Current Advocacy Initiatives

There is a glaring need in our communities for powered, height-adjustable adult changing tables in family/companion restrooms in public venues.

There are millions of people who are either non-ambulatory or have self-care issues who require an adult-sized changing table in safe, clean places for toileting assistance. No one should ever be forced to be changed on a public restroom floor. This situation is not only non-hygienic but is degrading to individuals with disabilities.

SB 117, introduced by KY Senator Julie Raque Adams, moved this initiative forward through the KY Legislature and into to the Department of Housing, Building and Construction where it stalled before the end of the 2022 Legislative session.

The bill summary is as follows:

“Create a new section of KRS Chapter 198B.010 to 198B.290 to define terms and to require the Department of Housing, Building and Construction to promulgate administrative regulations to require certain public buildings, structures, and facilities constructed on or after January 1, 2024, or renovated on or after January 1, 2026, for renovations having an estimated cost of $10,000 or more, to contain and provide access to at least one (1) powered, height-adjustable, adult-size changing table.”

The Council has been collaborating with the Louisville Metro Disability Coalition, and other community stakeholders, regarding unacceptable services provided by TARC 3 paratransit over the past year without a viable solution from TARC.

We recently wrote to the CEO at TARC 3 expressing our concern, regarding missed and late scheduled pickups for rides, including an issue wherein a TARC 3 rider was stranded in the community without a ride home. Many of our constituents rely on TARC 3 for transportation to work, medical appointments and community access. We are in regular contact with a group of community stakeholders and riders who will share their collective experiences as we consider next steps in advocacy on this important issue.

The Council published a survey on Facebook that elicited feedback from TARC 3 users regarding their experiences with TARC 3 transportation. The comments that we received were mostly unfavorably and detailed late and missed pickups and no shows.

One of our Council members participated in a virtual City Council meeting wherein public users of TARC 3 were able to express their concerns and displeasure with TARC 3 service delivery.

The Council Legislative and Public Policy Committee has added this to their list of priority projects in order to formulate an action plan.