Great Transportation Opportunities for People with Disabilities
What Are Some Good Transportation Options for
People with Disabilities?
For people who are disabled, jobs are much easier to find and keep when
reliable transportation is available. The task of finding reliable
transportation to a job may seem daunting, but many options exist beyond public
transit systems, carpooling, and driving an adapted vehicle. Below are some to
consider.
Paratransit
If your disability prevents you from using public transportation, you may be
eligible for Paratransit. This door-to-door service is available in most
metropolitan areas and some rural locales. Typically, the vehicles employed are
wheelchair-accessible taxis, vans, or minibuses, providing round-trip
commutes. Vehicles travel near the same routes used by buses and trains,
during the same hours. The cost is comparable to bus fare.
Paratransit isn't limited to wheelchair users. However, if you do travel by
wheelchair, the driver can help you enter and exit the vehicle. Drivers are
specially trained to assist disabled individuals. To qualify for Paratransit,
you must complete an application stating your disability and why public
transportation isn't an option. Additionally, a healthcare professional must
sign the form. Once approved, you'll receive a pass enabling you to schedule rides.
Uber
Uber operates in 633 cities worldwide, and it differs
from taxis in many ways. First, Uber cars can only be accessed by smartphone,
not hailed from the street. Secondly, Uber drivers don't have special licenses,
and they use their personal vehicles for transport. Uber also has several
advantages over cabs. Typically, Uber fares are cheaper, often undercutting cab
rates by half. Plus, tipping is optional. Since Uber drivers are rated by
passengers on customer service, they're motivated to keep the cars in tip-top
shape. As a condition of employment, Uber drivers must consistently score high
in customer ratings. Regarding the treatment of service animals, drivers are
required to honor laws and company policies.
When requesting a ride, use the app to specify
your pickup location. Then, Uber gives you an estimated arrival time, the
average wait being 3 to 10 minutes. The car's arrival is announced by text,
including the car type, driver's name and photo, and trip cost. If other
passengers share the ride, you can split the fare, handled electronically.
After the ride, you rate the driver on politeness, safe navigation, and car
cleanliness.
The Uber company has a heart and mind for the disabled, with services designed
to streamline both communication and transportation:
- For deaf and hearing-impaired
riders, the Uber app features vibrating and flashing light alerts. With
Uber, nonverbal communication is a breeze.
- Vision-impaired customers have
three options for obtaining rides. Depending on the mobile device, they
can use either TalkBack for Android, VoiceOver for iPhone, or wireless
braille.
- Wheelchair users can specifically
request an accessible vehicle, equipped with a lift or ramp. They can also
ask for drivers trained to assist disabled passengers.
Mobility Managers
Mobility managers are employees of transit and human service agencies, with
connections to local transportation services. Among their responsibilities is
providing disabled individuals with commuting options other than driving.
Working with a mobility manager is like having a personal travel agent. This
professional is a liaison to area transporters, government offices, and
community organizations. After researching all commuting possibilities, the
manager recommends practical options. For example, the manager might
arrange and coordinate rides for you or explain how to find rides independently.
Many states have established mobility management programs. The National Center
for Mobility Management has compiled a list of participating states, along with
links to local resources. To access the file, visit: https://nationalcenterformobilitymanagement.org/for-mobility-managers/state-local-mobility-management-websites/.
If your state isn't listed, visit the website of the American Public
Transportation Association at https://www.apta.com/resources/links/unitedstates/Pages/default.aspx.
Here you'll find a state directory with links to public transit agencies. Click
on the link for your state, and you'll see agencies listed by region, county,
and city.
Transportation Voucher Programs
Across the U.S., many rural areas are joining forces to provide disabled
individuals with low-cost transportation. With a voucher program, a sponsoring
agency contracts with local transportation providers to offer residents their
services. Eligible riders can purchase a voucher checkbook from the host
agency, good for a specific number of miles. Such vouchers are deeply
discounted, making transportation much more affordable.
Rural transit providers may be public or private, such as taxicab operators or
van companies. Additionally, community members are invited to serve as drivers,
reimbursed for mileage costs at the federal maximum rate. A Transportation
Voucher Program has three beneficiaries—disabled passengers, volunteer drivers,
and local transit providers. Some rural communities go the extra mile. While
reducing commuting costs, they also subsidize travel for personal errands,
medical appointments, and social activities.
Eldercare Locator
This highly useful resource directs people to local community services,
including transportation. With the name "Eldercare," it's logical to
think only seniors are eligible for assistance. However, the Locator also
welcomes inquiries from disabled adults, ages 21 to 64, who receive Medicare.
To speak with an Eldercare Information Specialist, call the toll-free number,
1-800-677-1116, Monday through Friday, between 9am and 8pm, Eastern Time. When
calling, mention that you'd like referrals for transportation services in your
area. Here's a partial listing of what may be available:
- Paratransit services - also called
demand response transportation services
- Mobility management services
- Transportation voucher programs
- Public transportation - bus fares
and discounts
- Volunteer transportation programs
- One-click transportation websites
- Vehicle conversion
- Accessible parking
placards/license tags
- Travel training programs
In case the term "travel training
program" isn't familiar, this entails teaching disabled persons the safe
and independent use of public transportation. Typically, these programs are
free.
Just like there are many jobs for people with disabilities, there are also a wide
array of transportation options to choose from. If you’re a person living with
a disability who is looking for work, reach out to disABLEDperson, Inc. today.
Check out our job listings on our website, and feel free to give us a call at
760-420-1269 to learn more.