What is paratransit, and how do you sign someone up for it?

What is paratransit? Paratransit is public transportation service for people with disabilities. It can be a lifeline for someone who can no longer drive or take the bus. Usually cheaper than a taxi and more convenient than asking for rides, it's an important tool to help people keep their independence. Many older adults are eligible for paratransit. People with disabilities are legally entitled to paratransit under the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), if they can't use regular public transportation.

Paratransit includes buses, vans, trains, and cars. People in wheelchairs, for example, may be able to use buses with wheelchair lifts. Frail or disoriented people may require door-to-door service.

Who is eligible for paratransit? Before an older adult can sign-up for paratransit, he must be found eligible, based on the ADA. To find out if the person you're caring for is eligible, contact his local transportation provider. The local provider -- the bus or rapid transit company -- is the link to paratransit service, from determining eligibility to providing the service. Most have websites with paratransit information, including online applications.

In the broad sense, the ADA defines disability as "a physical or mental impairment that substantially limits a major life activity." Because these definitions are subjective, ADA eligibility, including eligibility for paratransit, is usually determined on a case-by-case basis by the local transportation agency.

For detailed information on paratransit eligibility, take a look at this guide from the Disability Rights Education Fund, a nonprofit advocacy organization.