Disability & Aging Services Directory for Transportation Update, May 2019 Page 1 of 7
LWVFA TRANSPORTATION POSITION UPDATE, May 2019 DISABILITY and AGING SERVICES DIRECTORY
The LWVFA supports accessible, safe, reliable and coordinated transportation services for people with physical and developmental disabilities. Current information about government funded disability transportation services and programs should be provided to the public. Government agencies should partner with disability advocates, community service groups, and private sector transportation companies to identify needs and to expand and improve options for personal mobility and independence. Programs, services should be integrated and public information should be available throughout the National Capital Region.
Definition of Disability: To be protected by the ADA, one must have a disability or have a relationship or association with an individual with a disability. An individual with a disability is defined by the ADA as a person who has a physical or mental impairment that substantially limits one or more major life activities, a person who has a history or record of such an impairment, or a person who is perceived by others as having such an impairment. The ADA does not specifically name all of the impairments that are covered.
Government and Citizen Advisory Groups
Metropolitan Washington Council of Governments (COG) Transportation Planning Board (TPB) The National Capital Region Transportation Planning Board (TPB) is the federally designated Metropolitan Planning Organization (MPO) for the region, and plays an important role as the regional forum for transportation planning. The TPB prepares plans and programs that the federal government must approve in order for federal- aid transportation funds to flow to the Washington region. https://www.mwcog.org/committees/transportation-planning-board/
Fairfax County Neighborhood and Community Services Human Services Transportation, Neighborhood and Community Services provides services and resources for older adults, low-income individuals, individuals with disabilities and individuals accessing Fairfax County Human Services who need transportation assistance. https://www.fairfaxcounty.gov/neighborhood-community-services/transportation
Northern Virginia Mobility Access Project The Northern VA Mobility Project is the nexus for aging and disability transportation in the Fairfax Area and beyond. Fairfax County is leading the Northern Virginia Mobility Access Project, with FTA funds obtained through a grant from the Metropolitan Washington Council of Governments, to bring together community, county and regional partners. They have published a guide now available in print and will be online Spring 2019. Guide to Disability Transportation Resources in Northern VA Area.
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The FTA through Metropolitan Council of Governments (COG) and Transportation Planning Board (TPB) awarded Fairfax County an Enhanced Mobility of Seniors and Persons with Disabilities grant. First grant cycle (2016-2018) is completed and the second cycle (2019-2021) has started.
Goal of the Northern VA Mobility Project Establish a mobility management program in Fairfax County to improve the coordination of human services transportation and promote access to affordable and safe specialized public transportation for all residents in the Northern VA region.
Success of the Mobility Project will be based on 3 outcomes: - Increased capacity to develop, link and enhance transportation options - Improved access to services and improved knowledge of available services - Increased service integration and coordination https://www.fairfaxcounty.gov/neighborhood-community-services/transportation/mobility-management Current Services: Resource Guide, Interactive map online (bus and rail), Travel Training.
Contact: Cynthia Alarico, Mobility Manager, at 703-324-7055 Staff: Glen Padeway, Human Services Transportation [email protected] https://www.wmata.com/service/accessibility/
Washington Metropolitan Area Transit Authority (WMATA) METRO Accessibility Advisory Committee https://www.wmata.com/about/accessibility-advisory-committee/ https://www.wmata.com/about/accessibility-advisory-committee/subcommittee.cfm The MetroAccess Subcommittee of the Accessibility Advisory Committee addresses issues that are specifically related to the MetroAccess service. Members: Tapan Banerjee - Fairfax County; Christina Keders – Fairfax County
Disability Services Planning and Development https://www.fairfaxcounty.gov/familyservices/disabilities/about-disability-services-planning-and-development
Dept. of Family Services, Disability Services Planning & Development unit promotes the self-sufficiency and well- being of people with disabilities through advocacy, education, and solution management so that people of all abilities can fully participate in our community. Disability Services Planning and Development serves as the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) coordinator for the Department of Family Services. Aging, Disability, and Caregiver Resources line at 703-324-5421. Director: Barbara Antley, 703-324-5421 Staff: Jill Clark [email protected] Disability Rights & Policy Specialist Disability Services Planning and Development
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Fairfax County Department of Family Services Phone: 703-324-5874
Fairfax Area Disability Services Board https://www.fairfaxcounty.gov/familyservices/disabilities/fairfax-area-disability-services-board
The Fairfax Area Disability Services Board is made up of 15 volunteers appointed by elected officials of Fairfax County, City of Falls Church, and the City of Fairfax to represent and advocate for people with physical and sensory disabilities. Volunteers appointed by elected officials (Fairfax County, Falls Church, Fairfax City) Chair: Leeann Alberts (At-large) Staff: Jill Clark [email protected]
Department of Family Services - Disability Services 703-324-5868 [email protected] https://www.fairfaxcounty.gov/bacs/BoardDetails.aspx?BoardID=26510
Long Term Care Coordinating Council https://www.fairfaxcounty.gov/health/long-term-care/committees Contact: Patricia Rohrer, Long Term Care Program Manager 703-246-8456 [email protected] The work of the Long Term Care Coordinating Council (LTCCC) is largely accomplished by its committees. All meetings are open to the public and held in accessible locations. For more information about LTCCC committees or the LTCCC, call 703-246-8456, TTY 711 or email us.
The Mobility and Transportation Committee (joint DSB and LTCCC) Joint committee of Disability Services Board and Long Term Care Coordinating Council. Supports creating a multi-modal transportation system in the Fairfax area that affords personal independence, choice and full participation by all individuals regardless of age, disability or economic status. Staff Contact: Jill Clark, Disabilities Services Planning and Development, 703-324-5874 [email protected] CITY OF FALLS CHURCH https://www.fallschurchva.gov/696/Disability-Services
The City of Falls Church is committed to the letter and spirit of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA). Contact: Cindy Mester, ADA Compliance Officer 703-248-5042 (TTY 711) or [email protected]
Transportation Resources for People with Disabilities: Metrorail https://www.wmata.com/service/accessibility/metrorail.cfm Discount 50% for seniors and disabled.
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Metro Disability ID/SmarTrip Card Reduced fare on all Metrorail and Metrobus services and local bus systems. https://www.wmata.com/service/accessibility/reduced-fare.cfm MetroBus Fixed route. All buses are fully accessible. https://www.wmata.com/service/accessibility/metrobus.cfm MetroAccess Van Shared ride, paratransit, door-to-door. Fee. https://www.wmata.com/service/accessibility/metro-access/ ADA paratransit service provides shared-ride, door-to-door service that operates during the same hours of operation as corresponding Metrorail and bus service. MetroReady Travel Training MetroReady travel training for customers with disabilities as well as senior customers, with or without disabilities is offered at no cost to Metro customers. https://www.wmata.com/rider-guide/new-riders/Travel-Training.cfm
Logisticare Transportation for Medicaid recipients to a non-emergency Medicaid-covered service. Free. https://www.logisticare.com/transportation
Fairfax County Mobility Management: Travel Tools and Resources https://www.fairfaxcounty.gov/familyservices/disabilities/complete-guide-to-services-and-resources https://www.fairfaxcounty.gov/neighborhood-community-services/transportation/mobility-management https://www.fairfaxcounty.gov/familyservices/disabilities/subscribe-to-access-fairfax-enews https://www.fairfaxcounty.gov/familyservices/disabilities/transportation-resources https://www.fairfaxcounty.gov/familyservices/disabilities/northern-virginia-transportation-guide
Fastran Human Services Transportation, Neighborhood and Community Services Transportation to life-sustaining medical treatment, including dialysis, cancer treatment, or rehabilitative services. https://www.fairfaxcounty.gov/neighborhood-community-services/transportation/fastran
Fairfax County Connector All buses are accessible. Discount 50% for seniors and disabled. https://www.fairfaxcounty.gov/connector/new-rider Bus system that serves Fairfax County, including the Dulles Corridor and the Reston Internal Bus System (RIBS).
CUE Bus – City of Fairfax (fully accessible) Fixed Route. Discount 50% for seniors and disabled. https://www.fairfaxva.gov/government/public-works/transportation-division/cue-bus-system Bus service in City of Fairfax that serves George Mason University and other locations within the City of Fairfax, as well as service to the Vienna/Fairfax-GMU Metrorail Station.
City Wheels - City of Fairfax service offered through private taxicabs. Discounted fare.
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Provides alternative transportation within the City, to the Vienna/Fairfax-GMU Metrorail station, to George Mason University, and to Fair Oaks Hospital for city residents who are disabled and find it difficult or impossible to use conventional bus service. https://www.fairfaxva.gov/home/showdocument?id=170
VRE Commuter rail service that runs from Northern Virginia to Washington, DC. Discount 50% for seniors and disabled. https://www.vre.org/service/accessibility/
Transportation Resources for Older Adults: https://www.fairfaxcounty.gov/familyservices/older-adults/transportation-for-older-adults
- Discount Transportation: Taxi vouchers – 3 programs for qualified FC residents: Seniors-On-the-Go! Dial-a-Ride and Taxi Access. Falls Church has Fare Wheels. City of Fairfax has City Wheels. https://www.fairfaxcounty.gov/neighborhood-community-services/transportation/taxi-voucher-program
- NV Rides: Network of nonprofit organizations (volunteers - free rides for seniors) http://www.nvrides.org
- Fastran https://www.fairfaxcounty.gov/neighborhood-community-services/transportation/fastran Fastran offers specialized transportation services for residents of Fairfax County and the Cities of Fairfax and Falls Church participating in human services agency programs. Fees - sliding scale.
- MATT Bus – travel training (accessible) for Seniors https://www.fairfaxcounty.gov/neighborhood-community-services/transportation/travel-training https://wmata.com/service/accessibility/MetroReady-Travel-Training-and-System-Orientation.cfm
ADDITIONAL INFO: TRANSPORTATION – AGING AND DISABILITY
2017 Survey Results: Fairfax Area Enhanced Mobility for Seniors and Individuals with Disabilities. file:///Users/leelipsey/Documents/LEE'S%20DOCUMENTS/LWV%20- %20TRANSPORTATION/Mobility%20Survey%20Results%20updated%202017.htm
FACTS – Fairfax County Older Adult and Disabled Population
According to the 2014 American Community Survey:
23.2% of households in Fairfax County include adults 65+ Individuals age 65+ represent 11.5% of the total Fairfax County population. 27.7% of adults 65+ report having a disability. 30.9% of Fairfax County’s population is foreign-born. 30.5% of people aged 75+ live alone (2010 U.S. Census). 47.5 % of Fairfax County residents age 80+ have one or more of the following: serious difficulty with walking and/or climbing stairs, difficulty dressing and/or bathing, or a cognitive disability (2010 U.S. Census, 2011 American Community Survey). There is a net in-migration to Fairfax County of persons age 85+ (U.S. Census Bureau,
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Fairfax 50+ Community Action Plan Approved by BOS September 2014 Annual Progress Report https://www.fairfaxcounty.gov/boardofsupervisors/sites/boardofsupervisors/files/assets/meeting%20materials/committees /2016/june28-50plus-community-action-plan-annual-report.pdf
A Senior Mobility Fair was part of the Aging Well, Living Well Summit in April 2016. The following organizations provided display vehicles (MetroAccess van, a wheelchair-accessible cab, MetroBus, Connector, a CUE bus). Participating organizations were: Fairfax County Human Transportation, Metro, Connector, MetroAccess, Travel Training Program, CUE fixed route, volunteer driver programs, the ARC of Northern Virginia, and ENDependence Center of Northern Virginia. FASTRAN shuttle bus services connected to the Summit from Fairfax County senior center and some senior housing sites.
ADVOCACY FOR PEOPLE WITH DISABILITIES
Disability Roundtable List Provided by Lucy Beadnell, Director of Advocacy, The Arc of Northern Virginia file:///Users/leelipsey/Documents/LEE'S%20DOCUMENTS/LWV%20- %20TRANSPORTATION/Disability%20Roundtable%20Contact%20List.htm
The Arc of Northern Virginia Falls Church, VA https://thearcofnova.org/about-us/
Contact: Lucy Beadnell Director of Advocacy Phone: (703) 208-1119 ext. 116 [email protected]
The Arc promotes and protects the human rights of people with intellectual and developmental disabilities and actively supports their full inclusion and participation in the community throughout their lifetimes. Our service area includes the Cities of Alexandria, Fairfax, and Falls Church; and Arlington and Fairfax Counties.
What is considered a developmental disability in Virginia? Intellectual disability is a disability characterized by significant limitations both in intellectual functioning and in adaptive behavior as expressed in conceptual, social, and practical adaptive skills. This disability originates before the age of 18.
ENDependence Center of Northern Virginia https://www.ecnv.org/mission
The Mission of the ENDependence Center of Northern Virginia, Inc. (ECNV) is to empower people with disabilities to live independently
Contact: Michelle Williams, Travel Trainer - [email protected] (703) 525-3268
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The ECNV Travel Training program is for people with disabilities who want to learn to travel safely and independently using public transportation in the Washington Metropolitan Area https://www.ecnv.org/traveltraining
RESEARCH SOURCES: LWVFA TRANSPORTATION STUDY – Disabilities and Aging
Jill Clark, staff Disabilities Services Planning and Development Fairfax Area [email protected]
Disabilities Services Board - Mobility and Transportation Committee (joint DSB and LTCCC)
Cynthia Alarico, staff Mobility Manager Human Services Transportation Fairfax County Neighborhood and Community Services Office: 703.324.7055; Mobile: 571.474.6518
Northern Virginia Mobility Access Project - Mobility Management Program
Lucy Beadnell, Director of Advocacy, The ARC of Northern VA Office: (703) 208-1119 ext. 116; Mobile: 540-413-0194 [email protected]
Michelle Williams, Travel Trainer, ENDependence Center of Northern Virginia,[email protected] 703 525-3268
SUMMARY: ISSUES AND CONCERNS - Need more on-demand ride options and flexible scheduling. - Expand volunteer driver programs (more diversity – language/ethnicity) - Better training for drivers (Metro Access and Taxi Access). Drivers not respectful. - Metro Access is not reliable and service routes should be expanded. - Metro Access appointments must be made 24 hours in advance. Not practical. - Hard to make complaint to Metro Access. - Many bus stops are not ADA compliant. - Transportation Network Services (Uber/Lyft/etc.) should be required to offer some options for disabled individuals, especially those who use the service for transportation to jobs.
VOLUNTEER OPPORTUNITIES:
- NV Rides - Transportation Navigators (travel training – Human Services Transportation)
Information Compiled by Lee Lipsey, March 22, 2019 [email protected]
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