HART Seeks Applicants for ADA Accessibility Committee

HART is seeking applicants to serve on its ADA Accessibility Committee, which advises HART on issues affecting people with disabilities and helps support accessibility throughout the transit system.

One position is currently available for a three-year term. Residents interested in applying should reside or work in Hillsborough County. Committee service is voluntary, and members serve without compensation.

The ADA Accessibility Committee serves an important advisory role by assisting HART in its efforts to ensure compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) and improve accessibility for people with disabilities throughout Hillsborough County.

Committee responsibilities include:

• Reviewing HART priorities and projects and providing guidance on disability and accessibility issues.
• Serving as a liaison between HART and members of the public with disabilities when accessibility concerns or complaints regarding HART services or facilities arise.
• Advising HART on issues affecting people with disabilities.
• Advocating for accessibility for people with disabilities who use HART services.

The committee meets quarterly on the third Thursday from 1:30 p.m. to 3 p.m.

How to Apply

Applicants must complete and submit an Application for HART Committee Appointments. Fillable application forms and additional information are available on the HART website at goHART.org/ADAcommittee.

All forms must be signed and dated, and all questions must be answered completely for an application to be considered. Incomplete applications will not be accepted.

Applications are due by close of business Friday, September 25, 2026.

Appointments are scheduled for review at the ADA Accessibility Committee meeting on Thursday, October 15, 2026. Applicants may attend the meeting.

For questions regarding the application process, applicants can contact Catherine Chavarria at ChavarriaC@gohart.org.

HART Joins Sunflower Program to Support Riders with Non-Visible Disabilities

In recognition of Autism Acceptance Month, HART is proud to announce its participation in the Hidden Disabilities Sunflower Program—an important step forward in its ongoing commitment to accessibility for all customers.

The Hidden Disabilities Sunflower Program is a global initiative designed to support individuals living with non-visible disabilities, such as autism spectrum disorder, dyslexia, multiple sclerosis, and more. The program uses a simple but powerful symbol: a green lanyard with yellow sunflowers. When worn, it discreetly signals that the individual may need additional assistance, patience, or understanding—without requiring them to explain their condition.

“At HART, we are committed to ensuring every rider feels supported and respected,” said Frank Wyszynski, HART Manager of Marketing and Communications. “Joining the Hidden Disabilities Sunflower Program is an important step in building a more welcoming and accessible transit system for everyone in Hillsborough County.”

HART is among the first transit agencies in the nation to adopt the program, further demonstrating its leadership in advancing accessible public transportation.

This effort builds on HART’s broader HART For All initiative, which focuses on creating a more inclusive transit experience. Many HART operators are already familiar with the sunflower symbol through its use at Tampa International Airport. Now, with expanded training across the organization, more employees will be equipped to recognize the symbol and respond with empathy and support.

As part of the program, sunflower lanyards are now available to customers upon request and can be used throughout the HART system. Riders can pick up a lanyard at HART Customer Service locations at the Marion Transit Center or the University Area Transit Center.

The Hidden Disabilities Sunflower Program operates year-round, working with organizations worldwide to raise awareness, provide training, and share stories that foster understanding and inclusion.

By joining this global movement, HART continues to take meaningful steps toward ensuring that public transportation is accessible, welcoming, and supportive for everyone—because every rider deserves to feel seen.

For more information about HART and its accessibility initiatives, visit www.goHART.org.