ADA Paratransit: Your Legal Right

The Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) requires public transit systems that operate fixed-route bus or rail service to also provide complementary paratransit service for people who cannot use the fixed-route system due to a disability.

ADA paratransit provides door-to-door or curb-to-curb service within three-quarters of a mile of fixed bus routes, during the same hours as the fixed-route service. Fares cannot exceed twice the regular fixed-route fare.

To use ADA paratransit, you must apply and be certified as ADA paratransit eligible by your local transit authority.

Medicaid Non-Emergency Medical Transportation

People with disabilities who are enrolled in Medicaid are entitled to Non-Emergency Medical Transportation (NEMT) — free rides to and from Medicaid-covered medical appointments when no other transportation is available.

NEMT is especially important for people with disabilities who need regular trips to therapy, specialist appointments, dialysis, or other ongoing care. Wheelchair-accessible vehicles and stretcher transport are available when needed.

Contact your Medicaid managed care plan or state Medicaid office to schedule NEMT rides.

Section 5310 Program

The Federal Transit Administration's Section 5310 program provides funding to states for transportation services for seniors and people with disabilities. This funding supports:

- Accessible vehicles for nonprofit organizations serving people with disabilities - Volunteer driver programs - Travel training programs - Mobility management services

Section 5310-funded services are typically operated by local nonprofits and human service agencies. Contact your state's transportation department or local transit authority to find Section 5310-funded services in your area.

Vocational Rehabilitation Transportation

State vocational rehabilitation (VR) programs help people with disabilities prepare for, find, and maintain employment. Transportation assistance is often available as a VR support service, including:

- Bus passes or transit subsidies - Mileage reimbursement - Vehicle modifications for drivers with disabilities - Driver training and licensing assistance

Contact your state's vocational rehabilitation agency to learn about transportation support for employment.

Vehicle Modification and Adaptive Equipment

For people with disabilities who can drive with adaptive equipment, several programs can help with vehicle modifications:

- **Vocational Rehabilitation** — may fund vehicle modifications needed for employment - **Veterans Affairs** — provides vehicle modifications for eligible veterans with service-connected disabilities - **Medicaid waivers** — some states cover vehicle modifications through HCBS waivers - **Nonprofit grants** — organizations like the Challenged Athletes Foundation and others provide grants for adaptive equipment

Finding Transportation Help

Resources for finding transportation assistance for people with disabilities:

• Your local transit authority — for ADA paratransit eligibility and services
• Your Medicaid managed care plan — for NEMT scheduling
• State vocational rehabilitation agency — for employment-related transportation
• Dial 2-1-1 — for local transportation referrals
• National Center on Mobility Management — ctaa.org for resources
• Your case manager or social worker — often knows about local transportation options