BART Connects: BART showed Steve and Vanessa that "there is life out there"

Today, July 26, 2024, marks the 34th anniversary of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), which was signed into law on July 26, 1990. The ADA protects the rights of those with disabilities and is recognized as a watershed milestone for civil rights in the U.S. 

More than 7% of BART riders have a disability (as self-reported in a 2022 survey), including Steven Howell and Vanessa Castro. Steven and Vanessa use BART to get just about everywhere. Says Steven: "[BART] showed me there is life out there."

Hear more from the couple in the above video. 

Earlier this month, Governor Gavin Newsom proclaimed July Disability Pride Month. BART joins our governor in celebrating and recognizing riders with disabilities and the contributions they have made to our transportation system and region. We encourage you to read about Harold Willson, an activist who fought to make BART accessible for all in the 1960s. 

We are continuously striving to make BART as easy to use as possible for every single person who rides and relies on us. Our work is ongoing. Learn more about BART's Accessible Services at bart.gov/accessibility.