Access Services and the Traveler with Visual Impairment: A Help or Hindrance to Independence? Vince Fazzi, Sr., MA, COMS Brenda Naimy, MA, COMS CTEBVI Conference – April 24, 2010

What is ADA Paratransit?  A complementary transportation service for people who cannot use public buses or trains because of functional limitations caused by their disability.  Access Services, Inc. operates the ADA Paratransit service in Los Angeles

Who is Eligible for ADA Paratransit? Based upon functional abilities:  Category 1 – Get to and from the bus?  Category 2 – Get on and off the bus?  Category 3 – Understand which bus to get on and When to get off the bus?

 Not based solely on age, disability, or medical diagnosis  Convenience  Unfamiliar with buses, routes  Need to carry items  Restroom needs  Availability of local bus routes to destinations  Bus schedules

1) Complete the Transit Evaluation Information Sheet 2) Call Access Customer Service and obtain an ID number. 3) Call Access Services Eligibility Center and make appointment 4) Access Services will provide transportation to and from appointment 5) Interview and Functional Assessment is completed 6) Eligibility determination is made within 30 days

 Unrestricted  Restricted ◦ Allowed at Night ◦ Allowed to specific destinations ◦ Not allowed to specific destinations  Temporary  Not Eligible

 In person  More in depth functional assessment, based upon nature of appeal ◦ O&M ◦ Medical ◦ Psychiatric ◦ Physical therapy

Does eligibility for Access Services reduce a student’s motivation to develop the skills needed to become an “independent” traveler?

 Make student aware of services and eligibility requirements and process  Discuss benefits and limitations of using Access Services  Discuss possibility of using ADA Paratransit to supplement use of public transportation

 Application:  Customer Service (for ID #): ◦ (800) ◦ TDD ,  Access Transit Evaluation Center (to schedule appointment): ◦ (323) ◦ TDD (323)