Access Services Applying for Access

1 Access Services Applying for Access > Access Services overview > Eligibility criteria > Other transportation options > How to get Access What is Access ? Access Services is a public transit agency dedicated to providing quality transportation for people with disabilities in Los Angeles County. Our Services and programs are mandated by the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA). If you would like this document in an alternative accessible format, please contact Access Customer Service: TDD About Access Who is eligible for Access ? Tell me more. Eligibility for Access is based on a > Access is a curb-to-curb shared-ride person's functional ability to use service. This means several riders accessible buses and trains in Los may ride in the same vehicle and Angeles County. This ability level is riders must meet the vehicle at the determined through an in-person transit evaluation.

2 The evaluation looks at curb instead of at their door. whether the person, without the help of > Access is a next day service. This anyone else can: means you will need to call and make > Get to and from the bus a reservation the day before you > Get on and off an accessible bus would like to ride. >U nderstand which bus to get on and > Access is not a taxi service, when to get off the bus emergency medical or social service transportation , or a private Eligibility for our Services is not based transportation service. solely on disability, age, or medical > Access provides service within mile diagnosis. Nor is it based on the on either side of fixed-route bus and perceived or real inconvenience of using rail lines in LA County. public transportation , inexperience using > Access operates on the same the bus, or simply a desire not to use bus schedule as most buses.

3 Regular or rail service. service is offered from 4 am to 12 am daily, including Sundays. > As a shared ride service, your travel time will be similar to that of a fixed- route bus, rather than a car or taxi. > Your one-way fare is based on the distance you travel. Visit our website at for current fares. IMPORTANT: Most of the accessible vehicles in our fleet are designed to accommodate a mobility device no larger than 30 inches wide by 48 inches long and/. or weighing with its passenger up to 600 lbs. While we make all reasonable efforts to accommodate our riders, if your mobility device is larger than this, we may not be able to transport you either because it would damage the vehicle or to do so would impose an unreasonable safety hazard. 2. Accessible Transit in Los Angeles County Do I have other transportation Access also offers a service to help you options besides Access ?

4 Find the transportation choice that's right for you: Yes, you do. If you are able to use public transportation , there are many >O. ther transportation Options advantages to taking the bus and rail in We can provide you with information Los Angeles County, including: on public and private providers of accessible transportation , including > Easy planning local dial-a-rides. Call Access Transit operates on fixed schedules, Customer Service at , so trips can be planned ahead (TDD ), or visit or on the spur of the moment. our web site at >C ost savings Transit is inexpensive, and some buses are even free. In addition, disabled and elderly riders are eligible for discounted fares, such as the countywide LACTOA card. Federal law also requires that our public transit systems be accessible to you. Buses and trains must have: > Lifts or ramps for anyone > Accessible stop request devices > Wheelchair securement spaces > Public address systems > Designated priority seating > Drivers announcing stops > Handrails and lighting > Drivers trained for sensitivity For more information about bus/rail routes, stops, schedules and reduced fares in Los Angeles County, please visit or call ( ).

5 Riders with hearing or speech impairments can use the California Relay Service, (dial 711), and then dial the number you need. 3. Applying for Access What do I do now? you can request a specific time when scheduling your appointment. 1> Complete the Access Transit > If you need a ride, Access will Evaluation Information Sheet on provide free transportation to and page 7 of this booklet. You will from your appointment. bring this form with you to your appointment. Do not mail the form to Access . If I request a ride from Access to my evaluation, what do I. 2> Check that you have an ID Number need to know? from your mailing label, you will need > Access is a curb-to-curb service, this to schedule an appointment. so the driver will not come to your If you do not have one, call Access door. You will need to be outside, Customer Service at waiting at the curb when your (TDD ).

6 Assigned vehicle arrives. 3> Call the Access Eligibility Center at > When you schedule your evaluation, , (TDD ) you will get a reservation for a to schedule your in-person Transit specific day. At least two days Evaluation. Appointments are offered before your evaluation date, we'll in English, Spanish and American call you to provide the time we Sign Language (with advance will pick you up to take you to notice at scheduling). If you need the Eligibility Center. We will also other language assistance, please provide you with the time for your bring a translator with you to your evaluation appointment. If you appointment, or let us know that don't receive a call by 8pm the day you need help and translation before your appointment, please Services will be provided for you. call and press 2. for assistance. What do I need when I call? > Plan on spending up to four hours > Have the ID Number (either from for the evaluation process.)

7 This your mailing label or provided by includes travel time, wait time, Access Customer Service) ready. and evaluation time. > Tell the Eligibility Center Representative if you will be using a mobility device IMPORTANT: If you are unable to such as a manual wheelchair, scooter keep your appointment, please or power wheelchair. cancel as soon as possible by calling > If you are able to provide your own the Access Eligibility Center: transportation to the appointment, TDD 4. Access Eligibility Center What can I expect at the The evaluation will assess the following Eligibility Center? functional skills, which are needed to ride a bus or train: In order to qualify for Access , we need to determine your ability to use > Walking speed accessible bus and rail. Once you get > Short and long-term memory to our Eligibility Center, a Transit > Endurance Evaluator will ask you questions about > Ability to seek and act on directions using the bus, ask you to do some > Coordination simple functional tests and observe your > Ability to process information ability to get around.

8 You may be asked > Strength to take a simulated walk to a bus stop. > Ability to communicate needs The actual evaluation may last up to > Balance 45 minutes. > Consistency > Range of motion > Behavioral skills What are you looking for at > Dexterity the Eligibility Center? > Proficiency in using mobility aids We want to see whether you can with a > Problem solving reasonable level of effort consistently: > Orientation to person, place and time > Coping skills > Obtain and remember bus information > Walk or wheel to and from a bus or train stop/station over various surfaces and terrain, go up or down curbs, and negotiate curb-cuts and cross streets > Locate and recognize the appropriate bus or train > Ride a single route and multiple Make a note of your routes with transfers appointment: > Pay your fare when you board a bus or train > Get to a seat or securement area Date > Recognize your destination > Handle unexpected situations > Travel safely in the community Time Access pick-up time 5.

9 Additional Information What else do I need to know What other resources are about the evaluation process? available to help me? . 1 Again, please remember to bring If you have a concern about what the completed information sheet information you need or what to do to your appointment. to prepare for the transit evaluation, the Disability Rights Education and 2 You must bring photo identification . Defense Fund (DREDF) has published an with you (for example: California ID, information guide called, ADA Paratransit driver's license, passport, or other Eligibility: How to Make Your Case.. official government document). We You can get a copy of this helpful guide cannot complete the evaluation online at or by calling Access process without valid identification. Customer Service at 3 It is important for you to be able to (TDD ). explain what your disability is and how it prevents you from riding When will you notify me bus or rail.

10 If you need assistance as to whether I'm eligible during the evaluation process, you for Access ? are welcome to bring someone You will be notified by mail whether you with you. are eligible for Access within 21 days 4 You are encouraged to bring from the date of your interview. If your documents to help explain or verify eligibility is not processed within 21 days, your disability (if you have a hidden we will allow you to use the service until disability you may be asked for this) you receive your notification. such as: . > Letter from a doctor or therapist What if I disagree with your > Letter from the Department eligibility decision? of Rehabilitation If you disagree with the eligibility > Letter from a Regional Center or determination, you have the right to other recognized organizations appeal our assessment within 60 days of > Other documentation verifying the eligibility notice.