ADA Subway Platform Delayed By Contractors

"The MTA's recent discovery that the new South Ferry subway platform falls short of federal regulations is the second snafu in its construction, sources familiar with the project said Wednesday.

About six months ago, a test train sent along the tracks leading to the station ran into trouble - literally, a source familiar with the project said.

The platform was too wide for the train to pull alongside, one source said.
Construction workers at the new $530 million station had to trim the platform, sources said - and they apparently shaved off too much.

The Daily News reported Wednesday that the Metropolitan Transportation Authority just learned that gaps between the platform and train cars exceeded the 3-inch cap set by the Americans With Disabilities Act.

The gaffe will delay the subway's opening another three to four weeks."

http://www.nydailynews.com/ny_local/2009/01/28/2009-01-28_first_too_big_then_too_small_south_ferry-2.html?print=1&page=all

Accessible Hotel Rooms Pre-View Pictures Coming To Discount Websites

"A disability rights class-action lawsuit filed against two of the nation's largest Internet-based travel agencies was settled this week, giving disabled travelers a way to search and book rooms accommodating their needs.

Expedia.com and subsidiary Hotels.com have agreed to offer new search functions on their Web sites allowing wheelchair users to search and book accessible rooms, a service that had been unavailable.

"I have nothing but good words to say about Hotels.com and Expedia.com's approach to the problem," said Kevin Knestrick, an attorney with Disability Rights Advocates, which filed the lawsuit in Alameda County Superior Court. "We were able to avoid litigation all together."
Disability Rights Advocates filed the lawsuit two years ago saying the Internet sites violated the state's Civil Rights Act by preventing wheelchair users from guaranteed bookings of disability accessible rooms."

http://www.insidebayarea.com/trivalleyherald/localnews/ci_11566635

Videophone Cost To Much?

Everyone with a disability (and many without) knows that to be a independent member of society your cost is more because of the extra factors - special adaptive equipment, specialty clothes, accessible housing, etc. Technology helps people with disabilities be able to take care of or get assistance much easier now, however with that comes higher prices. All who have a phone pay a little more per month so that people who are Deaf or Hard-of-Hearing can use a TTY machine or now the new technology of videophone. Now there is issue that the cost is too high.

http://www.philly.com/philly/business/20090125_Phone_program_for_deaf_is_questioned.html