The State Of Wheelchair Accessibility In Chicago

wheelchair accessibility chicago
A man in a wheelchair visits a vendor on Maxwell Street. rlobes/CreativeCommons
wheelchair accessibility chicago
A man in a wheelchair visits a vendor on Maxwell Street. rlobes/CreativeCommons

The State Of Wheelchair Accessibility In Chicago

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Whether you prefer train, bus or car, getting around Chicago can be pretty easy with some know-how. But for people with disabilities, a wheelchair often throws a wrench in commute planning.

On May 8, Mayor Rahm Emanuel announced that ride-share companies Uber, Lyft and Via will soon have 50 wheelchair-friendly vehicles in Chicago. While this move for wheelchair-users is welcome, it does highlight U.S. cities’ slow move to increase accessibility in public spaces for people with disabilities. The mayor has touted the addition as a big win, but some advocates call the plan insufficient, arguing the 50-car supply won’t meet the demand. 

Morning Shift talks to Marca Bristo, president of the disability rights group Access Living, about the state of accessibility for people with disabilities in Chicago.