Mobility Ventures talks accessible transportation at Capitol Hill event

Mobility Ventures, manufacturer of the MV-1 purpose-built wheelchair accessible vehicle, will join approximately 150 other disability advocates to raise awareness of issues that affect the disability community as part of United Spinal Association's fifth annual Roll on Capitol Hill.

Mobility Ventures will be exhibiting at Roll on Capitol Hill, which takes place June 26 to 29, 2016, and highlighting the benefits of accessible transportation. The lack of accessible, affordable transportation is a growing problem for the estimated 20 million Americans who rely on wheelchairs, canes and other ambulatory devices, according to the company. Disability advocates are increasingly calling on transit systems, taxi and car-sharing services to add accessible vehicles like the MV-1 to their fleets.

In the D.C. metro, an estimated 390,000 people live with ambulatory disabilities. The D.C. Taxicab Commission (DCTC) added 16 MV-1s last year and is offering grants to help offset the purchase of the vehicles to taxicab companies and drivers. MV-1 vehicles are also used by the Washington Metropolitan Area Transit Authority (WMATA) as a part of its MetroAccess service.

"Mobility is critical to almost every aspect of our lives – our ability to work, to socialize, to go to doctor's appointments – it is truly synonymous with freedom and independence," said Pat Kemp, executive VP, Mobility Ventures. "Improving access to transportation for people with disabilities will transform lives and communities."

Roll on Capitol Hill will bring wheelchair users, clinicians and United Spinal members to Washington, D.C. to meet with Members of Congress and staff to discuss policies that improve the health, independence, and quality of life of people with disabilities.

"On this 70th anniversary year, what began in 1946 as a small, determined group of World War II veterans advocating for greater civil rights and independence in New York City, has spawned the most significant grassroots policy initiative for people with disabilities in the nation," said Jim Weisman, United Spinal's president/CEO.

Mobility Ventures is a sponsor of the event and working with the DCTC to provide transportation to event participants.