An Analysis of Disabled Accessibility Transportation in the City of Chicago Manuel Luna Jr, Industrial Design, University of Illinois Chicago Dr. Joseph Hoereth, UIC — Institute for Policy & Civic Engagement (IPCE) According to the Regional Transportation Authority (RTA), all CTA and Pace buses are 100 percent accessible (RTA, 2023). The Americans with Disabilities Act holds these transportation systems to provide accessible features such as wheelchair securement areas, ramps, priority seating, and visual displays. In reality, 76% of stations are actually functional. The city of Chicago is constantly expanding their stations, not focusing this effort on the already established stations. Funding is going towards new station projects when some of the funding should be used for fixing the old stations that need it. Chicago Accessibility Compliance Program (CACP): The CACP focuses on ensuring that public spaces, transportation systems, and municipal buildings comply with accessibility standards outlined in the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA). This initiative involves conducting audits, implementing necessary renovations, and providing resources to enhance accessibility for individuals with disabilities throughout the city. Chicago Business Leadership Network (CBLN): The CBLN collaborates with local businesses to promote inclusive hiring practices and provide support to employees with disabilities. Through education, training, and advocacy, the CBLN aims to increase workforce diversity and create employment opportunities for individuals with disabilities. Home Accessibility Program: This program provides financial assistance and incentives to property owners for retrofitting existing housing units to meet accessibility standards. By offering grants and resources, the city encourages the creation of accessible living environments for individuals with disabilities, thereby enhancing housing options and accommodation. These policies and initiatives reflect the City of Chicago's commitment to promoting inclusivity, accessibility, and empowerment for individuals with disabilities. By addressing various aspects such as infrastructure, employment, housing, and community support, Chicago strives to create a more inclusive and equitable environment for all its residents. BACKGROUND POLICY INITATIVES RECOMMENDATIONS RESEARCH OBJECTIVE METHODOLOGY FINDINGS • Increased funding for advocacy efforts from disability rights groups would significantly enhance their capacity to promote accessibility and inclusivity for individuals with disabilities. This funding could support initiatives such as grassroots organizing, public awareness campaigns, legal advocacy, and lobbying efforts aimed at influencing policymakers and stakeholders. • Implementing and upholding inclusive design standards and infrastructure would greatly bolster advocacy efforts for accessibility from disability rights groups. By ensuring that public spaces, buildings, transportation systems, and digital platforms are universally accessible, these standards not only remove physical barriers but also validate the rights and dignity of individuals with disabilities. This research seeks to examine the way the City of Chicago addresses issues of accessibility when it comes to people with disabilities and means of transportation. By analyzing existing policies, infrastructure improvements, and community engagement initiatives, this study aims to shed light on the effectiveness of current strategies in enhancing mobility and inclusivity for individuals with disabilities within the city's transportation network. Additionally, it seeks to identify potential areas for improvement and recommendations for fostering a more accessible and equitable transportation system for all residents of Chicago, regardless of ability. Introduction: The rights and well-being of individuals with disabilities have increasingly gained attention in policy circles and societal discourse. In urban environments