Nicole Fraedich, existing CAT Committee Chair and Paul Lapetina, a Disability Community Member, Share Lessons and Achievements of Serving on CAT

Nicole and Paul have been on the CAT committee since 2014. Nicole works in vocational rehabilitation helping people with disabilities obtain and maintain employment. Paul Lapetina is a member of the deaf/blind community and has both shared his experiences riding UTA and advocated for changes to create more accessibility for persons with disabilities.

Paul’s favorite thing about being on the CAT is the feeling of community and friendship that developed with the fellow committee members. When asked what he learned while serving on CAT he replied, “Through my participation on CAT, I learned that most changes require collaboration between UTA departments. I also learned that fixed route, TRAX and Frontrunner all operate separately, which means that making modifications and changes to one mode of transportation does not automatically get changed to the other modes.”

In addition, Paul said “I would tell anyone joining CAT that patience is required to implement any changes. CAT is only an advisory committee. Any suggestions or changes need to go through the proper channels for consideration and implementation. I believe the disability community should serve on the CAT to advocate for their needs.”

When Nicole was asked what her favorite part of being on CAT, she responded saying, “Giving awards to the employees of UTA for their amazing service. I felt it not only increased the positive relationship with the CAT/disability community, it emphasized the pride the employees have in providing great customer service.” One of the reasons Nicole joined CAT was to bring more awareness for people with invisible disabilities. Even people with disabilities, do not consider that many and most disabilities have no visible cue.

To anyone considering joining the CAT, she says, “It is an amazing opportunity to advocate for people with disabilities and at the same time learn a lot about infrastructure and the complex maze that is public transportation.”

Some of the successes they’ve seen while being on the CAT for four years include better communication with all the departments at UTA, improved training services and community outreach, increased support from the UTA Board of Trustees, and improved visibility for people with disabilities throughout UTA. UTA has also standardized the location of bus stop signs, improved communication inside and outside of buses and trains, improved communication and coordination with UTA departments, and improved communication with UTA customers through social media.

The Committee on Accessible Transportation (CAT) is currently recruiting new members. Those interested should fill out an application online at www.rideuta.com/CAT. Applications will be accepted until Tuesday, June 30th at 5:00 pm. Apply now!