Sylvia Matthews
Windsor Mill, MD 21244
I appreciate having the opportunity to express concerns that I have had for years. I have been working service dogs for 35 years, January past. On these vehicles there is no place for service animals-dogs to lie without on top of seat belts that are mounted in the floor. Therefore the dog is uncomfortable especially riding at high speeds, turning corners quickly, sudden stops, and especially riding across bumpy roads in the city. Dogs are trying to hold their balance during the entire trip. The dog slides around when the driver is taking off & stopping, but cannot get a grip because of lying on a hump—seat belts under it on the floor. The dog naturally extends its claws to try to get a grip. Many times the dog stands up, moves around excessively because of the discomfort of lying on top of seat belts which have metal too. Drivers do not seem to be conscious of the dog riding with us; otherwise they would probably drive more carefully. Hopefully someone will find the time to reply to my concerns.
IN ADDITION, I AM A WHEELCHAIR USER. THE TIE DOWN BELTS THAT AARE MOUNTED IN THE FLOOR ARE ALSO AN INCONVENIENCE WHEN THE USER TRIES TO GET IN POSITION FOR THE TRANSPORTATION DRIVER. THESE THINGS ARE IN THE WAY. I DO NOT LIKE DRIVING OVER TOP OF THEM’ THEY DAMAGE MY TIRES. LIKE A PERSON DRIVING A CAR TRIES TO AVOID DRIVING OVER OBJECTS IN THE ROAD, A WHEELCHAIR USER DOES THE SAME. WE CARE ABOUT OUR TIRES TOO. IF ONE OF MY TIRES GETS DAMAGED, I HAVE TO FIND SOMEONE WHO CAN COME TO MY HOME AND WHO KNOWS HOW TO TAKE APART AREAS ON MY CHAIR IN ORDER TO GET TO THE TIRE TO REPAIR IT. T I HAVE TO PAY THAT PERSON FOR MILAGE, A CERTAIN AMOUNG PER INCREMENT OF TIME, LABOR & PARTS. IT IS NOT EASY FINDING SOMEONE WHO IS A WHEELCHAIR MECHANIC. THEN THEIR CHARGES HAVE TO BE REASONABLE—LIKE A MECCHANIC FOR CARS. I REALIZE THAT THESE THINGS ARE NOT COMMONLY THOUGHT OF BY PEOPLE WHO DO NOT USE CHAIRS FOR THEIR MOBILITY. THAT IS WHY I AM HAPPY TO HAVE THIS INPUT AND HOPE IT WILL MAKE A DDIFFERENCE.
Thank you,
Sylvia M. Matthews
Maryland Adapt-member, fundraising chair
CDRC-member, Board of Leadership member
MARYLAND DISABILITY LAW CENTER - SunShineFolk
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