When the Wheels Don’t Turn: A Mother’s Call for Accessible Family Life For most families, after-school activities are a routine part of childhood—foo

When the Wheels Don’t Turn: A Mother’s Call for Accessible Family Life

For most families, after-school activities are a routine part of childhood—football practices, dance rehearsals, school concerts, and weekend festivals. But for Becky, a mother of two and a member of Connecticut’s blind community, these moments are not just hard to reach—they’re often out of reach entirely.

“I want to give my kids every opportunity to grow and explore,” Becky shares. “But most days, I’m stuck between wanting to do more and knowing I just can’t get us there.”

Becky is now completely blind, like many people dealing with progressive vision diseases; her life is not as she planned. She navigates her days with strength and intention, but the truth is, her biggest obstacle isn’t her disability—it’s transportation.

The Cost of Inclusion

Like many parents, Becky wants her kids to be involved, make friends, and feel like they belong. But while most families can jump in the car after school or carpool to events, Becky faces a different set of barriers.

Public transportation is limited in her area. Rideshare services like Uber or Lyft are expensive—especially when factoring in round trips for multiple destinations in one evening. Accessible transportation options are even scarcer, and often must be booked far in advance.

“By the time I arrange something, the opportunity has passed,” she says. “It feels like we’re always one step behind, watching life from the sidelines.”

Becky’s children, ages 7 and 14, have dreams just like any other kids—joining their school’s music program, going to the movies, or attending local fairs. But those dreams come with a hidden price tag that too few people see: the cost of access.

When Inclusion Feels Out of Reach

Becky’s story isn’t unique. Thousands of families across the state are experiencing the same silent struggle. They’re eager to participate in community life but are held back by structural barriers—transportation being one of the biggest.

“We don’t want charity. We want opportunity,” Becky explains. “Give us the tools to participate and we’ll show up.”

Accessible and affordable transportation is more than a convenience—it’s a lifeline. It connects families to education, recreation, healthcare, and the simple joy of being part of something bigger.

A Vision for the Future

Becky dreams of a world where families like hers can thrive without having to fight for every inch of inclusion. She envisions:

• Community ride programs tailored to families with disabilities
• Sliding scale transportation services based on income and need
• More inclusive event planning that considers how people actually arrive—not just how they’re welcomed once they’re there
•  Greater investment in accessible infrastructure and mobility options statewide

? Community ride programs tailored to families with disabilities.
? Sliding scale transportation services based on income and need.
? More inclusive event planning that considers how people actually arrive—not just how they’re welcomed once they’re there.
? Greater investment in accessible infrastructure and mobility options statewide.

“Accessibility isn’t just about ramps or braille, yellow paint or elevators,” she says. “It’s about being able to say yes to life.”

Let’s Keep the Wheels Turning

At UR Community Cares, we believe in a world where no family is left behind because of logistical or financial limitations. Becky’s story is a powerful reminder that equity must extend beyond intentions—it needs action, planning, and community support.

We gave her many resources to explore, so hopefully her town will commit to starting a disabilities commission to better residents’ lives. In addition, we advocated for her to write to her town, proposing the establishment of a Commission on Disability Issues. This commission would be dedicated to identifying and addressing deficiencies that hinder individuals with disabilities from fully participating as citizens. By determining areas of need, the commission can recommend effective solutions to ensure inclusivity and accessibility for all residents.

UR Community Cares is committed to working toward solutions that lift everyone. Whether it’s advocating for more accessible public services or building partnerships to offer transportation assistance, we’re here to help families like Becky’s find their way forward.

Let’s build a future where every parent can cheer on their child at a game, every family can enjoy a summer concert, and no one has to choose between isolation and bankruptcy just to participate.

Because community care means more than showing up—it means making sure everyone can get there.

Let’s work together to be novel,

Michelle Puzzo, Executive Director

860-430-4557

info@urcommunitycares.org