Google’s Summary of Who Qualifies as Set in the Law
“Government lists for ADA paratransit eligibility do not specify specific disabilities as the qualifying factor. Instead, eligibility is based on an individual’s functional ability to use the fixed-route transit system. This means that someone’s eligibility depends on whether their disability prevents them from independently boarding, riding, or disembarking from a readily accessible bus or train.
There are generally three categories of functional inability that can make someone eligible for ADA paratransit:
*** Inability to independently navigate the transit system: This includes individuals with impairments like intellectual, cognitive, or vision disabilities who cannot use the fixed-route system without assistance for some or all trips.
*** Need for an accessible vehicle when fixed-route service is not accessible: If an individual requires an accessible vehicle feature, such as a wheelchair lift, and the fixed-route service on a particular route is not accessible, they may be eligible.
*** Inability to reach the transit stop: This applies to individuals whose impairment prevents them from getting to or from a bus stop.
Important Considerations:
Eligibility is based on how a disability affects function, not just the diagnosis itself.
Documentation showing how the disability prevents using the fixed-route system is important.
Transit agencies assess each individual’s functional abilities to determine eligibility.
Eligibility can be unconditional (for all trips) or conditional (for specific trips).
Individuals have the right to appeal a denial of eligibility.
In summary, instead of a list of specific disabilities, paratransit eligibility is based on whether a disability functionally prevents an individual from independently using fixed-route public transportation.”
The positives of using this service
- This is door-door “shared ride” service from each building to the front door of you destination.
- Allows rides to and from the airport for the same fee as local rides!
- Allows free rides on the light rail and local buses for you and one personal care assistant which can be anyone
- Almost everyone at Highland Springs should qualify.
- Will take scooters, walkers, and heavy power chairs.
- Same cost to ride whether you go to the local Walmart or to doctor appointments in Dallas.
- A web app showing where the van is so you have an idea of pickup or drop off times.
- Reservations 24×7 either online; or, using a live person.
- TIP: For doctor appointments, I let the reservation agent know that I must be there by a given time. That has always worked for an accurate arrival. For the return, I allow extra time since the van won’t wait more than a few moments after arrival in your “pickup window” which is 20 minutes and assigned when you make the reservation. If you are unsure, take Para transit to the appointment and take Uber or GoGoGrandparent home..
The negatives of using this service:
- No Same Day reservations! You must reserve at least the day before and you cannot change the times the day of travel.
- A shared ride so you can share the van with strangers. Trust me, some are really strange.
- They moved to a new vendor in October and their startup has been rough with late buses; however, for the past 60 days or so, the service has been much better and timely
- You must complete and application and attend an assessment meeting at Dart offices downtown (transportation is provided”
Information on the application process:
- There are two key components of the application process: forms you fill out and a form that the medical center completes…. More next.
- For a general disability such as mobility or cognitive issues, complete this form; or, for visual problems, use this form. After you complete them, get the medical center to complete the medical form, either visual or general for physical or cognitive. When both are completed you can mail or email them back to DART. I strongly suggest you send them together!
- Here is a link to their “Guide to the Paratransit Services“
- See the previous section on what qualifies as a disability; but suffice to say that almost all of us will qualify based on: mobility challenges, cognitive challenges, and/or vision problems. Yes, for many of us, vision problems definitely hamper our ability to take public transit and are included in the qualifications for the service. When you apply, make sure you list the things that prevent you from using the bus or rail.
- Here is the link to the general disability form you need to complete. Or, if you have a vision disability, use this form
- Medical Center Forms. Print and take to the med center on your next appt: general disability form is here, visual disability form here.