News

For many of us, transportation is something we take for granted—a drive to a doctor’s appointment, a bus to a concert, or a quick Uber to visit a friend. But for individuals with disabilities, the ability to simply get where they need to go often doesn’t exist. As a parent of an adult son with disabilities, and as a board member at Achieva, I’ve seen this barrier up close. My son Mark Steidl uses a wheelchair. Thanks to his special needs trust, he has an accessible van. But most people don’t. And far too often, I’ve watched as his classmates, friends, and peers were left behind—not because they lacked the interest, energy, or ambition—but because they had no way to get there.

The Invisible Barrier

Transportation is one of the most overlooked but devastatingly impactful challenges facing the disability community. Public transit cutbacks have left entire neighborhoods without viable options. Shared ride services like ACCESS in Allegheny County are often overwhelmed and unable to fulfill all requests— especially on short notice.

Families with limited income may not be able to afford a car, and for those who need wheelchair-accessible vehicles, the cost can be out of reach. Renting a van for a single day can run hundreds of dollars. What should be a spontaneous outing becomes a logistical and financial mountain to climb.

The results? Missed appointments. Lost job opportunities. Isolation. And the slow erosion of independence.

Pittsburgh’s unique topography and patchwork of urban, suburban, and rural communities amplify the problem. But this isn’t just a local issue. Across the country, people with disabilities are stuck at home while life moves on without them.

Achieva’s Vision for Change

Achieva believes freedom begins with mobility. That’s why an on-demand transportation program specifically tailored to people with disabilities is being developed through the Beyond Boundaries Campaign. A dedicated Manager of Disability Transportation Innovation will be hired to:

• Assess individual transportation needs and catalog available resources
• Pilot flexible, accessible, on-demand transportation services
• Evaluate impact on employment, social connection, and well-being
• Use data to advocate for long-term, systemic change

We are currently seeking funding for a pilot program to build a model that not only meets immediate needs but informs sustainable public policy improvements.

The Bottom Line

Transportation is not a luxury. It’s a basic human need—and a right. Without it, opportunities shrink, isolation grows, and quality of life plummets.

Everyone deserves the chance to say yes to life—to participate in their community, access healthcare, hold a job, or simply spend time with friends. At Achieva, we’re working to make that possible.

Because no one should be left behind.