Question Regarding ADA Paratransit Re-Certification

[jazzyjj]

Hi everyone. I haven't posted to this comm for a little bit but I have a question. I recently got my ADA paratransit re-certification notice in the mail, and I've honestly been debating what exactly to do about it. Every other time I've gotten one of these, I just went ahead with the whole re-certification process. I wasn't too happy about that, but I did it anyway. But now that state funding has gotten so out of hand, I'm totally giving up on paratransit. So earlier this afternoon I phoned the local paratransit certification folks, and spoke with somebody who actually seemed at first to know what she was doing. However, when I asked her my question and she kept putting me on hold, it became quite clear to me that she had absolutely no clue. Hence my reason for asking here. Is it absolutely, 100% necessary for one to re-certify for ADA paratransit even if they are going to only ride the fixed-route buses and the trains? I don't have very good independent travel skills anymore, which in part is a discussion for another time. Actually I posted about this over at the Disabled Rage comm, so anyone interested please feel free to go there and have a look. I also posted an earlier entry here regarding this. But anyway, whenever I travel outdoors I need somebody with me who has good eyeballs. There are a couple exceptions, but I generally can no longer travel outdoors independently. My directional navigation isn't that great anymore either, so I don't want to ride paratransit. I have been asked by drivers to give directions to where I was going, and I never felt comfortable doing that unless someone I know well was riding with me. I would carry along maps, but I think that's a whole other can of worms. I have a cell phone and am happy to call somebody if I get lost, but then the problem becomes telling that person where I am at the time I'm lost.

Comments

[synecdochic]

I think it depends on where you live, but generally I'd say that you should keep up the certification if only to have it (and because if your city is like most, re-qualifying later would be more of a pain)!

[jadelennox]

Depends on where you live and how the transit system works. In this city, if you just need a disability pass for the regular system, there's some paperwork you need, but it's less than if you need full on paratransit.

[gehayi]

I've been told by my ADA paratransit system that once you have that qualification/certification, you should hang onto it, as it is not fun to try to get it back after you've let it lapse.

Some answers, I hope they're helpful

[jesse_the_k]

Sorry, this is a long post, but I know a lot because I spent ten years on transit & paratransit boards, have read hundreds of policy documents, attended the APTA conference, even redesigned paratransit applications (and I'm a life-long transit user).

For lower fare on mainline buses & trains, Medicare or Medicaid cards are adequate proof. Before the ADA, all US Federally-funded mass transit had to offer a discount for seniors & people with disabilities. Some transit properties issued "I am an official disabled person" cards, but Medicare/Medicaid cards mean one less task for the transit system.

Speaking of saving money, your transit system can also issue you a "PCA" card. You show it to driver and say your guide-of-the-day is a personal-care assistant. ADA says required PCAs ride free.

If I'm reading you correctly, your issues re: navigation are exactly the kind of thing which make you paratransit eligible. If this is still an issue whenever you decide to recertify, then you'll be a shoo-in.

You don't have to be able to provide paratransit drivers directions: that's their JOB. They are in contact with dispatchers who can find places on a map, or else they have a GPS in the vehicle. They regularly convey people who can't shout out directions to them at all (those of us who can't always use speech). Drivers are also required to offer to guide your from the vehicle to (but not through) the first door at your destination.

The paratransit managers I know would be *horrified* to hear "I can't use paratransit because my poor navigational skills mean I can't help the driver with directions" and would take action immediately. Sadly, not all paratransit is well-managed. And I know complaining is HARD.

Paratransit eligibility is handy. On my transit system, the ADA eligibility card also serves as proof for me paying a lower fare on mainline, AND permits me to claim someone as a PCA. Each year, you can use 20 days of paratransit in a city you visit without the new city recertifying you. (Twenty days for every city.)

I hope you'll always have someone to guide you when you need it. But if you don't, paratransit is a lot cheaper than taxis (at least in my city). Uber might be less, but I use a powerchair so have no experience.

Happy to answer other Qs.

[jazzyjj]

Thanks for your replies. Re: PCA cards, I didn't know about those but will investigate. I'd be surprised though if my city offered them, only because our state government is so messed up and it seems that any and all common sense is a rarity if that. But if I can be proven wrong on that, then I'll buy every single paratransit representative in this state a beer. Or perhaps a bottle of champagne to ring in the New Year. Another option which I've heard about, is travel training offered by my state's transit agency. At least one friend of mine has gone through said travel training, and he tells me it was very useful. He is not visually impaired, but has another disability. I'm not sure if this training is offered on-site though or if the trainers come to the clients. Additionally, I don't know how extensive it is or if it's even being offered anymore given the massive budget crisis that is gripping our state. I've inquired about this multiple times but haven't heard much. I believe this friend actually attended a class but I'll ask him the next time we see each other.

[jazzyjj]

Hello and thank you for your replies. I just followed up with this and received the following reply yesterday from the local bus company regarding my inquiry. I think I'm going to just try and register for a Reduced Fare card. I've pasted their response below.


"No, it is not necessary to re-certify for ADA if you are only taking the fixed route busses and trains. But in order to ride at reduced fare you can apply for a Reduced Fare card with the RTA at (phone number).

Customer Relations"