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Finding Transportation Solutions: Questions to Consider

When assisting a job seeker with a disability to find transportation, the following questions can help identify possible solutions.

Own Vehicle

Do you have a drivers license?

• If not, could you obtain a drivers license?
• Do you have a vehicle or have access to a vehicle?
• Could you buy a vehicle (possibly using a PASS Social Security Work Incentive to cover the cost)?

Mass Transit

Is there mass transit that can take you to your job?

• Could you learn how to take mass transit?

Note: some agencies, such as Independent Living Centers, Community Rehabilitation Providers, and others, teach people with disabilities to use mass transit via travel training. Orientation and Mobility (O & M) classes can help people who have visual impairments. The state blind and visually impaired agency should have information on O & M services.

Cab

Could you take a cab to work?

Walking & Biking

Is the job within walking distance? Biking distance? Moped distance?

Car Pooling & Employer Resources

• How do your co-workers get to work? Could you car pool with them?
• Does your employer have any ideas or resources for transportation?
• Are there other employers nearby whose employees take a similar route? Might a car pool or shuttle bus be arranged?

Someone who could drive you

Who might be available to drive you to and from work?

• People you live with?
• Family?
• Residential program staff?
• Neighbors?
• Others?

If you can identify a driver but no vehicle, could a vehicle be purchased (possibly using a PASS-Plan for Achieving Self-Support, to cover the down payment) for someone else to drive you? [See information elsewhere in this section on using PASSs for transportation.]

Finding a driver

If you dont know anyone who could drive you, could you find a driver?

• Where would you advertise?
  Newspaper? Local colleges? Stores? Senior centers? Civic groups? Church bulletins?

Transportation services

• Is there paratransit (special transportation services for people with disabilities) available?
• Are there other transportation services available?

Brainstorming other ideas

Who could help you come up with ideas for transportation?

• People you live with?
• Friends?
• Family members?
• Neighbors?
• Counselors?
• Other professionals?
• Other community members?
• Members of groups you are part of?

Paying for transportation

• Are you eligible for reduced fare programs?
• If youre on Social Security, have you investigated using the PASS or IRWE Work Incentives to help cover the costs?

Written by:

Institute for Community Inclusion