[IL-Talk] Action Requested: CTA Board Meetings Public Comments

[Dustin Cather]

Hello NFB of Illinois Family,



As part of our ongoing efforts to advocate for improved signage for CTA
riders who are blind or low vision at CTA bus stops, we are seeking your
active participation in providing in-person and written public statements
at the upcoming and future CTA Board Meetings. The next meeting will take
place on Tuesday, June 25th at 10:00am.

The problem: Bus stop signs for print readers provide information including
the bus number and route, while newly installed Braille & raised print
signs simply say Bus Stop. We are seeking to have access to the same
information on the signage as CTA print readers do.




Over the past year, the Chicago Advocacy Committee has worked to bring this
concern to the CTA Advisory Committee through meetings and outreach,
culminating in a letter writing campaign conducted this past December.
Despite these efforts, the committee has not addressed these concerns, so
we are now working to bring these concerns to the CTA Board.

Click here <https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=a-esXmf74Js> to watch Kira
O'Bradovich speak on our work in the effort.



The CTA Board Meetings offer a crucial platform for us to voice our
concerns and advocate for positive changes that will enhance accessibility
for all members of our community. Your input and presence can significantly
impact the decisions made by the board regarding this important issue.

Please find below information on how to provide public comment for CTA
Board meetings.

When and Where are the meetings held?

All CTA board meetings are held at 567 W. Lake Street
<https://www.google.com/maps/search/567+W.+Lake+Street?entry=gmail&source=g>,
Second Floor Boardroom. All meetings start at 10:00am,



Here is a list of the dates of all future board meetings for the
remainder of the year.

TUESDAY, JUNE 25, 2024

WEDNESDAY, JULY 17, 2024*
WEDNESDAY, AUGUST 14, 2024
WEDNESDAY, SEPTEMBER 11, 2024
WEDNESDAY, OCTOBER 9, 2024
WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 13, 2024
WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 11, 2024



For in person public comments:
Currently I am awaiting confirmation of if there are available slots open
to provide spoken public comments at the June 25th Board Meeting, and other
future meetings. Click here
<https://www.transitchicago.com/board/publiccommentprocess/>to learn more
about the public comment process.



For written comments:
If you would like to submit a written comment to possibly be read at the
board meetings, you can email your statements to
publiccomments at transitchicago.com. Please note that you must submit your
comments no later than two days before the board meeting. Indicate in your
email the date of the board meeting you wish to have them read at.



If you would like to call the CTA Office to provide public comment, call
312-681-5022 and press 4.

On behalf of the NFBI Chicago Chapter Advocacy Committee, thank you to all
our members who are willing to help us in this process. If you have any
questions or need assistance filling out the form to provide public
comment, please feel free to give me a call or email me. I can be reached
at 309-267-7670 or by email at cather.dustin at gmail.com

Best,

Dustin Cather