Transportation is more than getting from point A to point B, it’s how people get to work, school, access health care and other essential services, and stay connected to their community. Where transit is limited or non-existent, people are left isolated. Reliable transportation gives people autonomy and the freedom to fully participate in their communities and live the lives they choose.
The lack of transportation options for people living in rural areas, or gaps in existing transit systems, is a barrier to independence and inclusion for people who are blind, Deafblind, or have low vision.
Last year, CNIB Advocacy established an advisory committee to support the development of a rural transportation strategy, focused on improving access to accessible public transit in rural areas. One part of the committee’s work was the creation of a new Rural Transit Advocacy Toolkit.
Developed with input from committee members across Canada, the toolkit includes important information and strategies to help people advocate for rural transportation.
Inside the toolkit you’ll find:
- Messaging on the importance of transportation in rural communities for people who are blind or have low vision, which can be shared with decision makers and other stakeholders
- Examples of alternatives to traditional public transit that may be more suitable for rural areas
- Information on government responsibilities when it comes to transportation
- Strategies you can use to advocate for greater access to transportation, including a letter-writing guide, information on public speaking, and tips for interacting with the media
- A sample petition and letter that you can use as a template to meet your community’s unique needs
Download the Rural Transit Advocacy Toolkit
Every community is different, so we recognize that not every strategy in this toolkit will work everywhere. That’s why we’ve included a range of resources to help you make a strong case for rural transit in your community and turn ideas into action.
If you have questions about this resource, want to share your advocacy successes, or would like to provide feedback, please reach out to us at advocacy@cnib.ca or call 1-800-563-2642