Wheelchair Users’ Rights Regarding Public Transit And Wheelchairs
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Public transit and wheelchairs regulations are set by the Department of Transportation in accordance with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA). The regulations pertain to wheelchair users who use common wheelchairs. Wheelchair users who use public transportation should know their rights under the Americans with Disabilities Act and be familiar with the standards set by the Department of Transportation.
The Department of Transportation defines a common wheelchair as a wheelchair that has three or four wheels and is usable indoors. Common wheelchairs must be designed for and used by individuals with mobility issues. Six hundred pounds is the maximum limit of a common wheelchair when occupied.
The maximum dimensions of a common wheelchair is 30 inches in width and 48 inches in length. Common wheelchairs must not be greater than 2 inches above the ground.
Wheelchairs are not required to have brakes in order to be considered a common wheelchair. Transit operators cannot deny transportation to a wheelchair user if the wheelchair does not have brakes toward the wheelchair user does not use the brakes.
Secure systems are required to be present in all public transportation vehicles that are compliant with the Americans with Disabilities Act. The vehicles must have a feature that secures the wheelchair as well as harnesses and seatbelts for wheelchair users. Public transportation companies are allowed to have policies that required wheelchairs to be secured in the vehicles, but they cannot deny transportation to a wheelchair user if the employee is having difficulty securing the wheelchair.
Employees of public transit operators must the trained by the company on safety and nondiscriminatory practices in regards to wheelchair users. The public transportation companies must train their employees on how to safely operate the accessibility equipment.
Attendant-type activities, such as carrying suitcases, carrying personal baggage, or carrying the wheelchair user, it is not the responsibility of employees of public transit operators. Public transportation and employees must assist wheelchair users in safely boarding and disembarking the vehicle.
Wheelchair users have the option of transferring to a vehicle seat if they choose to do so. An employee of a public transportation company cannot require a wheelchair user to move into a vehicle seat. Employees of transit companies can suggest that a wheelchair user transfer to a seat, but cannot try to force the wheelchair user to use a vehicle seat.
Moses Wright is a specialist in wheelchair safety and changing wheelchair parts. Always check your wheelchair regularly. Prevent accidents, be safe.
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