Overview:
Lack of transportation is often identified as one of the most significant barriers to employment for people with disabilities. Unfortunately, there is no one solution. Problem solving transportation issues typically involves developing individualized solutions using a variety of ideas and resources. Below are some information and resources that may be helpful in overcoming transportation barriers.
Wisconsin Statewide Resources:
- State of Wisconsin Vanpool
The State Vanpool provides alternate transportation for state and non-state employees commuting to Madison from outside communities. Participants can join a group that is already established or, if there are enough interested people, they can form a new vanpool. Riders enjoy low rates, comfortable vans, and the benefit of convenient pick-up and drop-off locations. If interested, contact the Vanpool Office: 1-800-884-VANS or e-mail: vanpool@doa.state.wi.us.
- The Independent Living Council of Wisconsin, Inc.
Promotes self-determination and first-class citizenship by advocating for policies, practices and attitudes which facilitate individual choice, integration and empowerment of persons with disabilities.
National Resources:
- United We Ride: The official web site of the Federal Interagency Coordinating Council on Access and Mobility.
- Easter Seals:
- Rural Transportation Resources: A list of rural transportation resources available from private and public organizations that provide methods, structures, and best-practices to establish or improve your rural transportation challenges and discuss important issues. These web links provide research, education, newsletters, and general information coupled with valuable resources.
- Community Transportation Toolkit: Transportation is an issue vital to quality of life for older adults and their caregivers. When physical and cognitive impairments prevent older adults from driving or using public transportation, caregivers often become primary transportation providers. The following materials and ressources were developed to address this critical issue.
- One-Stop Workforce Development Center Resources
- Community Transportation Association of America: CTAA provides analysis of federal transportation policy and legislation, funding programs and technical assistance, and publishes Community Transportation
Local Resources:
Dane County / Madison Area
- Madison Metro: Metro provides accessible fixed-route service on all routes. Service animals are allowed on Metro buses to assist people with disabilities. Madison Metro offers discounted 31-day Senior/Disabled passes.
- Madison Metro Paratransit: Metro provides paratransit service for passengers unable to use fixed-route buses in accordance with the Americans with Disabilities Act. Applications are available by calling 608-266-4466, TTY/TEXTNET 1-866-704-2316, or from the website.
- Madison Rideshare, Etc.: Rideshare, Etc Online is a rideshare matching service which allows commuters to quickly find transportation options for carpooling, vanpools, transit, park and ride lots, and bike routes. Information provided to you is based on the choices you make when you register. For carpooling or vanpooling, the match report will show individuals with similar commutes and work hours.
- Dane County Timebank: Timebanking is based on a philosophy that our communities work better when all of our contributions are valued. How does it work? When you need something, like transportation, call the Timebank coordinator and ask. The coordinator will set you up with a neighbor, who has had an interview and reference check like every other Timebank member, who can help you. After the neighbor helps you the coordinator deducts one Timebank credit per hour of service (or Time Dollar) from your account and adds the same number of Timebank credits to your neighbor's account. You can earn back the credit by helping anyone else in the network. You can also accumulate a few debits before you need to pay them back. It's easy to ask for help when you need it!
- Dane County Human Services Transportation: Dane County Department of Human Services provides individual and group transportation services which enable persons with disabilities and seniors to access their communities and needed services. Transportation assistance may also be provided for low-income families or persons with unusual medical transportation expenses
- Getting There (pdf)! Dane County Human Services has developed a resources guide for adults with developmental disabilities. However, many of the resources and tips can be used for persons with physical disabilities.
- The Source (pdf): Dane County Human Service's resource guide for adults with developmental disabilities. There is a transportation section.
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