About this Event
A transit system designed for a rider using a wheelchair, a rider who is blind, or a rider with a cognitive or chronic health condition works better for everyone. Parents with strollers, older neighbors, travelers with luggage, and anyone recovering from an injury all benefit from the same design choices.
Chicago has made real progress here. Every CTA bus is accessible, and the CTA is carrying out a long-term plan to make every rail station accessible. Riders with disabilities also have practical insight into what makes a trip smooth or difficult, from elevator reliability and platform design to paratransit scheduling and the walk to and from the station. Sidewalks, curb ramps, and snow clearing are city responsibilities that shape the transit experience as much as the trains and buses do.
Join Strong Towns Chicago for a discussion of what's working well across Chicago's transportation options, where riders still run into challenges, and what practical steps could make the biggest difference. We'll cover:
- How different types of disability (mobility, vision, hearing, cognitive, and chronic illness) shape what a good trip looks like
- What the CTA, Metra, Pace, and paratransit do well for riders with disabilities, and where there's room to grow
- How the streets and sidewalks around transit affect the whole trip
- Small, affordable improvements the city and transit agencies could build on
The talk will be followed by open Q&A. Riders, caregivers, advocates, transit professionals, and anyone curious about how our streets and transit could work better are welcome.
Accessibility
The West Loop Branch is wheelchair accessible. The closest 'L' stop is Morgan (Green and Pink Lines), about two blocks away, and the #20 Madison bus stops nearby. If you need an accommodation or reserved seating, please email [email protected] by October 1 so we can do our best to arrange it.
Event venue & nearby stays
West Loop Branch, Chicago Public Library, 122 North Aberdeen Street, Chicago, United States
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