The VIUCEDD, along with its DD network partners, has been involved in various efforts to improve transportation options and rider safety for people with disabilities.
Deaf Driver Program
A staff member of the Deaf and Hard of Hearing Advocates and VIUCEDD board member worked with community partners from throughout the disability community on an exciting and inventive solution to address some of the problems people with hearing impairments face when diving and interacting with law enforcement and first responders. The initiative is called The Virgin Islands Deaf Drivers Program. This individual, along with staff from the Disability Rights Center of the Virgin Islands and Independent Living, took the lead on this initiative.
The Virgin Islands Deaf Drivers Program will provide visor cards for use in the cars of persons with hearing impairments that can easily be accessed in the event that they are stopped by law enforcement and/or in need of assistance from first responders. The visor cards cue first responders on the best ways to communicate with individuals with hearing impairments and provide suggestions that can help the interaction go more smoothly. Discussions are ongoing with the Bureau of Motor Vehicles, but the group hopes to be able to roll out the program shortly. Visor cards will be available through the BMV pending final negotiations. This initiative marks a true milestone for the disabled community!
Ridership Summit
VIUCEDD staff members coordinated with DD agency partners to work on issues pertaining to the public transportation needs of people with disabilities. This work culminated in a summit on both districts where people with disabilities, disability-serving agencies, members of the Virgin Islands transportation system, and members of the U.S. Office of Civil Rights participated together on strategies to help increase consistent alternative transportation for people with disabilities.