New MTA Accessibility Advisory Panel Guidelines Bar Members from ADA Lawsuits - Streetsblog New York City

"The new guidelines released in February suggest that any member of the Advisory Committee for Transit Accessibility "employed by, or affiliated with, an organization that has filed a legal action against the MTA or its subsidiaries and affiliates" can be removed if the MTA determines that affiliation constitutes a conflict of interest."

"Launched in 2019 by former MTA New York City Transit President Andy Byford as a way for the MTA and the disability community to work together outside the legal system, the committee has advised the MTA's accessibility team on efforts to improve the experiences of riders with disabilities."

""Nothing about us, without us!" Ryan said. "We want to be involved in changes so that bad changes are not made that do not meet the needs of people with disabilities.""

The MTA introduced guidelines in February that would remove Advisory Committee for Transit Accessibility members affiliated with organizations that have filed legal actions against the agency. At least two current members from Disability in Action, a plaintiff in a 2017 lawsuit over elevator maintenance, face potential removal. The MTA created these guidelines without consulting disability advocates. Committee president Jean Ryan stated she is grandfathered in due to joining before guideline discussions began. The committee, established in 2019, advises the MTA on accessibility improvements including elevator announcements, boarding signage, stroller policies, and emergency gate access. Advocates argue the exclusionary policy violates the principle of meaningful participation in decisions affecting people with disabilities.

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