This is How I Used to Travel to get to Doctor in Suburbs - trip_to_howard_train_station.mp4

Technology and the Disability Movement 2007--2016

Certainly a new era in paratransit springs forth with the potential within 10 years to have cutting edge technology on a miniature scale that marries nanotechnology with the green transit industry and disability community. 

Though  IMPRUVE set a  target by 2016 to own its own vehicles or fleet of van pools for those of us who have invested funds and energy into this potential to travel independently, we won’t end our shared role or progress at 2016.

 By 2020, we expect to be there with the Green Think Tank for the Disability Community (GTTDC) as users, trainers, and interns of nanotechnology and green technology without the ongoing fights with state legislators for monies and service boards for acceptance of riders as advisors who are taken seriously, seldom to revisit the uncertainties of service, unequal services, and policy that leave riders and other persons who are disabled behind. 

Young people are needed to work side by side with elders. Elders are expected to continue to sharpen their thought processes, learn nanotechnology, green technology, and  share knowledge within the disability community, so that we are more prepared for the incoming revolution that will result from our evolved vision.  We should not stand on the sidelines watching others capitalize on technology, employment and training that we, too, need.

We don’t always have to retire, but at some point for balance, well-being and continuity it may become necessary to turn the reins over to a better-trained, more energetic workforce, taskforce, and thinkers who do not limit themselves to boxed-in logic, the way of limited world thought, and reduced intellect.

To think big, but work on a small scale to be more efficient, reduce costs,  be more productive, or stronger,  is the way of nanotechnology. 

What if we as  a disability community worked so smart that we would become a real enabling community with wheelchairs whose battery chargers were powered by solar cells or hydrogen cells that were small enough to fit in the palm of our hands?  What if we could charge our solar cars from stored sunlight that fits on a grid as small as a laptop or a cell phone? What if when we travel or find ourselves stranded, or snowed in, or fall and break bones, or have pulmonary attacks,  or have ravaging cancer cells or out of control mental illness, we could absorb or eat the equivalent of a green power lunch or breakfast that was so nutrient rich with raw materials to heal bones, organs, disease almost instantly--it would have to be very alkaline and full of sunlight, and we would have to use nanoveganic gardening methods. It would probably have to be used in liquid form and certainly should not be in the form of a pill. It would have to be delivered precisely where needed, self-aligned with the body’s own natural healing properties, and possibly amplified through one’s own thought processes or meditation or prayer.

It could not be left in the hands of those who control the wealth or those who base their thinking or support on politics, greed, or perceived ability. It would have to be available to all, yet forced on no one, and not be priced out of the range of the masses.

The movement continues--that is, the National  Paratransit Peoples Movement Assembly as IMPRUVE (Independent Movement of Paratransit Riders for Unity, Vehicles, Equality), a charter member of the Green Think Tank for the Disability Community (GTTDC) moves forward in its 12th year to improve the movement of people who use or need  paratransit or independent accessible vehicles, and work within the green movement for people who are disabled.

We expect to see many of you Sat. July 21, 2012 and each year  at the  Chicago Disability Pride Parade. And expect to receive your cash donations at our booth on Daley Plaza  in person or online here by PayPal or Credit Card..  Stand with us another day for  The Green Think Tank for the Disability Community.   

Sign Letter for (Federal) Surface Transit Bill by June 14, 2012

BNICEH is supporing IMPRUVE and NPPMA as we work to get designated funding passed wthin the Congressional Surface Transit Bill due June 30, 212. Senate version S1813 is being considered to be passed or revised. It is now in the Conference Committee.

Call, fax or write (from their websites) your federal representative, senators and members of the Conference Committee immediately. There are 47 members of the Conference Committee for the Surface Transit Bill. There are millions of American citizens who travel or bike the roads as drivers or passengers. Don't be silent.

Tell them: 
1. to pass designated funding for paratransit, Medicar, senior transit and wheelchair taxis 
2. the fundng is assured for regular public transit, but remind them to include it anyway. It also includes hwy infrastructure 
3. to support solar-powered NEV cars and green paratransit that is rider-owned, too.  

Remember that we are still privileged to live in America despite the budget cuts, party fights, military buildups, and disagreements.

 Please add your name or organizational name to our letter to the President, Congress, and Conference Committee. Thank you. Public Announcement For Immediate Release – May 30, 2012 From: National Paratransit Peoples’ Movement Assembly Contacts: c/o IMPRUVE Dr. Ayo Maat, 6951 N. Sheridan Rd 773-416-7366 Chicago IL 60626-3527 Cecelia Jackson, Secy 773-544-9488 To the President, Conference Committee for the Surface Transit Bill (originally S1813), and Congress: Mr. President and Members of Congress: “

Accessible transportation is a basic right and the disability community is not a one size fits all community. We and our supporters are concerned that Congress may not consider in the Surface Transit Bill, the best interests and needs of the people who are disabled who ride paratransit and are forced by FTA policy to pay as much as twice the fixed route public transit fare despite having the lowest disposable incomes in the nation; and the drivers and providers of paratransit, wheelchair taxis and Medicars whose jobs and ability to provide services at reasonable cost to taxpayers are at stake.

The stalemate between the parties is hurting people who are disabled (PWD’s) worse than ever, plunging us deeper into isolation and rushing us to a lower quality of life that places us at risk for avoidable, though catastrophic illness or premature death as funds for paratransit diminish and we are unable to access appropriate affordable transportation to meet our needs and pocketbooks, and get to regular healthcare, worship service, and the activities that allow us to be on equal footing with our nondisabled peers in terms of employment and quality of life ..." - Ayo Maat, Ph.D., founder, IMPRUVE and NPPMA (National Paratransit People’s Movement Assembly)

 That is why we as members of the disability community who ride paratransit and have the lowest employment rates and lowest disposable incomes and our supporters request that our voices be heard by Congress, the President, and the public.

We are making the rounds to various Congressmen and Senators to support designated funding from Senate Transit Bill S1813. Without it, paratransit will not be funded. Fortunately, House bill HR 7, which that excluded designated funding, failed. The Conference Committee of both houses has been formed to work on the Surface Transit bill AND GET IT PASSED BY June 30, 2012.

We have a solution to lower costs of paratransit and put some persons who are disabled back to work, but for now, we are focused on getting the Surface Transit Bill passed. We salute those in Congress who are trying to get the bill passed with proper provisions.

 We protest national transit policies that amount to Transit Eugenics for persons who are disabled and dependent on accessible transportation. Congress should not neglect us in the equation for surface transit whether considering designated funding for the infrastructure, paratransit, wheelchair taxis, or Medicars.

 We sign onto this letter as voters, citizens and residents, disability advocates, businesses or paratransit riders, elected officials, taxi drivers, Medicar drivers, paratransit drivers, or pubic transit advocates. We are happy to add input on a future Congressional Transit Summit (none has been held by FTA since 2004) to ease the burden of improving transit nationally and regionally, even determining how to make surface transit affordable and effective for taxpayers and those who use it or provide the services.

Sincerely, Ayo Maat, Ph.D, president/CEO, IMPRUVE founder- paratransit and disability advocate - IL IMPRUVE (Independent Movement of Paratransit Rider for Unity, Vehicles, Equality - IL (& national) National Paratransit People’s Movement Assembly (NPPMA)- IL ( & national) BNICEH (Black Network In Children’s Emotional Health) - IL ( & national)

P.S. I survived death 3 times.  I asked for my life that I might be able to do work that I have a talent in doing  and that I love: to help others, heal them of frustration from poverty, unemployment, disability, conflict; teach them, encourage them to Stand,  work together regardless of religion, race, age, disability;  share with them, work with them.  That is why I continue to advocate and work on behalf of people even though we are unfunded and even if most of America does not support our efforts, and Congress is generally unaware of our plight. I know I am wondrously blessed and I'm not afraid  to tell you.  I want all to know how blessed  that we can go to Congress with our issues, help each other across the nation and not be in envy or anger. We don't always have to march long distances--most of us can't do long marches, some of us can't even march, leave our homes or jobs, or stand up physically, but we've got a voice to talk, write, and record our thoughts and issues; or help someone else who can't speak record theirs..  We are not against any personality, but for what is right for all concerned. AND WE WILL NOT BE SILENT.


 

BNICEH requests your help for IMPRUVE--buy Carson's booklets from us; Attend fundraisers, A

Help us get to DC to Rally for Transit Freedom and Justice Nationally for Paratransit Riders

Fundraisers for 2011 - Winter to Spring

•  Fundraiser through Sat. February 26, 2011 - Support BNICEH (parent company of IMPRUVE) in Carson's Community Day Event now through February 26, 2011.  To help BNICEH for IMPRUVE's trip to DC and general support --buy discount books for $5.  Buy discount books now from us!!!  Call 773-416-7366 or 773-255-2113. The five dollars goes directly to us when you buy from us (not while we are in the store Feb. 26). On Feb. 26, we turn over monies to Carson's from sales of  $5 coupon booklets; they share the money among all groups present in the store selling by issuing a check by mail, weeks after event ends. The $5 Discount books contain coupons up to $200 in value that include: $10 off coupons, 30%, and 50% off coupons, and other specials.  We are registered with Evergreen Plaza and Edens Plaza Carson's in Wilmette IL, but the books we are selling are good at any Carson Pirie Scott, Bon Ton, Be. 19, members can pay $15 at door rgner, Parisian across the nation.

• Sat. March 5, 2011 - 1030 N. Clark Chicago IL 60610 6-11 pm , dine until 10 pm in private room, then move to play power games. Or play board games (checkers, dominoes, backgammon, Scrabble) and cards (bid whist) until 9 pm. Stay until 1 am in  Dave and Buster's. Fajita Buffet or Special Menu Upon Early Request and Payment --Raw Organic Vegan  - $35 due February 19, 2011. With $ 20 Deposit by Feb. 19. Members can then pay $15 cash or money order at door.  No personal checks. Money order, Bank check or Credit Union check.  Request flier impruve2@yahoo.com 
• Sat. April 9, 2011 - Leona's Pizza Party 6935 N. Sheridan Rd Chicago IL 60626 5:30-8:30 pm  Veggie w/tofu Skewer or Raw psychedelic salad w/avocado Vegan Option must be requested & paid in advance. Silent Auction.  Performance by Bruh Luh.  $25 due by March 31, 2011. Non-members at door $30.  Members may pay deposit of $15 by March 31, 2011 and $10 at the door.  

Sat. May 7, 2011 - Leona's Pizza Party 6935 N. Sheridan Rd Chicago IL 60626 5:30-8:30 pm Pizza Party. Veggie w/tofu or Raw psychedelic salad w/avocado Vegan Option must be requested & paid in advance. Silent Auction. Performance by Bruh Luh. $25 due by April 30, 2011. Non-members at door $30. Members may pay deposit of $15 by April 30, 2011and $10 at the door.

National Paratransit Peoples Movement Assembly formed by IMPRUVE in 2010

• Going to DC May 23-27, 2011 to rally for paratransit riders and take Declaration of Transit Justice and Freedom to Obama adminiustration, FTA, Congress and U.S. Access Board in memory of two directors who passed in 2010 in December and July respectively:

Director Emeritus Alyce Battle,  1st vice president 1999-2009 , treasurer 2005-2007

Director Emeritus Omar Basheer,   president (1992-93) and vice president 1991-92, 1994-95

 and in memory of paratransit rider Tracey Berry who passed in April 2010
and BNICEH volunteer and child welfare advocate Judith Catlin who passed in January 2010.

BNICEH and IMPRUVE Board 2008-2010: Dr. Ayo Maat, pres; Dr. Jackie Haas, Patricia Baxter, treas.; Cecelia Jackson, secy (missing: Alyce Battle (decesaed 2010), Jeanette Exom, Donna Lewis, Harold Bellamy, Joanne Tillis)

Joanne Tillis, director- At ACT One Cafe, Rogers Park 2010

Photos of paratransit riders,  other persons who are disabled, families of members, and youth who have participated in our events or events that we attend or support:

Dr. Ayo Maat, president, at NorthSide Community Federal Credit Union (NSCFCU) annual meeting Member of Board of Directors, NSCFCU





Board of BNICEH  and IMPRUVE at Lion King, Cadillac Palace Theatre, Nov. 2010

Patricia Baxter, Treasurer,  Chair, IMPRUVE Fundraising Committee

Geneva Baxter, IMPRUVE Fundraising Committee

Ernestine Standberry, Tom Babbington, Dr. Jackie Haas at rally for
fixed route public transit and paratransit re: DoomsDay fares
at State of Illinois Thompson Center 2007

Liz Bracken at RIC 2008

Cecelia Jackson, secy and vice president (on medical leave 2011),
at RIC Computer Lab 2008

Prayer vigil, IMPRUVE with Paratransit Riders  Arlington Heights IL Preaying for right action
 re: paratransit fare hikes and policy 2009

Tyquan Baxter, IMPRUVE Fundraising Committee, Tech Support
 at Loyola Park Afrikan Heritage program 2008  

Jeanette Exom, former Outreach Director, IMPRUVE, (on medical leave 2010)  at sit-in, Jan. 2008
at Currency Xchg to protest monthly paratransit pass cancellation 

Peggy McCusker at RIC 2008

Herb Hoffman at RTA rally to protest paratransit zone system 2008

Richard James at RIC 2008

Actress-model Ramissa Maat, CAU student, former member BNICEH Youth Board

Trish Hardy, vocalist with 40 years performing experience, modeling earrings by  Maat at IMPRUVE fundraiser,
Leona's  after wailing the blues from her wheelchair, November 2010