DRAFT has continued to offer testimony on both the state and federal level regarding issues affecting people with disabilities and universally designed technology solutions.  In May 2006 DRAFT offered testimony before the United States House of Representatives, committee on Resources, subcommittee on National Parks during an oversight hearing on disability access in the National Park System.

DRAFT has also continued to work with the National Park Service in the development of system-wide policies which affect people with disabilities and their use of technology solutions.  In October 2006 DRAFT conducted a three-day training and assessment conference with the staff of Yosemite National Park, for the development of a system-wide policy for the National Park Service on the use of Segways by people with disabilities.

DRAFT has offered testimony before the United States Access Board in Washington, D.C. with regard to the use of Segways aboard transportation vehicles and proposed changes for design requirements in the issuance of new ADA AG guidelines for transportation vehicles.

 

In May 2004 DRAFT began working with the civil rights division of the Federal Transit Administration regarding the transportation of people with disabilities and aging baby boomers to use Segways as assistive mobility devices in the United States. 

This process included data gathering and workshops conducted in Anchorage, Alaska, during the October 2004 Alaska Community Transportation Conference. Nationally-recognized safety experts on safe securement were consulted on the use of Segways aboard transportation (i.e., buses), paratransit vehicles, and the behavior of these devices during emergency situations. The results of these studies were presented by DRAFT at the May 2005 National Exposition of the Community Transportation Association of America.

 

DRAFT's efforts resulted in the September 1, 2005, issuance of ADA guidance by the U.S. Department of Transportation's Disability Law Coordinating Council compelling public transportation agencies to transport people with Segways aboard transportation vehicles.

 

We are committed to our continuing work with the National Council of Disabilities and other national disability rights groups, including the National Organization On Disability, to ensure that the promise of a brighter future for all people with disabilities through the use of universally technology solutions is realized.