In January of this year, I wrote a letter to the editor about my sadness that EZ Rider was limiting its same-day service to medical appointments. Shortly after that time, they eliminated the service entirely, even when they had available drivers.
Also in January, I received a packet of information from Chapel Hill Transit’s EZ Rider Demand Response operations manager, Tyffany L. Neal, asking that the forms be filled out and returned for approval.
I had been using EZ Rider since its inception, since I have a left hip disarticulation amputation, which necessitates my using a combination of crutches and a wheelchair for all my mobility. I am considered 100 percent permanently disabled by the Social Security Administration. I filled out the necessary forms, which included my physician’s evaluation and signature. To my surprise, my request was denied. My doctor re-submitted the form, and it was again denied.
During this time, I was told by Ms. Neal that “amputees are not qualified.†Also during this time, I discovered an unidentified man on my property who had a camera and was taking pictures of my house and driveway. He later identified himself as an employee of EZ Rider.
Finally, after five months, I sought legal intervention. That resulted in a letter from Ms. Neal granting me a conditional eligibility.
This is the first time in my over 50 years as a severely disabled person that I have ever been treated with disrespect and been blatantly humiliated. My hope was that I had been targeted, and that no one else in a similar situation would receive this kind of abuse.
However, I recently met Nancy Watkins at a Chapel Hill Transit forum, and her story is similar to mine in terms of her inability to get straight answers to her application for EZ Rider to assist in her obvious disability.
Nancy and I were told at the forum by one of the sympathetic attendees that our best avenue was to “get political†and seek the help of our state and federal representatives. It is sad that in our town of enlightened individuals, we must seek outside help. It is a real challenge to be a member of the disabled, elderly and poor population. But it is far more discouraging to be treated with such lack of concern and kindness.
Carla Shuford
Chapel Hill