New Jersey Advocates Follow Up 'Sting' On Transit Woes
By Dave
Reynolds, Inclusion Daily Express
December 1, 2006
TRENTON, NEW
JERSEY--Tired and angry at what they are calling routine instances of
discrimination and harassment, three advocates with New Jersey Citizen Action
have filed separate lawsuits against New Jersey Transit.
Paulette Eberle, 57, who is blind; Tyrone Lockett, 38, who has cerebral
palsy and walks with two crutches; and Shonda Lewis, 35, who uses a wheelchair
because of a spinal cord injury, filed suits Tuesday for unspecified punitive
and compensatory damages, along with reimbursement of court and attorney costs.
"Our goal is to make it as expensive and embarrassing for NJ Transit for
failing to take action to retrain drivers," said Bob Westreich, counsel for the
group, which is supporting the passengers. "NJ Transit uses the right words and
has the right policies. The problem is they do not take these incidents
seriously."
Citizen Action conducted a "sting" in July, during which they
photographed and recorded a number of incidents of "blatant disregard for the
laws prohibiting discrimination and the regulations requiring specific steps to
provide transit access for persons with disabilities," according to Phyllis
Salowe-Kaye, the group's director.
"They are denying us our rightful place in society," Eberle said during
a news conference. "We can't be active members in our community if we can't be
sure we can get to events."
Eberle said that on July 6, one NJ Transit driver refused to allow her
guide dog on the bus. The next five buses, operated by an NJ Transit
subcontractor, passed by without stopping. The driver of a sixth bus also
refused to allow the dog to board, she said.
Transit authorities responded with their own press statement, saying
they take the complaints seriously, are starting their own investigation, and
want to meet with the three complainants.
Related:
"Disabled sue NJ Transit, claim discrimination on buses
and trains" (Associated Press via Newsday)
http://www.inclusiondaily.com/news/06/red/1201c.htm
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