1. ADA Eligibility Certification Process – What Works for Your Community?v
ADA Eligibility Certification Process – What Works for Your Community?

2. ADA Paratransit Eligibility – Who is Eligible?
Per the ADA, individuals with disabilities are eligible for paratransit if their condition prevents them from boarding, riding, or disembarking from public transit vehicles, navigating the transit system, or getting to and from transit stops or stations.
The paratransit eligibility process must:
Not impose administrative burden or application fees
Not make a medical or diagnostic determination
Practically determine ability to use fixed route
Ensure only those who meet criteria are eligible

3. Goals of the ADA Eligibility Process
Create a person-centered process that considers functional ability
Ensure consistent, objective & reliable results
Include individuals in the process
Determine independent travel abilities
Determine which mode(s) of service are appropriate based on the individual’s most limiting condition(s)

4. Assessment Types Paper- Based In- Person Web- Based
RTA went with In-person with paper application. Talk about why: Wanted accurate determinations. The application is an extra step to make sure people are really committed. Also have phone screen as a mobility management tool.
In- Person
Web- Based
Assessment Types

5. Things to Consider When Deciding
Cost
Staff
Facility
What are we really trying to accomplish?
Reduced Ridership
Accuracy
Rider Education
Political Climate
Does not have to be “all or nothing”

6. In-Person Assessments
Recommended because they:
Thoroughly indicate ability
Are more accurate than paper-based assessments
Reduce error, bias, fraud & abuse
Are based on abilities, not diagnoses
Are performed by qualified & trained Mobility Assessment Evaluators

7. Typical In-Person Assessment Results
20% opt-out rate (applicant decides not to participate in assessment process)
5% of applicants moved from paratransit to public transportation
15%
40%
38% 7%

8. Let’s Talk Facility… Accessibility Transit Access
Indoor vs Outdoor Assessment areas
Costs

9. Valley Metro Mobility Center

10. Valley Metro Mobility Center

11. Valley Metro Mobility Center

12. Valley Metro Mobility Center

13. Valley Metro Mobility Center

14. Valley Metro Mobility Center

15. RTA Chicago

16. RTA Chicago

17. RTA Chicago

18. Honolulu

19. Honolulu

20. Questions?