Clinton County Transportation Meetings

The following is a notice from the Clinton County Planning Department about upcoming public meetings and hearings on proposed changes in Clinton County Public Transit (CCPT):

Thursday, June 27, 1-3 PM
Public Information Meeting
First floor meeting room, Room 103, Clinton County Government Center
137 Margaret Street, Plattsburgh

Wednesday, July 10, 7 PM
Clinton County Legislature Public Hearing
Legislative Meeting Room, Clinton County Government Center
137 Margaret Street, Plattsburgh

Clinton County Public Transit (CCPT) is considering bus route changes for implementation on August 12th, 2019. The proposed changes include elimination of the West End bus route and elimination of the 8:53 pm run of the CCC Seasonal bus route, among other changes.

CCPT will be hosting a public information meeting on Thursday June 27th from 1:00 pm to 3:00 pm in the first floor meeting room, Room 103, of the Clinton County Government Center; 137 Margaret Street; Plattsburgh, NY 12901 to discuss the proposed service changes and receive public input. This meeting is open to the public and all are welcome and encouraged to attend and participate.

Those who are unable to attend in person but would like to attend by way of conference call can call 1-712-451-0011 and use access code: 853408

If you cannot attend this meeting but you would like to give input, provide written comments, or ask questions; please contact:

James Bosley, Planning Technician
Clinton County Planning Department
135 Margaret Street Suite 124
Plattsburgh, NY 12901
518-565-4713
james.bosley@clintoncountygov.com

In addition to this public meeting, there will be a public hearing at the session of the Clinton County Legislature when bus route changes are voted on. It is anticipated that the bus route changes being proposed will go before the Clinton County Legislature at their 7:00 pm session on Wednesday July 10th and the public hearing will be at the beginning of that meeting.

Clinton County does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, sex, religion, age or disability in employment or the provision of services. In compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act, special accommodations, within reason and upon request at least forty-eight hours in advance of the public meeting, will be provided to persons with disabilities. Please contact James Bosley, Planning Technician, at 518-565-4713 or by email at James.Bosley@clintoncountygov.com to request a special accommodation for the meeting.

For anyone who would like travel training to better understand the CCPT routes/services and how to use them, please contact James Bosley (contact information is above) and arrangements will be made for travel training.

By The Numbers: NCCI Services October 1, 2018 - March 31, 2019

The graphics below show data on services provided by the North Country Center for Independence between October 1, 2018 and March 31, 2019. You can click on each graphic to see a larger, easier to read version.

People Served

Disabilities of People Served

Services Provided

By The Numbers: NCCI Services 2017 / 2018

The main goal of providing services at NCCI is to assist individuals with disabilities, and others dealing with disability issues. Each person we work with has an individual story, and each person who achieves or maintains their independence is a win, for them and for all of us.

Once in awhile though, it's useful to take a step back and look at what all of our services throughout the year look like. Exactly who are we serving? Which of our services are the most in demand? What kind of impact are we having in the North Country community?

The graphics below show data on services provided by the North Country Center for Independence between October 2017 and September 2018. You can click on each graphic to see a larger, easier to read version.

Have a look ...

And here is a closer look at two of NCCI's most important programs:

The Problem With Banning Plastic Straws

The City of Plattsburgh has been asked to institute a ban of disposable plastic straws, and several Council members are open to discussing it in a way that could lead to some kind of official ban.

City mulls plastic straw ban

Elizabeth Izzo, Sun Community News - August 8, 2018

This is part of a growing nation-wide trend ... a popular, seemingly simple way to respond the serious problem of mass plastic waste, particularly in the world's oceans. However, one important consideration has been consistently overlooked, and when brought up, has been largely dismissed, sometimes rather harshly.

The problem with banning plastic straws is that many people with significant physical disabilities depend on them to drink liquids every day. It is a basic and indispensable accessibility tool, with no replacement currently available that is durable, safe, and affordable. The disability community has spent the last several weeks trying to inform people about this problem, and help craft good-faith solutions that address the environmental problem while meeting the needs of people with disabilities.

One solution that might work for Plattsburgh is instead of banning plastic straws completely, to ban restaurants from handing them out without being asked ... while at the same time allowing them to continue to carry plastic straws for any customer to request.

It would be important to allow this "on request" provision not just for disabled people -- because having to make a “special” request stigmatizes disabled people. Some servers might be nice about it, but others might think it’s okay to question the disabled customer, or act like it’s lazy, selfish choice, or an annoyance. Disabled people are often treated poorly when they have to ask for special assistance, or even legally required and sensible accommodations. Even using handicapped parking can subject us to glares if we don’t “look disabled enough.”

As for using alternative types of straws:

Just about all alternative currently available have problems. Paper straws break down with hot beverages. Metal and other rigid material straws can cause injury. The reason some disabled people need straws is that they have difficulty controlling their hand and head movements. If a plastic straw pokes you in the face because of twitch or tremor, it’s no big deal. If a metal straw pokes you it can hurt you. Some people also bite down on the straw to control it, and a metal straw is bad for that, while plastic straws both give and hold up. And straws that bend are often critical. In fact, plastic bendy straws were originally invented for hospitals, for patients who couldn’t drink independently from a cup.

This all sounds very nit picky and particular to people who don’t have this kind of disability, but they are real issues.

It’s not just about disabled people who may be customers already, it’s that a straw ban becomes yet another barrier, a reason why a significantly disabled person might choose to stay at home, because being “out” in the community is just that little bit more uncomfortable. It’s another way to feel unwelcome, like a “problem.”

That’s not a social condition Plattsburgh should be contributing to.

We are asking that anyone who can talk about direct experience of using plastic straws for disability-related reasons let us know if they are willing to speak out on this proposal and possible alternatives. You can contact us through our website: www.ncci-online.com, or by calling us at 518-563-9058.

For further reading on this issue:

Plastic straw bans are the latest policy to forget the disability community

Karin Hitselberger, Washington Post - July 12, 2018

The Last Straw

Alice Wong, Eater - July 19, 2018

Why People With Disabilities Want Bans On Plastic Straws To Be More Flexible

Maria Godoy, National Public Radio - July 11, 2018

Upcoming Focus Group on ACCES-VR Services

You are invited to a meeting to talk about your experience with ACCES-VR services and how they could be better.

In Plattsburgh:

North Country Center for Independence (NCCI)

80 Sharron Avenue Plattsburgh, NY

Tuesday, June 26 12:00 Noon to 2:00 pm

There will be two other forums in the North Country:

In Massena:

Maximizing Independent Living Choices (MILC)

156 Center Street Massena, NY

Wednesday, June 27 5:00 pm to 7:00 pm

In Watertown:

Northern Regional Center for Independent Living (NRCIL)

210 Court Street, Suite 107

Watertown, NY

Thursday, June 28 12:00 Noon to 2:00 pm

Refreshments and light meal will be available.

To let us know you will be attending, call the Potsdam Institute (PIAR) at: 1-888-419-2698 (toll free) or by email at: PIAR@potsdam.edu at least two days before the meeting.

Let us know as soon as possible if an accommodation, such as sign lan- guage interpreter, will be needed.

Seating is limited.

This meeting will be hosted by Dr. J Patrick Turbett and his staff from the Potsdam Institute for Applied Research (PIAR) at SUNY Potsdam, on behalf of the NYS Education Department, ACCES-VR, Adult Career and Continuing Education Services, Vocational Rehabilitation.

Write For The NCCI Blog!

Paid opportunity for writers with disabilities in the North Country!

The North Country Center for Independence, (NCC) in Plattsburgh, New York, is looking for original writing by people with disabilities, on disability-related topics, for publication on  the NCCI Blog. http://ncciblog.blogspot.com

Each month NCCI will post up to two selected pieces written by people with disabilities. NCCI will pay writers $100 for each selected piece. Submissions should meet the following guidelines:

• 300-600 words long.

• Must relate in some way to the experiences and issues of living with physical, intellectual, or mental disabilities.

• We are generally looking for writing focused on the everyday practical, social, and / or emotional experiences of living with disabilities, not on medical research, treatments, or therapies.

Some editorial assistance and feedback will be provided, including comments and suggestions on how drafts can be improved before publication.

NCCI’s Executive Director will choose up to two pieces per month to be published. After each item is posted, the writer may submit a voucher for payment, which will be made within 30 days of receipt.

Submit drafts by email, to: apulrang@icloud.com. Or, paper drafts may be delivered to NCCI at 80 Sharron Avenue, Plattsburgh, NY 12901. For more information call us at 518-563-9058.

The deadline for final drafts is the 15th of each month.

Employment

Job fairs happen periodically around the North Country every year. If you are at all interested in a job search, go to this one on May 21st, and keep an eye out for future job fairs in the area.

Questions to ask yourself if you have a disability and want to explore employment:

• Are you looking for full time, part time, temporary, seasonal, or continuous employment?

• Are you looking for indoor or outdoor work? Physical work or work that’s mainly about thinking, planning, and creating? Do you like simple routines, or do you prefer work with variety and the unexpected? Do you want to work with the public or behind the scenes? Do you want coworkers, or do you prefer working by yourself?

• Do you have a specific career in mind, or are you open to a variety of fields?

• How do you plan to talk about your disability? Will you keep it to yourself or inform your employers … and at what point? Will you need some accommodations on the job? Are you concerned about discrimination or being screened out because of your disability? Can you explain your disability simply, briefly, in a way that makes people more comfortable?

These are just a few questions to get you started, and give your job search some focus. Meanwhile, if you haven’t already, reach out for some additional help with your job search and preparation:

OneWorkSource

A general regional resource for all job seekers.

New York State Adult Career & Continuing Education Services (ACCES-VR)

Provides help and, in some cases, funding assistance for job seekers with disabilities.

New York State Commission for the Blind and Visually Impaired

Provides employment services for people who are blind or visually impaired.

North Country Center for Independence

Peer support and information on employment, benefits management, workplace accommodations, and disability rights laws in the workplace.

Clinton County Public Transit Route Deviation Trainings

On May 1, 2018, Clinton County Public Transit will change its Paratransit policy, essentially eliminating door-to-door transportation for people with disabilities within the City of Plattsburgh. CCPT will shift instead to route deviation.

The Clinton County Planning Department and CCPT will hold a series of trainings to orient riders to the new system. Dates and times are below:

Presented by the Clinton County Planning Department

Clinton County Government Center

137 Margaret Street

Plattsburgh, NY 12901

Scheduled trainings:

Friday, April 6, 9:30 am

Saturday, April 7, 9:30 am

Monday, April 9, 9:30 am

Saturday, April 14, 1:30 pm

Wednesday, April 18, 9:30 am

Travel training will consist of a 20 minute presentation on the new bus schedule and how Route Deviation works, followed by an opportunity to ride the bus and see Route Deviation in action.

If you wish to attend, call 518-561-1452. If you can’t attend but would like more information and opportunity for input, call NCCI at 518-563-9058.

By The Numbers: NCCI Services 2016 / 2017

The main goal of providing services at NCCI is to assist individuals with disabilities, and others dealing with disability issues. Each person we work with has an individual story, and each person who achieves or maintains their independence is a win, for them and for all of us.

Once in awhile though, it's useful to take a step back and look at what all of our services throughout the year look like. Exactly who are we serving? Which of our services are the most in demand? What kind of impact are we having in the North Country community?

Have a look ...

Note: These figures represent the number of people who received services at least once during the past full October-September year. Most of these people received services multiple times, though each is counted here only once.

Make A Year-End Donation to the NCCI Homecoming Fund

As 2017 draws to a close, it's a good time to make charitable donations. We hope you will consider contributing to the NCCI Homecoming Fund. This online GoFundMe campaign is an opportunity to make a valuable local, small-scale donation that helps disabled people get out of nursing homes and hospitals, and make a smooth transition into their own homes.

Click here to give to the NCCI Homecoming Fund at GoFundMe.com.

The NCCI Homecoming Fund helps pay for:

• Kitchen supplies
• Bed and bathroom supplies
• Furniture
• Adaptive equipment
• Startup groceries

It also helps us pay for storage space for these purchased supplies and donated items that we can then give to people with disabilities making what can be a difficult, but exciting move back to independence in our community.

Help us out! It doesn't take a large donation to make a big difference. And whether you give or not, please share this with friends and family who might be interested.

#GivingTuesday

Tuesday, November 28th is GivingTuesday. It’s a growing annual tradition that follows Black Friday, Small Business Saturday, and Cyber Monday. Giving Tuesday is dedicated to making online charitable donations.

This is a great time to give to NCCI’s Homecoming Fund, which helps people with disabilities make a smooth transition from hospitals, nursing homes, and other institutions into their own homes. Click the link below to see more details and contribute to the fund through GoFundMe:

Click here to give to NCCI’s Homecoming Fund

By the way, it helps a lot if you can share your donation through your Facebook or Twitter accounts.  It’s easy to do right from the GoFundMe page.

Paratransit Vote Coming!

The Clinton County, NY Legislature is due to vote at their September 27, 2017 meeting on a plan to reduce transit costs by eliminating Paratransit services in the greater Plattsburgh area, and replacing it with route deviation. Click here to read the full plan. The plan includes this map showing the areas where Paratransit would be replaced by Route Deviation.

Paratransit is an accessible bus service intended to serve people with disabilities who can't navigate the regular bus routes and schedules, even when those buses are physically accessible. It is an individual pickup service, currently available by appointment throughout the county, during regular bus hours.

Route Deviation is when a bus diverts from its regular public route to pick up a specific passenger, such as a person with a disability. It provides a more limited door to door service within a narrower area, and is dependent on the regular bus schedules.

This issue has been discussed in several public meetings over the last several months. It has also been covered in local newspapers. To learn more, you can read the articles linked below, listed in chronological order:

County weighing elimination of paratransit service
Pete Demola, Sun Community News - June 1, 2017

Proposed Clinton County bus schedule change brings rider angst
Joe LoTemplio, Press-Republican - June 1, 2017

Para-transit riders: Don't take away our independence
Joe LoTemplio, Press-Republican - June 5, 2017

Change in para-transit system moves to planning stage
Dan Heath, Press-Republican - June 12, 2017

Transit officials to craft paratransit replacement plan
Elizabeth Izzo, Sun Community News - June 13, 2017

County moving toward para-transit change
Joe LoTemplio, Press-Republican - September 11, 2017

County paratransit plan slated for final vote
Elizabeth Izzo, Sun Community News - September 12, 2017

Clinton County hears about para-transit again
Joe LoTemplio, Press-Republican - September 13, 2017

If you care about this issue, please contact your Clinton County Legislator before September 27. They especially need to know if this plan would adversely affect your mobility and access to healthcare, employment, and everyday commerce within the county.

Paratransit Hearings on September 13th, 2017

The Clinton County Planning Department sent out the following press release, announcing two hearings on September 13, 2017, about their plan to eliminate paratransit and replace it with route deviation ...

***

P R E S S   R E L E A S E

Clinton County Public Transit

8/25/2017

The Clinton County Legislature will be conducting two Public Hearings on Wednesday, September 13th, 2017 in the Clinton County Legislative Chambers at 137 Margaret Street, Plattsburgh, NY 12901; one Public Hearing will be at 11:00 am and the other public hearing will be at 7:00 pm. Both Public Hearings are for the purpose of considering the replacement of Clinton County Public Transit (CCPT) paratransit service with deviation of the regular CCPT routes. 

A draft plan for the deviation service design can be viewed online at www.clintoncountypublictransit.com or a hardcopy can be requested by contacting the Clinton County Planning Department at 518-565-4713.

Clinton County does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, sex, religion, age or disability in employment or the provision of services.  In compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act, special accommodations, within reason and upon request at least forty-eight hours in advance of the meeting, will be provided to persons with disabilities.  Please contact James Bosley, Planning Technician, at 518-565-4713 or by email at James.Bosley@clintoncountygov.com to request a special accommodation for either hearing.

***

This is a map showing the areas affected by the proposed change:

We strongly urge people with disabilities who use paratrnaist services to attend one of these public meetings and describe how the proposed changes would affect you. You can also contact us here at NCCI and tell us how the proposed change would affect you and your access to reliable, accessible public transportation. You can call us at 518-563-9058.

Paratransit Update

The Clinton County Legislature Transportation Committee voted last night, June 12, to have the Planning Department draft a written plan for proposed elimination of paratransit in "greater Plattsburgh." The Committee also agreed that there will be further public comment meetings on the plan once it is written. We will let everyone know as soon as the Planning Department has a completed written plan, possibly in July, as well as how and when the public can comment on it.

In the meantime, you can still sign the online petition, and encourage others to sign it as well ... especially people with disabilities who use Clinton County paratransit.

Change in para-transit system moves to planning stage: People with disabilities fear loss of independence
Dan Heath, Press-Republican - June 12, 2017

#SaveOurBusSystem ... Updates

The Clinton County Planning Department's proposal to eliminate paratransit has generated a lot of concern and advocacy activity.

People with disabilities who rely on paratransit wonder how they will be able to navigate the regular routes. The buses are accessible, but here in the North Country at least, fixed routes don't cover much territory, even with route deviation. And in the middle of winter, or a summertime downpour, a "short" jaunt to a bus stop is often way too much for a wheelchair user, blind person, or someone using a cane or walker.

These questions are being noticed by local media:

Clinton County bus service for disabled people could be eliminated this summer
Zach Hirsch, North Country Public Radio - June 2, 2017

Para-transit riders: Don't take away our independence
Joe LoTemplio, Press-Republican - June 5, 2017

Clinton County could eliminate public paratransit routes
Liz Strzepa, NBC 5 - June 5, 2017

The Clinton County Legislature's Transportation Committee will meet on June 12 to make a preliminary decision on what to recommend to the full Legislature.

What can you do to let your view be known?

• Contact your Clinton County Legislator.

• Attend the June 12 Transportation Committee meeting, which is open to the public.

• Write a Press-Republican Letter to the Editor.

• Sign the Change.org petition.

#SaveOurBusSystem 6/2/17 Public Meeting Live Tweets

#SaveOurBusSystem

Graphics by Debra Buell

To prepare for the Monday, June 5 public meeting on Clinton County Paratransit, we invite you to join us first for a meeting on the Friday before:

Learn Everything and Speak Out Meeting
Friday, June 2, 2017 - 2:00 PM
Clinton County Government Center
Plattsburgh, New York

If you can't attend in person, you can join by telephone conference call:

Dial-in at 2:00 PM: 917-962-0650.
When asked, enter the Conference Code: 814705.
Note: there is room for up to 15 to join by conference call.

In this public meeting:

• Learn what can be done instead of bus system cuts, from our presenter and meeting moderator.
• Learn what you can do to make your voice heard.
• Sign a petition demanding a better study and solution.
• Say how you feel on video for YouTube and Facebook.
• Learn how to contact your legislators.
• Participate in town hall conversation.

Clinton County wants to change the new (as of 1/1/2017) "expanded" bus service to city service that:

• City service that does not have normal fixed route stops.
• Stops that will cause people to transfer more often at extra cost to riders.
• Will eliminate city paratransit completely.
• Will cause delays for transfer stops and deviation.
• People could lose jobs if late getting to work frequently.
• People could be denied medical care if late for appointments.

Reminder: the June 2 meeting is to prepare for the public meeting with Clinton County officials on June 5, 10:00 AM, also at the Clinton County Government Center. Please plan on attending that meeting as well.