The NITA Act Requires the agency for form an Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) Advisory Council. This page will hold information about the council and how to apply. Applications are open from September 24 through October 31, 2026.
The purpose of the Northern Illinois Transit Authority (NITA) ADA Advisory Council is to advise the NITA Board of the impact of NITA policies, programs, and public transportation services on transit riders with disabilities in the region and to make recommendations for how to improve CTA, Metra, and Pace.
The NITA ADA Advisory Council is a volunteer council that exists solely on an advisory level to the NITA. The Council will have between 5-15 members from around the region, comprised of individual riders with disabilities and representatives from organizations that serve people with disabilities. Members will serve 5-year terms.
The NITA ADA Advisory Council will meet at least quarterly at NITA headquarters and members are expected to attend in-person whenever possible to reach a quorum in compliance with Open Meetings Act requirements. There is no compensation for members, however members may request reimbursement for necessary expenses related to the performance of their duties. Members will be expected to comply with NITA ADA Advisory Council bylaws.
General member duties include:
Sharing concerns pertaining to the quality, efficiency, safety, accessibility, and equity of mainline and paratransit public transportation services as they impact riders with disabilities.
Assessing the efficacy of NITA initiatives to protect the safety of riders with disabilities on the public transportation system
Supporting the development and communication of recommendations to NITA for how NITA can improve the quality, efficiency, and equity of public transportation service for riders with disabilities in the metropolitan region
Serving as a resource for NITA staff to discuss proposed changes to services, policies, and technologies affecting transit riders with disabilities before those changes are implemented
Acting as a liaison between riders with disabilities, disability advocacy organizations, and the Northern Illinois Transit Authority, NITA Board, and NITA ADA Advisory Council
If you need support filling out the application please contact Takesia Cooley at (312) 913-3132.
