Hi, My name is Arshdeep. This petition is my initiative to highlight my concerns about paratransit systems, used by people with disabilities, limited by Regional Municipality or City boundaries which create undue hardship and barriers for travellers using para transits.
My personal story is that I am someone who experiences physical barriers due to my cerebral palsy. I am progressing towards my lifelong dream and goal of becoming an Ontario Certified Teacher (OCT).
One of my barriers is transportation between my home in Mississauga Morning Star and Airport and my teachers’ Education institute which is located in Toronto. I have no way of getting to Toronto without switching buses between regions.
While switching buses seems like an easily doable task. when you are travelling with para transit like Transhelp and Wheel-Trans the biggest issue is if one of your rides is late you will automatically be late or run the risk of missing your connecting ride.
This coming September my course work will require me to be on campus for 6-8 hours a day and spend 3-4 hours travelling to and from campus. Not to mention Teacher Candidates get a lot of assignments. Being someone who always wanted to be a teacher I have always looked forward to getting my teaching licence. However, with this travel barrier, the most exciting time in my educational career might end up being the most stressful time in my entire education career. Like me, there are many others who miss out on life-changing opportunities, such as employment, education and socializing. Therefore, I urge you to help me by signing this petition, in creating a barrier-free transit system.
WHEN DISABILITIES DON’T LIMIT US WHY SHOULD TRANSPORTATION GET IN THE WAY OF PEOPLE REACHING THEIR DREAMS!!