FY 2014-2018 DOT Strategic Plan

 

More than 3,400 people visited the online dialogue website between August 27^th and September 10^th.    A total of 282 ideas were posted.  More than 900 registered users submitted 185 additional comments on these ideas.   In addition, DOT received another 64 comments directly via e-mail. 

During the coming weeks, DOT staff will be considering all comments and incorporating some of the suggested revisions into a final draft of the strategic plan that will be completed this fall.  They will discuss how some of the ideas and comments were addressed in the final strategic plan.  

The AUCD COCA Ad Hoc Committee on ADA Para-Transit Universal Identification Card submitted the following suggestion:

 “DOT should explore and determine the feasibility of the creation and implementation of a national exchangeable ADA Universal Identification Card, so that people with disabilities who are ADA Para-transit eligible and who, on occasion, travel outside of their service area to another county, region, or state as a visitor, can fulfill their travel needs nationwide as a visitor without barriers. 

 

A nationally conducted survey of individuals who are ADA eligible for Para-transit services, as defined in  49 CFR § 37.123 (e)(1), indicate individuals traveling outside of their jurisdiction as a visitor are required to apply for ADA complementary Para-transit eligibility prior to their travel.  The issuance of an interstate identification card verifying that an individual is a qualified ADA Para-transit user will ensure that Para-transit service is being administered consistent with statutory regulations and eliminate multiple eligibility processes.”

If you have any questions or concerns, contact DOT staff at DOTStrategicPlan@dot.gov.

 

 

 

 

Updated ADA rules governing wheelchairs on public passenger carriers.  Submitted by Carl DuRocher <cduroche@wisc.edu>.

 

 

DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION 

DISABILITY LAW GUIDANCE

 

Questions and Answers Concerning Wheelchairs and

Bus and Rail Service

http://www.fta.dot.gov/12325_15055.html

ADA Paratransit Universal Identification Card

Are you ADA eligible for paratransit services (curb-to-curb/door-to-door)?  Have you been required to apply for ADA complementary paratransit eligibility in advance as a visitor to a service area in another county, region, or state prior to your travel?  If so, The Association of University Centers on Disabilities Council on Community Advocacy (AUCD COCA) would like to hear from you.  (Click here for more information on COCA: http://www.aucd.org/template/page.cfm?id=41)

Sections 37.127 (c) and (d) of the DOT ADA regulations require that visitor eligibility be granted to individuals with disabilities who present documentation that they are ADA paratransit eligible in the jurisdiction in which they reside in addition to those who do not have documentation of being determined ADA paratransit eligible by another transit system.
[56 FR 45621, Sept. 6, 1991, as amended at 61 FR 25416, May 21, 1996]

AUCD COCA is seeking input from individuals with disabilities who use ADA paratransit services in their local communities and on occasions have to travel outside of their service area to another county, region, or state as a visitor. The purpose is to determine the feasibility or need for a national universal identification card.  This card would satisfy Sections 37.127 (c) (d) and serve as documentation of the individual's place of residence as well as proof that the individual is unable to use fixed route transit.  

Please join the discussion on this blog and share your travel experiences.  Questions to consider when sharing:

•     Upon eligibility for ADA paratransit services, were you issued a proof of eligibility identification card?  If yes:

•     Has your identification card been honored by other ADA paratransit service providers outside of your local service area or jurisidiction?  If no:

•     What were the procedures or requirements you had to meet to determine eligibility in the county, region, or state you were traveling to?

•    What do you think about the idea of the use of a national universal ADA paratransit identification card and what would be your recommendation on how to implement the program?