 Our Successes!
This
section is a work in progress. We've not nearly listed all of our successes.
This list will get longer as we have time to enter all of the improvements over
the last few years. Remember, we're busy working on issues! This is to let
you know what we been working on and resolved.
 November
2008 - STAR application process success. Customer was being forced
into both a regular evaluation and a psychiatric because she was blind.
She was not being allowed to schedule only the regular physical evaluation or
refuse to schedule the psychiatric evaluation. We objected strongly as
this is discriminatory and the customer was allowed to refuse the psychiatric
evaluation.
Summer
2008 - STAR new application protested. Changes made to application
information that no one is to be charged if they miss an IMA evaluation
appointment.
7/23/08
- We're attempting to update this section. There are a LOT of successes to
enter. In prioritizing our work, this tends to wait till last. We
are working on updating it though! Apologies
STAR Town Meetings improve even more!
For the
First Time in the history of CDTA's STAR Town Meetings invitations were sent to
a larger number of people. This resulted in the LARGEST meeting ever!
Somewhere between 70 and 80 customers showed up! CDTA even transported
some by taxi when STAR buses were filled up! Thanks Carm Basile, for all
the work!
ADA
Consultant hired by CDTA!
SUCCESS!
CDTA
hired an ADA consultant in the beginning of 2004 who agreed with CDCAT on the
changes needed for both paratransit and fixed-route buses. The CDTA board
of directors approved more buses for STAR and an action plan for STAR
(paratransit) improvement.
Accessible format for vision disabilities
CDTA
Forms, determinations etc. can now be obtained in accessible format for people
with vision disabilities. If you aren't offered accessible format, make sure to
ASK.
CDTA adds STAR Tickets and Reduced Fare Swipers to their website E-STORE.
We
reminded CDTA that people with disabilities want to purchase on line as well as
non disabled customers. And we kept reminding them we needed these
services available until they put them on line!
CDCAT Thanks CDTA's Marsha Chase for taking
our suggestion with the free STAR Albany Tour of Light on Sat, Dec 20th. Star
devoted 4 buses to do the Saturday drive through Washington Park. The 2
hour tour through the Park was very much enjoyed by participants!
CDTA complies with ADA regulations and allows STAR users access to trips to both
the Altamont and Schaghticoke fairs!
For the
first time since STAR has operated, STAR users had access to the same free trips
to the Altamont fair that line bus customers had. CDTA also gave STAR users
access to trips to the Schaghticoke fare. These are changes that will
effect users not only this year but future years to come.
CDCAT begins training and speaking to organizations!
The
Coalition spoke with 40 case coordinators about STAR and how it works. We told
them the problems with STAR as well as how to deal with the issues that come up.
The Coalition also gave them information and some training on filling in STAR
applications.
Successful meeting with Medical Transportation Management, Inc. (MTM)
We met with the MTM rep. to discuss Medicaid transportation for Albany on July
30, 2003. The meeting went exceptionally well. MTM seems to truly care for their
customers and want to provide the best service possible. CDCAT finds it
refreshing that MTM wants to know if customers have problems with any
transportation they receive through them. They look at it as a chance to work
towards perfecting their service! Now THAT is a great attitude!
Continued successful meetings with CDTA.
CDTA states "CDTA has worked
cooperatively with CDCAT to improve access for people with disabilities."
Their intent, they say, is to "build a system that will make the Capital
Region attractive for persons with disabilities because of it's relative ease of
access." That's our intent too so we share the same purpose.
CDCAT has it's first birthday!
We began with NOTHING last May. We first
had an official meeting in July. The Coalition is officially 1 year old. We've
accomplished a LOT in the last year. Our call in line is busy, and we're helping
to solve issues! People are winning appeals and getting service with our
assistance. This is why we are here so that makes us very happy. Thanks to
all of our supporters!
CDCAT invited to Strategic Workshop in Saratoga in Feb 2003!
CDTA invited community 'stakeholders', including CDCAT representatives, to a
Strategic Workshop in Saratoga at the end of February 2003. The new CDTA
Executive Director, Steven Bland, seems committed to making positive changes at
CDTA.
First
Night and Accessible Buses!
CDCAT, The Capital District Independent
Living Center (CDCI) and The Independent Living Center of the Hudson Valley
(ILCHV) banded together to assist the City of Albany's
Special Event's Office with information on transportation accessibility for
public events to ensure that everyone had transportation to and from first night
events.
Communicating
and Resolving Customer Issues!
We've successfully advocated for customers that had difficulties and issues.
We also have a call line so you can use that cell phone should an emergency
arise!
Better STAR Town Meetings
Gone are those old STAR Town
meetings where no one could talk or ask questions. There was a BIG improvement to
the last STAR Town Meeting. Yes, CDTA allows participants to TALK now.
CDTA reps
talked for about a half hour on STANDBY's, new buses, and new procedures, then allowed questions
from customers to be brought up for
the rest of the meeting. This is what the STAR Town Meetings are
FOR.
Thanks CDTA for revamping that meeting format!
Improved
Star Town Meeting Minutes
For those of you who couldn't
make the STAR Town Meeting, CDTA puts out STAR Town Meeting 'Summaries'.
These have info on what occurred at the meeting, more or less like informal
meeting minutes.
The meeting summary for the
last October 28, 2002 STAR Town meeting are greatly improved from the past one
page ones. You can request a paper (low vision print available) or
alternate accessible format from CDTA or from us.
We are
working on a new link where we'll
be storing these for everyone to read. This should also be good for anyone using
a text reader!
These meeting minutes though are improved over
the past.
Our 1st Public Meeting!
Our first public meeting was on October 16, 2002. I
We don't want OUR meetings to be like those old Stellar town meetings where people
sometimes feel they can't talk, ask questions or solve problems.
We want to hear from YOU. What's your problem? What's your issue? Speak up at
our next meeting. Together we'll find solutions.
CDCAT wants to thank everyone who helped advertise and those who attended
our first meeting despite the weather conditions. There is strength in
unity and numbers!
CDCAT involved
in Statewide meetings on transportation.
CDCAT is working on issues with others
statewide. We're getting an eye opening experience on what different areas are
experiencing. Many transportation issues are similar statewide for people with
disabilities. Transportation and mobility is a big issue and necessity to
independent living!
First
Joint Meeting of CDTA-STAR and the Coalition
Change
isn't possible without communication. CDCAT took it's first steps towards
communications with CDTA and STAR on November 24, 2002. We discussed the
issues and problems with transportation for the disabled in the area with
positive results and feedback.
Last
Updated: 02/02/2010
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