Pagano made Metra accessible to all

I am writing as a former plaintiff in the lawsuit once filed against Metra for lack of accessibility to disabled people, and as one of the co-chairs of the former Metra Accessibility Committee (MAC), to express my sadness at the loss of Metra Executive Director Phil Pagano and to honor his accomplishments on behalf of people with disabilities in the Chicago region.

Mr. Pagano worked with the MAC for close to eighteen years. He took to heart the charge to make Metra accessible to people with disabilities and under his leadership Metra evolved from a commuter rail system where accessibility to disabled riders was virtually unheard of to one in which accessibility has become the norm.

Mr. Pagano was a sincere, straightforward, and humble man who diligently attended our meetings and tirelessly worked with us through the numerous access issues on the table, often staying after normal business hours to do so.

Mr. Pagano understood the importance of reliable accessible transportation for people with disabilities and he shared our vision of accessibility as a goal that could be achieved with practicality and cooperation. Hundreds of people with disabilities now ride Metra each day to work, school, etc. Both Metra and Mr. Pagano have been recognized by Progress Center for Independent Living, which serves people with disabilities through out suburban Cook County, for this tremendous accomplishment with our highest honor, the Liberty Award.

When all is said and done, Mr. Pagano left a disability and human rights legacy for Metra to be proud of and to carry forward. He has my lasting respect and gratitude.

Phil Pagano helped make the world a better place for people with disabilities and by doing so, he made the world a better place for all.

Sharon Lamp

Des Plaines