S107 “Are We There Yet?”: The Road to Transportation Advocacy

In this powerful and personal episode, Kim Wardlow sits down with longtime advocate Curtis Chong to discuss transportation equity and accessibility. Curtis shares his life story—growing up blind in Hawaii, learning programming in a pre-digital world, and his decades of advocacy work in technology and transportation. He breaks down the evolution of public transit and paratransit systems, and shines a light on how crucial accessible and affordable transportation is for employment, independence, and daily life. From calling out discrimination at a Minnesota amusement park to being on the advisory committee for RTD in Denver, Curtis offers insights and strategies for effective advocacy—whether it’s using education, documentation, or the occasional hammer when necessary. This episode dives deep into how technology, policy, and mindset shape access to mobility for the blind and low-vision community. ⚠️ Stay tuned for a special Thursday release where Curtis returns to explore rural transportation and more practical tips for getting around safely and effectively. ⏱️ Chapter Markers: 00:00 – Welcome & Episode Intro 00:57 – Meet Curtis Chong: From Hawaii to Advocacy 03:00 – Growing Up Blind in a Sighted Family 06:45 – Music, Perfect Pitch, and the Road to Tech 08:55 – First Jobs & Learning to Program Without Sight 11:45 – Entering Advocacy: Group Therapy, Bravery & Pushback 14:50 – From Rebellion to System Reform in Hawaii 17:30 – Work Ethic, Expectations & Education 20:40 – When to Use the Hammer in Advocacy 23:35 – The Amusement Park Protest & a 5-Year Win 25:50 – The Evolution of Transportation for the Blind 28:00 – Paratransit Limitations & Community Debates 30:00 – Access-A-Ride vs. Access On Demand 33:20 – Budget, Uber/Lyft & Smartphone Barriers 37:40 – Tech Dependence & the Cost of Access 40:00 – Silent Majority: Who Gets Left Behind 42:00 – Preview of Part 2: Rural Access & Tips