July 2013 News
Today I learned the true meaning of working in a non-profit. It's not a set definition like CEO or HR Director. Those titles come with important job descriptions that say things like "responsible for," "leads a team of XX" or "monthly profit quota of..." In the non-profit world I am convinced that we only have titles to appease the donors who just understand business. Mine would include "responsible for stuffing 300 envelopes," "leads a team of volunteers helping children" and "quota of helping at least 10,000 people per year or more!" As ODO expands into accessible taxis with Open Taxis, here is what I am adding to my job description: "responsible for getting people from A to B....with love." My most valuable physical therapist used to tell me to "kill 'em with your kindness." I want that in my description, too.
Eric Lipp, Executive Director, Open Doors Organization
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STAXI® Partners with ODO
STAXI® Corporation Ltd. and Open Doors Organization have entered into a five-year, $50,000 partnership to support programs to improve accessibility in air travel for people with disabilities and throughout the wider community. STAXI ® is the manufacturer of innovative, nesting transport chairs, used primarily in airports and hospitals. Its newest product, the STAXI ® Boarding Chair, is designed to make aircraft transfers safer and easier. Read Press Release.
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ODO's New Office
We love our new, larger space near O'Hare. Renovations on the entrance and restroom are now complete so we’re fully wheelchair accessible, just in time to launch Open Taxis and welcome a new cohort of employees with disabilities. The dedicated training space is already getting a workout as we train the many drivers who operate Chicago’s expanded fleet of accessible taxis. Stop by and visit us at 8623 W. Bryn Mawr Ave., Suite 508, a short walk from Cumberland station on the CTA Blue Line. Our phone and fax numbers remain the same.
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BoltBus Does The Right Thing
In a letter to the DOT written in response to a public comment from ODO, BoltBus revealed that it has terminated the contract of its licensee on Long Island. While BoltBus advertises 100% accessibility, Hampton Transportation Ventures was operating with inaccessible buses in flagrant violation of both the contract and ADA regulations. Kudos to BoltBus for acknowledging the problem and doing the right thing. |
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UAIA 2014 Set For Chicago
Universal Access in Airports, hosted biennially by ODO since 2006, will return to the organization’s home town of Chicago in October 2014. This 2-day conference, which brings together various stakeholders in aviation, offers an open exchange of ideas and best practice solutions on customer service and accessibility for travelers with disabilities and seniors. Exact dates and conference hotel to be announced shortly.
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Upcoming CRO Trainings
Sign up now for our next Complaint Resolution Official trainings: Chicago, Aug. 28-29 at ODO office; NYC, Sept. 23-24 at T1, JFK. Both airlines and airline service companies are welcome. The 1-1/2 day classes begin at 9am daily. Email Risa Rifkind or call her at 773.388.8839.
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Access Board Upgrades Site
In commemoration of the 23rd Anniversary of the ADA, the U.S. Access Board has redesigned its website. The new site improves navigation with site content also more clearly organized by subject matter. It also features enhanced search options and more user-friendly page layouts.
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Disability Pride Parade
This festive, colorful event, held in Chicago each July, celebrates the anniversary of the ADA. ODO’s Kostas (Gus) Zografopoulos once again livened things up by providing Brazilian samba dancers and drummers. He is shown above with David Nelson, ODO advisory board member from Amtrak in Washington, DC.
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Open Doors Organization ( ODO), a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization based in Chicago, Illinois, was founded in 2000 for the purpose of creating a society in which all persons with disabilities have the same consumer opportunities as everyone else. We aspire to teach businesses how to succeed in the disability market, while simultaneously empowering the disability community. more...
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2013 CRO Trainings:
Chicago, Aug. 28-29, ODO Office
NYC, Sept. 23-24, T1, JFK
Call 773.388.8839 or email Risa Rifkind for details and registration.
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