A powerful call for change echoed through the ENT Committee Session on January 30, 2025, as Rhonda Offman passionately advocated for amendments to protect individuals with disabilities in Baltimore City. Offman, representing her organization, emphasized the urgent need for legal provisions that allow vehicles to pick up and drop off disabled individuals at the curb, even if it means encroaching on bike lanes.

Offman shared her harrowing experiences navigating the city’s streets, detailing near-death encounters while trying to access transportation. “I have nearly died trying to cross to get to a vehicle,” she stated, highlighting the dangerous conditions that individuals with disabilities face daily. She described the perilous journey across multiple lanes of traffic and bike lanes, where the lack of designated loading zones puts lives at risk.

The crux of Offman's argument was clear: design solutions alone are insufficient. She called for a specific legal carve-out to ensure safety for those with disabilities, citing the inadequacies of current law enforcement responses and the slow process of civil rights complaints. “A design solution is not working,” she asserted, urging committee members to support the amendment for the sake of safety and accessibility.

The session concluded with no further questions, but the impact of Offman's testimony lingered, underscoring the critical need for legislative action to enhance the safety and mobility of disabled individuals in Baltimore City. As the committee prepares for future discussions, the urgency of this issue remains at the forefront, with advocates like Offman leading the charge for meaningful change.