Home » Living » Free Transportation Services for the Disabled

Free Transportation Services for the Disabled

free transportation services for the disabled

Are you suffering from reduced mobility due to a disability?

Many people find that getting around can pose certain challenges. And this can have a serious impact on their overall quality of life.

If you have limited funds, you may not be able to afford to pay for private taxis and other options. Fortunately, you can apply to a number of different programs to help you get around.

So, let’s take a look at the options for free transportation services for the disabled and how you can apply.

About Paratransit Programs 

A number of transportation services are available to people who suffer from certain types of disabilities. Commonly known as paratransit, this service provides door-to-door transportation. The programs are available in most parts of the United States and are either very cheap or completely free.

Who qualifies for this?

People who qualify for one of these programs do not necessarily need to be in a wheelchair. Even people who are not approved for Social Security Disability can qualify. The program can be used to transport participants to medical appointments, to visit friends, or simply to go shopping. 

The standard cost of the journey is usually comparable with the cost of bus fare. And if a companion rides with a disabled person, they will not usually be charged. Disabled people who have a low income can also enjoy rides without being charged. 

How to Find Paratransit?

A large number of organizations in the United States offer transportation to people in need. The easiest way to find your local provider is to reach out to the National Aging and Disability Transportation Center. They are sure to have information about an organization in your area that can help you.

If you need help getting to and from work…

You can reach out to the Office of Disability Employment Policy. This branch of the United States government is dedicated to helping people with disabilities get to and from work. In addition to assisting with transport, they also provide connections to healthcare, housing, and technology for those in need. 

The Center for Independent Living can also help hook you up with free transportation if you have a disability. This non-profit organization is focused on helping people with disabilities lead independent lives. You can reach out to find information on local programs, as well as transition assistance and referrals.

This is also a good place to find information on independent living skills. 

Free Transportation Services for the Disabled

So, depending on where you live, you may find that a few organizations offer assistance. However, the type of assistance and the qualifying criteria can vary widely. Here are some of the organizations you can reach out to in order to get the help you need. 

United Cerebral Palsy 

This national non-profit organization provides assistance and resources for individuals with cerebral palsy and other types of disabilities. A range of essential services is offered through the organization’s regional offices. While these can vary in different parts of the country, they often include various types of transportation.

United Cerebral Palsy

How to get in contact?

You can contact your local United Cerebral Palsy affiliate and ask if they offer rides in your area. Rides are usually provided by volunteers, who generously donate their time and use their own vehicles. As a result, availability may be restricted in some parts of the United States. 

Local charitable organizations

Several local charities also offer people with disabilities with rides and other types of assistance. So, it is worth looking into this and finding out what type of assistance you are eligible for. The Area Agency on Aging is a good resource and can connect you with participating local organizations. 

EasterSeals

This national organization has local and regional offices throughout the United States. You can contact a local agency and request assistance in finding suitable transportation services. 

Medicaid 

If you receive Medicaid, make sure to check with your provider. You will usually be offered free transportation to get to and from doctor’s appointments. Your Medicaid provider may also have details of a program that will cover your other transportation needs. 

How to Apply for Paratransit?

Once you have found a local organization that offers this service, you need to apply to the program. This usually involves completing an application form on the organization’s website or mailing in the form. You also usually need to provide a statement from your doctor that confirms your disability. 

How to Apply for Paratransit

Who qualifies?

Each program that offers Paratransit has different qualifying criteria. And it is important to read the criteria carefully to make sure you qualify before applying. Organizations that offer a paratransit program usually display the criteria on their website.

But in essence…

People who are deemed unable to use public transportation are usually automatically accepted. You can still apply if you are only unable to use public transportation on certain days. There may be some days when your mental or physical symptoms are worse than others. 

Mental impairments

People with certain mental impairments also qualify for Paratransit. These disorders prevent sufferers from using public transportation unassisted. This includes people who suffer from panic disorders. And some people with mental or cognitive impairments are unable to navigate public transportation networks without getting lost. 

Disability-related reason

You need to have a genuine reason that is connected to a physical or mental disability. Because all of the organizations that offer these programs have limited resources. As a result, assistance is only provided to people who have no other viable option. 

You will not be eligible in the following circumstances:

  • There’s no bus or train service in your neighborhood
  • The bus or train does not follow a convenient schedule
  • Your bus or train does not follow a convenient route

At the time of applying, you need to state at least one reason why you need paratransit. The reason you provide will be evaluated, and your need for paratransit will then be assessed.

You are likely to be approved in the following cases:

  • Your disability stops you from using public transportation
  • A disability causes you pain when using public transportation
  • Using public transportation worsens your symptoms for a particular reason

The function test

Although this is not common, some organizations may require applicants to apply in person. And they may request that applicants submit to a function test as part of the assessment. However, it is possible to refuse the function test if you believe it will cause you physical or emotional distress

Using Paratransit

While paratransit is designed to help people with disabilities, it is slightly limited in its scope. As a result, using it can be a little inconvenient at times. Here are some tips and tricks to help you get the most out of this service. 

Scheduling

You usually need to call and schedule a ride a few days in advance. If you have regular appointments that you need to attend, it may be possible to auto-schedule. This allows you to set up an automatic ride for each week instead of having to repeatedly call to schedule. 

Choose the right time

Because paratransit caters to as many people as possible, other people may be picked up during the journey. This means that trips can take quite a lot longer during busy periods. The busiest times are usually from 08:00 to 09:00 and 17:00 to 18:00 on weekdays. So, if you are in a hurry, try to avoid scheduling a ride at these times.  

Choose the right time

Be ready

Make sure you are ready a few minutes before your ride is due to arrive. Pick-up and drop-off times can vary depending on traffic and a number of other factors. So, being ready and waiting when your ride arrives will help make the experience go more smoothly for all. 

Be patient

However, there are likely to be times when your ride arrives late, especially if traffic is heavy. You can call dispatch and check on your ride if you are feeling anxious. Otherwise, you simply need to sit tight and wait for your ride to arrive. Therefore, try and allow extra time before appointments when scheduling rides to avoid arriving late or at the last minute. 

Stay connected

Make sure you keep your cell phone close to hand while waiting for paratransit. You may need to call to cancel the ride or find out why it is delayed. Moreover, calling while you are waiting for paratransit can eliminate the risk of getting stranded when you are away from home.

Are You on a Low-Income?

If so, there are a few other great services we’d like to inform you about while you are here.

Such as How to Get Wi-Fi with SNAP Benefits, the Free Government Landline Phone ServiceFree Internet for Low-Income FamiliesFree or Cheap Furniture for Low-Income Families, a Free Refrigerator for Low Income Families, and Free PO Boxes for Homeless People.

You may also qualify for a Free Divorce Lawyer for Low-Income if you’re facing a divorce.

On SNAP benefits already?

Then we can also answer questions for you like, Does Dollar Tree Accept EBTCan You Use EBT on DoorDash, or Does McDonald’s Take EBT?

Simply use our search box for any disability support question you may have in 2023.

Back to…

Final Thoughts

If you need a little help getting around, you may be eligible for a paratransit program. These programs are available to people who are mentally and/or physically disabled. People who are on Medicaid can use this service to travel to doctor’s appointments without having to pay.

However, these programs are not just available to people who need to travel to a doctor’s appointment. However, if you are eligible, you can use the service to cater to all your transportation needs. This makes it easier to take care of basic needs and socialize, which raises the general quality of life.

Happy transits!

5/5 - (1 vote)
Share:

Leave a Comment

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Scroll to Top