Every day, wheelchair users run into needless barriers just trying to get around. Outdated federal rules haven’t kept up with our growing numbers or with technology that could make life easier. It doesn’t matter if you live in a city, suburb, or small town—these obstacles put our safety at risk and drag down the economy. What we need is solid, up-to-date data to show just how badly these standards need fixing. 
**Accessible parking:** If you drive and use a wheelchair, you know how tough it’s gotten to find a spot with an access aisle wide enough to safely get in and out of your car. This isn’t just inconvenient—it’s dangerous. Studies show wheelchair users involved in car-pedestrian crashes are a third more likely to die than non-wheelchair users. Recent surveys across several states found about 10 accessible parking placards or plates for every 100 vehicles—way over the ADA’s outdated minimums of 4 accessible spaces per 100, or just 2 per 100 in larger lots. We need more real-world data to make lawmakers see this for what it is: a safety crisis. 
**Accessible paratransit:** For those of us relying on paratransit, basic errands become all-day ordeals because of old federal standards that let wait times spiral. The American Public Transportation Association says its members agree that ADA paratransit rules are overdue for an overhaul. Some transit agencies now use tech like dynamic schedules and real-time tracking, and even the Federal Transit Administration encourages these upgrades. What’s missing is a national pilot program to prove that simple changes—like letting riders make one quick stop during a scheduled trip—would save time and money for everyone, from riders and drivers to agencies and local governments. 
We’re asking Congress to step up and support new legislation to tackle these problems. 
**On accessible parking:** Reps. Steve Cohen (D-TN-09) and Tim Burchett (R-TN-02) are introducing a bill to gather the data we need to modernize ADA parking standards. Their proposal would: 
<ul>
<li>Direct the Government Accountability Office to study parking lots that get federal funding. </li>
<li>Evaluate innovative parking solutions in different communities—and report on their economic impact, including rural, suburban, and urban areas. </li>
<li>Require a report to Congress on whether current federal standards are enough, plus recommendations on how to improve them. </li>
</ul>
**On paratransit:** Reps. Dina Titus (D-NV-01) and Jeff Van Drew (R-NJ-02) are backing legislation to make paratransit more efficient. Their plan would:
<ul>
<li>Launch a “one-stop” pilot program letting riders make a single, short stop (up to 15 minutes) during a trip—so you can run to the pharmacy or drop off your kid without booking multiple rides that eat up your day. The program would include a feasibility study for Congress and encourage use of real-time tech. </li>
<li>Require the Department of Justice to propose new rules for accessible sidewalks, crosswalks, and other pedestrian facilities, based on the Access Board’s guidelines. </li>
<li>Streamline the Federal Transit Administration’s complaint and reporting process. </li>
<li>Start a pilot to improve transportation data collection and spot gaps—making it easier to connect bus, rail, bike corridors, and ADA-compliant sidewalks.</li>
</ul>
**Take action:** Tell your members of Congress to support these measures. It’s time for federal standards to reflect the real world we live in—and the technology that can help us all move freely and safely.&nbsp;

Safer Accessible Parking & More Economical Paratransit

Contact your local congressmen. Take action.

I urge you to include measures in the upcoming surface transportation reauthorization bill that will make our communities more accessible to people with disabilities. 

In particular, I hope you’ll join Reps. Steve Cohen (D-TN) and Tim Burchett (R-TN) in backing provisions to improve accessible parking, and join Reps. Dina Titus (D-NV) and Jeff Van Drew (R-NJ) in supporting the reintroduction of the Disability Access to Transportation Act, which would strengthen paratransit services. 

Accessible parking remains a daily challenge for wheelchair users. people with disabilities often struggle to find open accessible spaces. The reasons are many: too often, access aisles—the striped zones between accessible spots—are blocked by parked cars, motorcycles, or abandoned shopping carts. Some drivers misuse these spots “just for a minute,” rely on fake placards bought online, or use a placard that belonged to a deceased relative. 

Currently, federal law only requires that 2 to 4 percent of parking spaces be accessible, and just one in six of those must be van accessible, with a wider aisle. These access aisles are essential for wheelchair users to deploy a ramp and get in or out of their vehicles. When these areas are blocked, the spaces are unusable. 

Data from the United Spinal Association shows that in 20 states with complete records, about 10 percent of registered vehicles have a disabled placard or plate. That’s a clear mismatch between the number of eligible vehicles and the number of available spaces. To fix this, we should increase the share of accessible parking and improve enforcement. A pilot program for anti-fraud placards across multiple states would help set fair, effective federal standards.

Paratransit is another area in need of attention. While transportation technology has evolved, paratransit often lags behind, with outdated federal rules that allow long waits for pick-up, drop-off, and travel time—costing riders valuable time every day. According to the American Public Transportation Association, paratransit ADA regulations are due for a serious update. A national pilot program could show how current technology can save time and money for riders, drivers, transit agencies, and communities of all sizes. Even small changes, like allowing brief stops along a route, would make a big difference for people who rely on these services.

On behalf of 5.5 million wheelchair users across the country, I ask that you connect with the bill sponsors and strongly consider these requests. Thank you for your attention.