Unit 5: Transportation

Lesson 1: Using Public Transportation

Topic 3: Getting Appropriate Accommodations

OBJECTIVES

1. Gain an understanding about what types of accommodations a transportation company needs to make in order to meet a person's needs.

2. Practice calling the appropriate person to request transportation accommodations.

INSTRUCTIONAL FORMAT
This lesson will focus on educating students about what accommodations they can request from transportation companies. Students will be instructed on how to practice making these requests over the phone. Some of the information about the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) laws can be complex, so trainers will need to use judgement about the ability of some students to use this training independently in the future. Because this lesson requires the students to find out what accommodations are available, trainers will need to obtain this information before the class starts.

1. Discuss and define accommodation. According to Webster's Dictionary, an accommodation is simply an adjustment or help. Go to the unit titled Basic Understanding of the Law for further information on ADA laws. That information may be helpful in discussing what types of adjustments or help a person with a disability can receive.
   
   

2. Instruct students on the ADA laws that relate to transportation. Highlights of the requirements are as follows:
   
   

   • New public transit buses and rail cars ordered after August 26, 1990 must be accessible to individuals with disabilities.
     
     

   • Transit authorities must provide comparable paratransit or other special transportation services to individuals with disabilities who cannot use a fixed route bus service, unless an undue burden would result.
     
     

   • Existing rail systems must have one accessible car per train by July 26, 1995..
     
     

   • New bus and train stations must be accessible.
     
     

   • Key stations in rapid, light and commuter rail systems must be made accessible by July 26, 1993, with extensions up to 20 years for commuter rail (30 years for rapid and light rail).
     
     

   • All existing Amtrak stations must be made accessible by July 26, 2010.
     
     

3. Students should be encouraged to discuss how people with different disabilities might need an accommodation to have access to various transportation modes. For example, a visually impaired person may need a bus driver to ring a bell to indicate an upcoming stop. A person with mental retardation may need extra assistance from a bus driver. A person who uses a wheelchair may need a reserved area on a crowded subway to place his chair.
   
   

4. Trainers should identify who a person can talk to at the major transportation companies in the area in order to request special accommodations. This information should be distributed to the students.
   
   

5. Students should practice talking to a transportation company representative (trainer) and request necessary accommodations for their particular disability.

SIGNS OF GENERALIZATION
With the minimum amount of support, students are able to request necessary accommodations so they have access to public transportation.

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