ACB is fortunate to have the privilege to meet with Amtrak leadership on a quarterly basis to talk about accommodations for passengers with disabilities. ACB has been part of a small group of disability advocacy groups who have done this for many, many years now. Additionally, once a year, that same disability advocacy cohort gets to meet in person with the full Amtrak Board of Directors. On Thursday, May 22, Director of Advocacy and Governmental Affairs Claire Stanley attended that annual meeting in Washington, D.C. In past years, the disability community has advocated for more time to bring up the needs and concerns of passengers with disabilities. As a result, the 2024 meeting provided ample time to do so. Claire was pleased to see that this year’s meeting did the same: they had approximately 45 minutes for open discussion on accessibility needs.
The meeting went well. There were a few new board members; their final confirmation by Congress was a long, drawn-out process. This new cohort included David Capozzi, the new disability representative on the Board. A disability-specific representative seat was created through a previous bill led by Senator Duckworth. Mr. Capozzi is a wheelchair user and a former executive director of the U.S. Access Board.
Amtrak currently lacks a CEO. The former CEO, Stephen Gardner, stepped down early this year for political reasons under the new presidential administration. During the meeting, the current president of Amtrak explained that they are taking time to think through what experiences and characteristics would be best for a new CEO.
During the open comment period, Claire brought up the need for wayfinding services in Amtrak stations. ACB has have been advocating for Aira access at all stations for well over a year now. In response to Claire's comment, Claire was told that such a request is in the works. If you have any Amtrak-related accessibility needs, please reach out at advocacy@acb.org
Posted on May 23rd, 2025