOICES for residents. In many smaller cities, that lifestyle is not a choice but a function of circumstance. Sorry for the rant; please don't exorcise me from this list. The discussion is inspiring and useful! Back to DATA crunching... Michael D. Golembiewski Transportation Modeler BERKS COUNTY PLANNING COMMISSION 633 Court Street FL 14 Reading, PA 19601 Ph: 610 478-6300 ext 6304 Fax: 610 478-6316 e-mail: mgolembiewski@countyofberks.com<mailto:mgolembiewski@countyofberks.com> Web: http://www.co.berks.pa.us/dept/planning Note: The comments on and attachment to this e-mail are intended only for the use of the individual or entity to which it is addressed, and may contain information that is privileged, confidential and exempt from disclosure under applicable law. If the reader of this message is not the intended recipient, your are hereby notified that any dissemination, distribution or copying of this communication is strictly prohibited. If you received this in error, please contact the sender and delete the original message, any attachment(s) and copies. Thank you for your cooperation.