About Access Exchange International
Our mission
Access Exchange International is a not-for-profit and non-governmental agency which promotes inclusive public transport for persons with disabilities in Africa, Asia, the Americas, and eastern Europe. We assist stakeholders in less-wealthy regions as they promote, plan, and implement inclusive bus, rail, and paratransit services for passengers with disabilities including children, youth, and seniors.
We currently assist
- Through our publications (go to RESOURCES AND WEBLINKS)
- With introductory or specialized workshops on all aspects of accessible transport. AEI has led workshops and provided presentations in 60 cities in 30 countries outside the USA since our founding in 1991.
- With focused consultation and services to meet specific needs of stakeholders and development agencies concerning accessible transport in low-income regions.
Contact AEI to learn more or to receive an emailed or print version of our semi-annual Newsletter or other publications.
How our friends can assist AEI
- We invite colleagues around the world to send information and photographs for our newsletters.
- The majority of AEI's funding comes from individual donors. Most of our staff services are donated as a public service by our Executive Director and others. USA donors are advised that AEI is tax-exempt under Article 501(c)(3) of the USA's Internal Revenue Code and donations are tax deductible to the full extent permitted by law. Go to DONATE TO AEI to make a donation through PayPal or for our address to send us a check by regular mail.
How we are governed
We are governed by a Board of Directors that meets quarterly.
Current members of our Board of Directors are
- President: Richard Weiner
- Vice-President: Susan Worts
- Secretary: Bruce Oka
- Treasurer: Lucy Crain
- Cheryl Damico
- Ike Nnaji
- Tom Rickert, Executive Director of AEI*
- Peter Straus
* AEI’s Executive Director, Tom Rickert, served as Paratransit Coordinator and as Manager of Accessible Services for San Francisco’s public transportation agency. He stepped down in 1990 to found Access Exchange International. He has served as Co-Chair of the International Sub-Committee within the Committee on Accessible Transportation and Mobility of the USA’s Transportation Research Board. Additional background information is available upon request.
Note: AEI’s assistance is limited to the work described in this website. Please note that AEI does not provide accessible tourism services. For information on this topic, go to "accessible tourism" on a search engine.