For Immediate Release
Contact Mary Hiland 614.221.6688
December 13, 2010
Ohio's blind sees greater need for 3C trains than Kasich
Abandonment of Passenger Rail Project Could Harm Blind Ohioans; Governor-Elect Urged to Reconsider
COLUMBUS -- Abandoning the passenger rail project in Ohio could ultimately reduce the chances of the more than 1.8 million Ohioans with disabilities, including approximately 950,000 veterans and 20,000 people with vision impairments, of getting jobs, according to Mary Hiland, Executive Director of the American Council of the Blind of Ohio (ACB-Ohio).
In a recent letter to the Governor-Elect, Hiland said, "We who are blind or visually impaired understand that at this time, many Ohioans do not see the value of the 3-C rail project. However, with time it will become apparent to all that this undertaking is essential for the economic health of Ohio."
Speaking for all Ohioans with disabilities, ACBO Executive Director Mary Hiland further stated, "Although the adoption of the Americans with Disabilities Act in 1990 has
advanced the civil rights of people with disabilities, having access to transportation to jobs is still a huge challenge for people who are blind or visually impaired." Thousands of Ohioans with disabilities would benefit greatly from passenger rail. Not only would it create jobs and improve Ohio's economy, but it would also significantly improve mobility for people with disabilities, who desperately need equal access to transportation.
"We are deeply disappointed in the short-sighted decision to throw away this opportunity for Ohio to be a leader in making transportation accessible to all Ohioans, not just those who can drive their cars," Hiland said. "We're strongly urging Governor-Elect Kasich to reconsider his opposition to this project. It is a very sad day for Ohioans with disabilities who face the daunting task of achieving personal financial success while grappling with limited transportation options."
The American Council of the Blind of Ohio is the state's leading organization of people who are blind and visually impaired. With chapters and members throughout the state, the organization seeks to enhance the quality of life and independence of people who are blind or visually impaired.
www.acbohio.org
Contact Mary Hiland 614.221.6688
December 13, 2010
Ohio's blind sees greater need for 3C trains than Kasich
Abandonment of Passenger Rail Project Could Harm Blind Ohioans; Governor-Elect Urged to Reconsider
COLUMBUS -- Abandoning the passenger rail project in Ohio could ultimately reduce the chances of the more than 1.8 million Ohioans with disabilities, including approximately 950,000 veterans and 20,000 people with vision impairments, of getting jobs, according to Mary Hiland, Executive Director of the American Council of the Blind of Ohio (ACB-Ohio).
In a recent letter to the Governor-Elect, Hiland said, "We who are blind or visually impaired understand that at this time, many Ohioans do not see the value of the 3-C rail project. However, with time it will become apparent to all that this undertaking is essential for the economic health of Ohio."
Speaking for all Ohioans with disabilities, ACBO Executive Director Mary Hiland further stated, "Although the adoption of the Americans with Disabilities Act in 1990 has
advanced the civil rights of people with disabilities, having access to transportation to jobs is still a huge challenge for people who are blind or visually impaired." Thousands of Ohioans with disabilities would benefit greatly from passenger rail. Not only would it create jobs and improve Ohio's economy, but it would also significantly improve mobility for people with disabilities, who desperately need equal access to transportation.
"We are deeply disappointed in the short-sighted decision to throw away this opportunity for Ohio to be a leader in making transportation accessible to all Ohioans, not just those who can drive their cars," Hiland said. "We're strongly urging Governor-Elect Kasich to reconsider his opposition to this project. It is a very sad day for Ohioans with disabilities who face the daunting task of achieving personal financial success while grappling with limited transportation options."
The American Council of the Blind of Ohio is the state's leading organization of people who are blind and visually impaired. With chapters and members throughout the state, the organization seeks to enhance the quality of life and independence of people who are blind or visually impaired.
www.acbohio.org
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