<P>Concerning wheelchair lifts for the handicapped at railroad museums and the recent discussion thereof. First of all, let me state that, even though patrons in wheelchairs represent an infinitesimal part of the visitors to rail museums, I believe that a way MUST be found to introduce these people to railroad preservation. Unfortunately, the interiors of the small town depots that exist at most railroad museums do not in any way represent the way these stations appeared in "the old days." Instead, these buildings are used to hawk railroad T-shirts, cups, caps, books and other railroadiana and/or house photo galleries of various railroad subjects. The outside of these depots are another story however, and most are fine examples of the way depots once appeared when the train was THE way to travel. The appearance of wheel chair lifts on the station platform (or even at the end of the platform) goes a long way to destroy this image. In addition, the lift is an expensive item for something that is basically little used and also represents a piece of machinery that can (eventually) "go wrong." So how to find a way to accomodate wheelchairs WITHOUT going to lifts? My suggestion is to build a reproduction of a stock pen that is located within a short (paved) walk of the depot. Use the "cattle" ramp to push wheelchairs up to the wheelchair riding car, whatever car that might be. This "new" stock pen not only provides wheelchair access for the museums handicapped passengers but also provides a point of interest to explain to those riders. Find a stock car and park it nearby and you increase the interest that much more. And the stock pen, unlike the lift, will NEVER be the cause of mechanical problems. <br>




midlandblb@cs.com

<P>Not a cattle pen! If the station has a freight dock provide an extension and then have a removeable bridge into the combine or what ever is available.<p>The disabled are a significant (and sometimes vocal) element in our society. They got the ADA enacted and much of that was because the transit industry refused to consider providing access. Museums and other preservation actvities need to consider access for the mobility impared and other disabled. Not only are these people (and or their families) possible visitors, but also volunteers and donors.<p>A paved walkway and ramp for the disabled is also useful for the families with baby strollers. Museums get more young families than any other group of the population. And more often than not, it is the mother who will make or un-make the decision as to the desination of the day trip.<p>Upkeeping a mechanical device for the public is just like keeping the toilets working or keeping the lawn in front of the depot mowed. <br>




bnorden@gateway.net

<P>At Pennsylvania Trolley Museum we have successfully handled visitors in wheelchairs for over three years using the same wheelchair lift used by Amtrak and many commuter railroads. When not in use it is kept in an fenced area out of view. The bridge plate was modified to be used with some narrow openings on trolleys. This June we are putting a non-accessioned PCC streetcar into service that has been fitted with fold up seeats so that up to 8 people in wheelchairs can be accomodated at once.<p>We feel strongly that every effort should be made to accomodate EVERYONE in the community. It is likely that corporate or foundation funding can be found to buy the lift, which costs about $6,000.<p><br>




sbecker@pa-trolley.org