Elizabeth Valdez calls for four-point securement and accessible landings
The Brooklyn Center for Independence of the Disabled advocate says boarding is only part of an accessible trip; she urges four-point securement, staff training, step-free routes, and accessible ticket machines.
The next panel is Henry.
Smith from Long Island City Partnership, Lauren Nye, Roxanne Delgard, Elizabeth Valdez.
And I'm going to call up a few more names.
John Doyle.
Carolyn Schroeder, Kim Woodruff, Michael Shane Lee, and Dan Treber.
Is it too many people?
We might need one more chair.
Thank you.
And whoever is ready to begin may begin.
You may begin whenever you're feeling ready.
Good afternoon.
Good afternoon, my name is Elizabeth Valdez and I am the systems advocate at the Brooklyn Center for Independence of the Disabled and a wheelchair user.
Today I am calling for two essential improvements, proper four-point wheelchair securement on ferry vessels and full accessibility at every new ferry landing.
For wheelchair users, being able to board a ferry is only one part of an accessible trip.
We must also be able to travel safely once we are on board.
I urge New York City Ferry to install four-point securement systems designed for use on its vessels with adequate space for different wheelchair sizes, including power wheelchairs.
Staff must be trained to use these systems correctly, inspect the equipment, and assist riders respectfully.
We should not have to spend the trip worrying about our wheelchairs shifting as the vessel moves or docks.
Our safety deserves the same attention as everyone else's.
As New York City Ferry develops new station and landings, accessibility must be included from the beginning.
That means a continuous step-free route from the surrounding sidewalk to the vessel, accessible curb ramps, wide pathways, and boarding ramps that remain usable as tides change.
It also means accessible ticket machines, clear signs in both audible and visual service announcements.
must serve people with mobility, vision, hearing, and other disabilities.
The city should involve people with disabilities in reviewing designs, in testing new landings before they open and establish a clear process for reporting and fixing barriers.
New York City Ferry connects people to jobs, medical appointments, family,
and community life.
People with disabilities deserve to make those connections with safety, dignity, and independence.
Thank you.
Thank you very much for your testimony.