Director of Accessibility

Category: Gov’t Affairs and Policy
Director of Accessibility (Policy)

Overview
The Director of Accessibility serves as Rail Passengers Association’s lead advocate and
strategist for ensuring fair and accessible passenger rail and transit experiences for all
travelers. This volunteer staff member focuses on improving disability access across
Amtrak, commuter rail, and local transit systems, and acts as the Association’s primary
liaison to agencies, policymakers, and disability-rights organizations on accessibility
matters.

Key Responsibilities
- Develop and maintain the Association’s accessibility policy platform, including guidance
on online bookings, station design, wayfinding, boarding, seating, restrooms, digital
communication, and emergency procedures.
- Represent the Association in meetings and correspondence with Amtrak, commuter rail
authorities, regional transit agencies, and disability advocacy groups.
- Review and respond to Federal and state rulemakings, FRA guidance, and Amtrak
initiatives related to accessibility standards and compliance.
- Identify and document best practices for universal design and assistive technology in rail
and transit systems.
- Support Rail Passengers staff and volunteers by developing position statements, white
papers, and briefings on accessibility-related topics.
- Serve as an internal advisor to other volunteer teams (Policy, Communications,
Consumer Affairs) to ensure accessibility principles are embedded throughout the
Association’s work.
- Contribute to Rail Passengers publications, podcasts, and webinars highlighting
accessibility successes and ongoing barriers in U.S. passenger rail.

Qualifications
- Demonstrated experience or interest in disability rights, ADA compliance, transportation
policy, or accessible design.
- Familiarity with Amtrak, commuter rail, or public transit systems and their accessibility
challenges.
- Strong communication, policy analysis, and consensus-building skills.
- Ability to engage effectively with government, nonprofit, and industry stakeholders.
- Lived experience with disability or prior advocacy on behalf of people with disabilities is
highly valued, though not required.

Time Commitment
Variable by campaign; average ~3–5 hours/week with occasional surges.

Benefits
- Opportunity to influence national transportation accessibility policy and improve system
design.
- Professional development through engagement with Amtrak, FRA, and accessibility-
focused organizations.
- Recognition through published credits, public acknowledgments, and internal awards.
- Access to staff-only briefings, events, and networking opportunities.
- Letters of recommendation and professional references upon successful completion of
service.

Should be a Rail Passengers member or prepared to join Rail Passengers to participate. To
apply, send a resume, clips/links and a cover letter by email to [email protected].