With my eyesight significantly restricted I attempted to work my way through an artificial maze mimicking the challenges of a blind person using York Region’s door-to-door shared transit service for people with disabilities (i.e. Mobility Plus) to reach a doctor’s appointment from my home.  Around me were other York Region elected officials and citizens artificially restricted with other disabilities seeking to do comparable trips.   Point of this very frustrating experience?  To give us an appreciation for the challenges created by current practices and procedures of Mobility Plus and to trigger discussion about improvements.

This Mobility Maze was recently organized by Concerned Citizens for Accessibility and Mobility.  This group is focused on the services of Mobility Plus and is seeking to improve the customer service experience.  The Maze did provide a learning experience without question.  For me, the new insight was the constant worry, at times almost fear, about the next hurdle I would face as I tried to get to my appointment; I was constantly wondering how I was going to accomplish the next segment, whether I would find a sympathetic person to help me.  

My interest in Mobility Plus becoming better has increased as one of the participants in the event was a King Township resident who is very dependent on Mobility Plus; hearing his story and his hopes for service changes gave me good insight.   

If you are concerned about the services of Mobility Plus and want to assist with making changes you are asked to contact the Community Legal Clinic of York Region at 905 508 5018 or 1888 365 5226.