Transit Unplugged

Achieving accessibility – Ron Brooks and Kristen Joyner on how to get us there

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Episode notes

Accessibility is an essential and important topic in transit--and one that Transit Unplugged has deep connections to. From Paul's first job in transit to his work at WMATA and Baltimore MTA, he has championed ensuring transit connects everyone to all of life's opportunities. Tris' father was a pioneer in helping veterans in wheelchairs live independently on their own.

So when we say, we're committed to accessibility in all its forms--we mean it.

But when it comes to accessibility, sometimes people don't know where to start. And this is where our guests this week come in. Ron Brooks and Kristen Joyner talk with Paul about their new book, All Aboard: Conducting Accessible Community Involvement for Public Transit which gives real, practical strategies to improve accessibility in transit, at conferences, in meetings, and the wider world.

Ron and Kristen share how sometimes simple things make a tremendous difference in making something accessible, and often with spending little or no money. And how when as we make the world more accessible, we're making the world a better place for all of us.

Coming up next week we kick off Season 8 of Transit Unplugged with a special CEO Roundtable recorded live at APTA TRANSform. Make sure you don't miss this episode with guests:

Andy Lord Commissioner of Transport for London
Dottie Watkins CEO of CapMetro, Austin
Dwight A. Ferrell CEO of Suburban Mobility Authority for Regional Transportation, Detroit
Shawn M. Donaghy CEO North County Transit District, San Diego
Adam Leishman CEO of Ascendal Group, Hong Kong

As they talk about the big plans in their systems and some truly inspiring visions of the future.

00:00 The Inspiring Journey of Ron Brooks

00:38 Introducing 'All Aboard': A Guide to Accessible Transit

02:08 The Motivation Behind the Book

04:44 Practical Guidance for Transit Agencies

06:39 Broadening the Audience for Accessibility

10:22 Subscribe to the newsletter

11:07 Community outreach

13:28 Making Meetings Inclusive for All

17:24 The Importance of Comprehensive Engagement

20:15 Contributors and Final Thoughts

23:20 Coming new week on Transit Unplugged

Transit Unplugged is brought to you by Modaxo https://www.modaxo.com

Host: Paul Comfort
Producer: Paul Comfort
Editor and Writer: Tris Hussey
Executive Producer: Julie Gates

Special thanks to:

Brand design: Tina Olagundoye
Social Media: Tatyana Mechkarova
Marketing content, Transit Unplugged Newsletter, & transit puns: Tris Hussey

If you have a question or comment, email us at [email protected].

Disclaimer: The views and opinions expressed in this program are those of the guests, and do not necessarily reflect the views or positions of Modaxo Inc., its affiliates or subsidiaries, or any entities they represent (“Modaxo”). This production belongs to Modaxo, and may contain information that may be subject to trademark, copyright, or other intellectual property rights and restrictions. This production provides general information, and should not be relied on as legal advice or opinion. Modaxo specifically disclaims all warranties, express or implied, and will not be liable for any losses, claims, or damages arising from the use of this presentation, from any material contained in it, or from any action or decision taken in response to it.