Transportation is a vital aspect in achieving full participation. In order for people with developmental disabilities to successfully interact not only within their communities, but in any environment in which they may enter, they must be able to move around with as little difficulty as possible. While many people with disabilities are able to use public transportation, such as busses, within their communities, they may still run into problems when traveling in other areas or via different means. One such example is described below, as well as the efforts that are currently underway to correct it. To date, more than 15,000 people have joined in this effort to work together to improve the quality of this public transportation.

Rasha Kawar is a pretty amazing young self-advocate, and a consumer of a United Cerebral Palsy (UCP) of Metro Dallas affiliate. Rasha has cerebral palsy and uses a motorized wheelchair for mobility. The assistive technology staff at UCP of Metro Dallas has encouraged Rasha to use her Dynavox communication device and is helping her learn quicker ways to access her computer.

On a recent flight home from visiting her grandparents, Rasha was unable to use the small lavatory on the single-aisle plane. Because her mother was unable to help her in the cramped space, Rasha couldn’t use the restroom and was humiliated by the experience. Frustrated and angry, she courageously started a petition to challenge all airlines and to send a message that accessibility is a basic human right.

On her own, Rasha has gathered more than 15,000 signatures to petition members of Congress and airline companies to make commercial aircraft more accessible for people with disabilities. She is tenacious and charismatic. While it is a difficult issue given the economy, the state of the airline industry, and the general mood of the current administration, Rasha’s petition and activism is a part of broader themes of accessibility and full participation.

• Employment
• Housing
• Transportation
• Education
• Personal Safety