Subscribe to RSS feeds or updatesProvider Resource Toolkit
Accessible Transportation Services Resources for Providers
Alameda County Transportation Commission Special Transportation Program for Seniors and People with Disabilities (Updated November 2010)
This “toolkit” of web-based and downloadable resources is organized in several sections for ease of navigation. Please note that information on a particular topic may be found in overlapping topic areas (such as “Transportation for People with Disabilities” and “Mobility Devices”). Plans and reports specific to Alameda County and the Bay Area are located in the final section of the toolkit, though information about local or regional sources of funding for accessible transportation projects and program is included in the “Funding” section. In general, presentations that have been made at Alameda CTC's Paratransit Advisory and Planning Committee (PAPCO) and Paratransit Technical Advisory Committee (TAC) meetings are included under the most relevant topic area.This listing of resources is a work in progress, and will be updated and expanded over time. Please feel free to direct any comments or suggestions related to new resources, information, or links that should be included (as well as corrections, broken links, etc.) to Naomi Armenta, Alameda CTC Paratransit Coordinator, at narmenta@actia2022.com or 510-267-6118.
Resources are organized in the following sections:
- Transportation for Older Adults
- Transportation for People with Disabilities
- Aging-Friendly Communities/Complete Streets
- Coordination and Mobility Management
- Travel Training
- The Americans with Disabilities Act
- Accessible Path of Travel/Access to Transit
- Mobility Devices
- Older Driver Safety
- Taxi-Based Services
- Flexible and Feeder Services
- Volunteer-Based Transportation Programs
- Ethnic and Cultural Communities/Persons with Limited English Proficiency
- Health and Transportation
- Funding
- Emergency Preparedness
- Training Opportunities
- Accessible Transportation Providers and Alameda CTC Partners
- Alameda County/Bay Area Plans, Reports, Presentations and Initiatives
Transportation for Older Adults
Online Resources
- National Center on Senior Transportation (NCST): A broad range of resources and training opportunities related to transportation options for older adults, with focused areas for aging/human services professionals, transportation providers, and older adults and their families.
- The Beverly Foundation: Sponsors research programs and community demonstrations and produces reports and technical assistance products related to enhancing mobility and transportation for older adults. A Senior Transportation Library available on the website.
Publications
- American Public Transportation Association (2010), Funding the Public Transportation Needs of an Aging Population
- NCST (2009), Senior Transportation Today (white paper and annotated bibliography)
- Surface Transportation Policy Project (2004), Aging Americans: Stranded Without Options
Additional resources in the following topic areas: Livable/Aging-Friendly Communities, Travel Training, Accessibility, Older Driver Safety, Taxi-Based Services Flexible and Feeder Services, Training Opportunities
Transportation for People with Disabilities
Online Resources
- Easter Seals Project ACTION: A clearinghouse for a broad range of technical resources and training opportunities related to increasing public transportation access for people with disabilities. Resources cover topics as varied as travel training, taxi-based services and inclusive pedestrian environments.
Publications
- A listing of Transit Cooperative Research Program reports related to transportation for people with disabilities can be found here: http://www.tcrponline.org/bin/publications.pl?category=10
- Transit Operator's Pocket Guide (Easter Seals Project ACTION, 2007): This pocket guide outlines drivers' responsibilities for serving passengers with disabilities under the ADA. Covers disability etiquette, mobility aids, assisting passengers with service animals and describes the responsibilities that passengers with disabilities have to ensure themselves a ride.
Additional resources in the following topic areas: Livable/Aging-Friendly Communities, Travel Training, Accessibility, Taxi-Based Services, Flexible and Feeder Services, Training Opportunities
Aging-Friendly Communities/Complete Streets
Online Resources
- Partners for Livable Communities: A non-profit organization providing technical assistance, training, and publications related to improving the livability of communities. With the National Association of Area Agencies on Aging, Partners for Livable Communities sponsors an Aging in Place Initiative intended to help communities prepare for the aging of their population.
- Proceedings of the March 2008 Creating Aging-Friendly Communities Conference: Free access to nearly 30 presentations by aging and community development experts.
- Tri-City Elder Coalition Pathways to Positive Aging: Multi-faceted community planning effort in Fremont, Newark and Union City promoting improved quality of life for older adults.
- Complete the Streets: A coalition of groups working to promote development of road networks that provide safe access for all users, including pedestrians, bicyclists, motorists, and transit users of all ages and abilities.
- Pedestrian and Bicycle Information Center: Offers comprehensive websites providing information and training on a range of topics related to bicycling and walking and bicycle and pedestrian facilities.
- Great Communities Collaborative/Great Communities Toolkit: Includes policy fact sheets and handouts on Complete Streets and Senior Mobility
- Transportation Alternatives: New York City advocacy organization implementing an innovative “Safe Routes for Seniors Program”.
- Street film on TA’s Safe Routes for Seniors Program
Publications
- AARP (2009), Planning Complete Streets for an Aging America
- Partners for Livable Communities et al, The Maturing of America – Getting Communities on Track for an Aging Population
- Federal Highway Administration (2008), A Resident’s Guide for Creating Safe and Walkable Communities
- Partners for Livable Communities and the National Association of Area Agencies on Aging (2007), A Blueprint for Action: Developing a Livable Community for All Ages
- AARP (2005), Beyond 50.05 A Report to the Nation on Livable Communities: Creating Environments for Successful Aging
- AARP Policy Institute (2005), Livable Communities: An Evaluation Guide
Coordination and Mobility Management
Online Resources
- National Resource Center for Human Service Transportation Coordination: Operated by the Community Transportation Association of America through an agreement with the Federal Transit Administration, this website provides a range of resources in support of transportation coordination.
- United We Ride: Federal government website supporting development of coordinated transportation strategies.
Publications
- Metropolitan Transportation Commission Coordinated Public Transit/Human Services Transportation Plan (2007): This federally-required plan details gaps in services for seniors, people with disabilities, and low-income individuals in the nine-county Bay Area, as well as strategies for addressing these gaps. Applicants for Federal Transit Administration 5310, 5316 (Job Access and Reverse Commute) and 5317 (New Freedom) funds must demonstrate that their projects are consistent with this plan.
- Mobility Management: A New Role for Public Transportation, American Public Transportation Association (2008): This brochure provides an introduction to the concept of mobility management by highlighting case studies and answering common questions about service coordination.
- Easter Seals Project ACTION Newsletter (2010), Success in Mobility Management
- AARP Public Policy Institute (2009), Mobility Management
- California Department of Transportation (2009), Mobility Management Planning Study
- Transit Cooperative Research Program Report 105 (2004), Strategies to Increase Coordination of Transportation Services for the Transportation Disadvantaged
- National Resource Center for Human Service Transportation Coordination, United We Ride Mobility Management Brochure (2007)
Presentations
- "Mobility Management in the Bay Area and Beyond" (Presentation to ACTIA Coordination Summit, November 19, 2009)
- "Overview of Mobility Management" Presentation from National Resource Center for Human Service Transportation Coordination for CalACT Conference (September, 2010)
Travel Training
Online Resources
- Easter Seals Project ACTION Travel Training Resources Portal
- Association of Travel Instruction (ATI): A national professional association serving the practitioners who teach persons with disabilities and seniors to use public transit safely and independently.
- Global Travel Training Community: Accessible Web-based community of practice to facilitate collaboration and share knowledge among the travel training community (travel trainers and those interested in travel training). Group members pose and answer questions, and share policies, job descriptions, forms, marketing materials, and other resources.
- Consortium for the Educational Advancement of Travel Instruction: Enhances knowledge and skills of professional who teach travel skills to persons with disabilities and seniors through in-service courses and published papers.
Publications
- ACTIA (2008), Alameda County Older Adult Group Travel Training Guide
- RideWise Guide to Travel Training (Ride Connection, TriMet)
The Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA)
Legislation and Regulations
- The Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990 (full text)
- Preamble--Transportation for Individuals with Disabilities
- Part 27--Nondiscrimination on the Basis of Disability in Programs and Activities Receiving or Benefitting From Federal Financial Assistance
- Part 37--Transportation Services for Individuals with Disabilities
- Part 38--Accessibility Specifications for Transportation Vehicles
Online Resources
- U.S. Department of Justice Americans with Disabilities Act Home Page
- Federal Transit Administration ADA Webpage
- Disabilityinfo.gov: An online portal to federal government disability-related information and resources.
- Easter Seals Project ACTION Overview of ADA Complementary Paratransit
Publications
-
Transit Operator's Pocket Guide (Easter Seals Project ACTION, 2007): This pocket guide outlines drivers' responsibilities for serving passengers with disabilities under the ADA. Covers disability etiquette, mobility aids, assisting passengers with service animals and describes the responsibilities that passengers with disabilities have to ensure themselves a ride.
- A Guide to Disability Rights Laws (U.S. Department of Justice, 2005): A 21-page booklet that provides a brief overview of ten Federal laws that protect the rights of people with disabilities and provides information about the federal agencies to contact for more information. Downloadable in English and Spanish, and HTML format; Cambodian, Chinese, Hmong, Japanese, Korean, Laotian, Tagalog and Vietnamese editions can be requested from the ADA Information Line (see below).
Other Resources
- U.S. Department of Justice ADA Information Line: 1-800-514-0301 (voice) or 1-800-514-0383 (TTY). Toll-free line for questions about general or specific ADA requirements. Operates Monday through Friday from 9:30 AM until 5:30 PM (eastern time) except on Thursday when the hours are 12:30 PM until 5:30 PM. Spanish language service is also available.
Accessible Path of Travel/Access to Transit
Online Resources
- U.S. Access Board: An independent Federal agency devoted to accessibility for people with disabilities. The Board develops and maintains design criteria for the built environment, transit vehicles, telecommunications equipment, and for electronic and information technology, and provides technical assistance and training on these requirements.
- U.S. Access Board Accessible Sidewalk Videos: A four-part video series illustrating issues and considerations related to sidewalk access for pedestrians with mobility impairments, including those who use wheelchairs, and pedestrians who are blind or have low vision.
Publications
- Easter Seals Project ACTION (2006), Toolkit for the Assessment of Bus Stop Accessibility and Safety
- Easter Seals Project ACTION (2009), Universal Design and Access to Transit Systems fact sheet
- ACTIA (2006), Toolkit for Improving Walkability in Alameda County
Additional resources in the Livable/Aging-Friendly Communities topic area
Mobility Devices
Online Resources
- Easter Seals Project ACTION virtual library for resources related to using and accommodating mobility devices on transportation services
- Ride Safe Brochure (information to help consumers using wheelchairs to travel more safely)
- Information about WC-19 Standard for wheelchairs used as seats in motor vehicles
Publications
- Easter Seals Project ACTION (2008), Status Report on the Use of Wheelchairs and Other Mobility Devices on Public and Private Transportation
- Status Report on the Use of Wheelchairs and Other Mobility Devices on Public and Private Transportation (Presentation by Richard Weiner to TAC, September 2007)
Older Driver Safety
Online Resources
- California Department of Motor Vehicles Senior Driver webpage
- American Society on Aging DriveWell Program
- AARP Driver Safety Program
Publications
- California Department of Motor Vehicles (2007), Senior Guide for Safe Driving
- National Center on Senior Transportation, Hanging Up the Keys? Options When Driving Retirement Becomes a Crisis
Taxi-Based Services
Online Resources
Publications
- ACTIA Countywide Taxi Study (2005)
- Easter Seals Project ACTION, Taxicab Pocket Guide (for taxi operators serving people with disabilities; also available in Spanish and Farsi)
- Easter Seals Project ACTION, The Americans with Disabilities Act and You: Frequently Asked Questions on Taxicab Service (for consumers; also available in a text version)
- Easter Seals Project ACTION, Moving Forward Together: A Workbook for Initiating and Increasing Accessible Taxi Services
- SFMTA Paratransit Taxi Program
- California Department of Motor Vehicles (2007), Senior Guide for Safe Driving
Flexible and Feeder Services
Publications
- Transit Cooperative Research Program Synthesis Report 53 (2004), Operational Experiences with Flexible Transit Services
- Transit Cooperative Research Program Synthesis Report 76 (2008), Integration of Paratransit and Fixed-Route Transit Services
- Integration of Paratransit and Fixed-Route Transit Services (Presentation by Richard Weiner to PAPCO/TAC Joint Meeting, February 23, 2009)
Volunteer-Based Transportation Programs
Online Resources
- National Resource Center (NRC) for Human Service Transportation Coordination/Volunteer Driver Page: This page highlights some of the most effective practices in volunteer and senior transportation, and provides information on developing and maintaining a volunteer driver program.
- NRC/Insurance Issues for Volunteer Driver Programs: Provides helpful links to publications and organizations that address insurance issues and best practices for volunteer driver programs.
- Beverly Foundation Senior Transportation Library/Volunteer Transportation: This page provides a range of resources related to developing a volunteer driver program.
Publications
- Seniors' Resource Center, Guide to a Successful Volunteer Driver Program
Ethnic and Cultural Communities/Persons with Limited English Proficiency
Publications
- Community Transportation Association of America (2008), Senior Transportation Toolkit and Best Practices: Transportation for Persons with Limited English Proficiency
- National Center for Senior Transportation (2009), Everyone Rides: Transportation Access for vCulturally and Ethnically Diverse Elders
Health and Transportation
Online Resources
- Healthy Eating Active Living Convergence Partnership: Resources related to changing policies and environments to promote healthy people living in healthy places. Transportation & Health 101 Toolkit:
Publications
- PolicyLink (2009), Healthy, Equitable Transportation Policy: Recommendations and Research
- American Public Health Association (2010), The Hidden Health Costs of Transportation
Funding
Online Resources
- Federal Transit Administration: Information about federal funding for transportation programs for seniors and people with disabilities, including the 5310 (Transportation for Elderly Persons and Persons with Disabilities), 5316 (Job Access and Reverse Commute), and 5317 (New Freedom) programs. See MTC link below for information on administration of these programs in the Bay Area.
- Metropolitan Transportation Commission (MTC): MTC administers FTA funding programs in the Bay Area.
- ACTIA Gap Grant Program: Funds projects that reduce differences in services based on geographic residence or meet priority established by PAPCO. Public agencies and certain non-profits are eligible to apply for funds. A call for projects is planned for Fall of 2009.
- MTC Lifeline Transportation Program: Funds community-based transportation projects that result in improved mobility for low-income Bay Area residents. Public agencies, transit operators, non-profits, and private operators of public transportation services can apply. Projects may focus on transportation needs of low-income older adults and people with disabilities. Administered by the Alameda County Congestion Management Agency.
- Beverly Foundation STAR Awards: Awards supporting innovative transportation programs for older adults.
Publications
- Easter Seals Project ACTION (2007), Building Mobility Partnerships for People with Disabilities: Opportunities for Federal Funding
Emergency Preparedness
Online Resources
- Collaborating Agencies Responding to Disasters (CARD)
- California Office of Emergency Services Office for Access and Functional Needs
Publications
- ACTIA/CARD Paratransit Emergency Planning Final Report If you are interested in any of the materials referenced in this report, please contact Naomi Armenta at (510) 267-6118 or narmenta@actia2022.com
Training Opportunities
- Easter Seals Project ACTION courses, trainings and distance learning opportunities
- Easter Seals Project ACTION audio conferences and “webinars” (and transcripts of past sessions)
- Easter Seals Project ACTION Introduction to Travel Training Course
- National Center for Senior Transportation Web Seminars: Mobility Equals Independence—Creating Transportation Options for Older Adults
- National Center for Senior Transportation Distance Learning audio conferences (and transcripts of past conferences)
- Community Transportation Association of America/Easter Seals Transportation Solutions
Coordination Training - Resource materials from Easter Seals Project ACTION August 2009 Online Conference on Accessible Transportation, Topics include:
- Developing and Implementing Policies on Managing Oversized Wheelchairs, Segways and Service Animals
- San Francisco Paratransit Taxi Debit Card System
- Planning Ahead: The Future of Coordination
- Leadership During Times of Budget Constraints
Accessible Transportation Providers and Alameda CTC Partners
- Access Alameda: Brochure and website providing information on Alameda CTC-funded city-based accessible transportation services, ADA paratransit services, Alameda CTC’s Emergency Wheelchair Breakdown Service, as well as links to Alameda County’s fixed route transit operators. The brochure is available for download at the Access Alameda website.
- Metropolitan Transportation Commission (MTC): The transportation planning, coordinating and financing agency for the nine-county San Francisco Bay Area.
Alameda County/Bay Area Plans, Reports, Presentations, and Initiatives
Reports and Studies
- Metropolitan Transprtation Commission (2007), Bay Area Coordinated Public Transit/Human Services Transportation Plan
- Metropolitan Transportation Commission (2002), Older Adults Transportation Study
- Metropolitan Transportation Commission: Community-Based Transportation Plans completed in Alameda County communities (Central Alameda, South and West Berkeley, West Oakland, Central and East Oakland)
Presentations
- Mobility Management in the Bay Area and Beyond (Presentation to ACTIA Coordination Summit, November 19, 2009)
- Meeting the Mobility Needs of an Aging Population: An Overview of Current Trends and Practices in the Field of Senior and Disabled Mobility (Presentation to ACTIA Coordination Summit, January 28, 2009)
- Needs, Strategies, and Next Steps for Travel Training in Alameda County (Presentation to ACTIA Coordination Summit, May 21, 2009)
- ACTIA Funding Formula Overview: Allocating Measure B Funds for Non-Mandated Services (Presentation to TAC, November 2008)
- Paratransit Advisory and Planning Committee Annual Workshop Development Session (Presentation to PAPCO, March 2008)
- Presentations by ACTIA Gap Grant Program Cycle 4 Grantees:
Initiatives
- Active Transportation Campaign: Alameda County’s bid to be one of 40 communities around the country to receive $50 million to invest in walking, biking, and improved transit access as part of the 2010 Campaign for Active Transportation.
- Tri-City Elder Coalition Pathways to Positive Aging: Multi-disciplinary planning project culminating in the development of a Community Strategic Plan focused on quality of life for older adults in Fremont, Newark, and Union City. The plan identifies specific actions and initiatives and engages government, the medical community, the faith community, cultural communities, the private and non-profit sectors, and families and caregivers.
Copyright 2009 Alameda County Transportation Authority / Alameda County Transportation Improvement Authority