Giving back to your community. I don’t just think that this is something anyone can do but is something everyone should do in their own way. It is important for people with disabilities to make their voices heard, especially when it comes to the public good. Not being able to speak is not the same as having nothing to say. Now how do we get our voices heard and influence change. One way is joining committees and other government organizations that impact everyday life. This week in toronto I attended a meeting for the ACAT (Advisory Committee on Accessibility for Transit).
What is ACAT?
The ACAT is an advisory committee that meets and provides input on future operations and long term planning of transportation within toronto. The main goal is to review transportation plans and proposals to ensure they will be accessible to everyone. This committee is made up of volunteers who either have a disability or represent the needs of someone with a disability. The committee has a total of 15 members who serve 3 year terms. Every year 5 out of the 15 members gets replaced with a new team of volunteers.
Duties of ACAT members:
The majority of the work is centered around the meetings. This is preparing for meetings by reviewing background information. During meetings ACAT members are expected to vote on a variety of transportation policies and initiatives, in addition to providing insight to TTC staff members regarding accessibility needs. Each ACAT member is expected to attend all ACAT meetings as well as all meetings for 2 subcommittees. There are 5 subcommittee meetings:
- Communication meetings
- Design Review
- Service Planning
- Wheel-Trans Operations
- Administration
How To Apply
Every year the ACAT hold information sessions that explain the roles and expectations of ACAT members. Attendance to at least one of these information sessions is mandatory. The time and locations of these information sessions are located on the TTC website (typically end of July). At these sessions you will be able to obtain either an electronic or hard copy of the application form. Currently this is the only way to obtain an application form. Once you fill out your application, you can email it to ACAT@TTC.ca. Ensure you submit your application before the due date (typically early August). After the screening process if you are selected you will be asked to come in for an in-person interview. The interview will be with the current ACAT chair member, representative from the city of toronto, and 2 TTC board members. These interviews happen somewhere between August and September. The final decision is announced in mid November. The new ACAT member officially begin their term at the beginning of January.