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The Two-Way Street of Transportation
Having access to transportation to go where you want to go is an invaluable aspect of independence for people with disabilities. Accessible, affordable, reliable, and option-oriented transportation affords us with education and employment opportunities, as well as, enjoying social outings and other independent living activities. While legislation such as the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) protects our rights to independence, our transportation experience has not always been a smooth ride. But, the more we know about our transportation rights and the more we exercise them, the more our opportunities for Independent Living will increase.
So what do we need to know? Most importantly, both public and private ground transportation providers, with some limited exceptions, are required to follow accessibility standards regarding public information, signage, equipment, operator training, service animals, and other accommodations. This means that public transit authorities and the private companies that they may contract with, must meet ADA requirements.
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Call Pathfinder 
By Karen Mevis
CALLER: Hello, my mother is 78 and she has to have some daily medical treatments for the next two weeks. I am wondering if there are any transportation options for her. She uses a wheelchair, but she can stand briefly. I may have to take off work and drive her myself, but that really creates a problem for me at work. She is in Carter County. For Pathfinder's response, READ MORE >>
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Paratransist services came about as a result of passage of the Americans with Disabilities Act (1990). The ADA protects the rights of ALL Americans regardless of their physical and/or cognitive abilities (OR disAbilities).
The ADA said that all people have a right to be able to use public transportation. For people who cannot independently ride public buses, the ADA requires they be provided with an equivalent, complementary service to meet their transportation needs within the public transportation service area; this service is called ADA Paratransit.
For more information on Paratransit service requirements, click here! See below (red button) for a list of Paratransit services in Tennessee.
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