The Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990 (ADA) is a civil rights bill that prohibits discrimination against people with disabilities. The intent of ADA is to ensure that people with specific disabilities have equal access to public transportation. In accordance with the ADA, Chatham Area Transit (CAT) must provide a variety of services, including paratransit service. Paratransit service is a specialized service that provides an origin to destination shared-ride service for eligible individuals with disabilities who are unable to use the regular fixed-route bus service.
CAT is required to determine the eligibility for paratransit service for individual applicants.
Categories of Eligibility
This outcome would be appropriate if it is determined that it is not reasonable to expect the applicant to use fixed-route service for any trips, under all conditions.
This outcome might be appropriate if the individual can reasonably be expected to use fixed-route service for some trips (when barriers that prevent travel are not present) but cannot be expected to use fixed-route service under some conditions.
This outcome might be appropriate if the applicant’s disability is only temporary or if his or her functional abilities are expected to change in the short term. A term of eligibility that is less than the term typically granted might be appropriate. Temporary eligibility can be unconditional or conditional.
This determination would be appropriate if the applicant can reasonably be expected to use fixed-route service for any trips under all conditions. If you believe your disability may fit into one of the categories described above, you must apply for certification by completing the attached “Paratransit Application” form.
Eligibility Review and Determination Process
Upon completion, the applicant should submit the online application or mail printed applications to 900 East Gwinnett St., Savannah, Ga. 31401. Applications can also be faxed to (912) 629-3960. Once the application is received, the eligibility coordinator will date and time stamp the application. Applicants will also be called to set up an appointment for an in-person interview. CAT will request during the appointment the applicant’s signed approval in order to forward a licensed professional form to the applicant’s primary physician, social worker or any other licensed professional that is able to sign off on the applicant’s disability.
The completed application is reviewed in an attempt to make an eligibility decision based just on information on the application. Follow-up phone calls might be made to supplement the information in the application. Applicants are only asked to participate in a functional assessment if a determination cannot be made based on the application.
Verification of disability is also obtained as part of the process. The applicant must provide contact information for a professional familiar with his or her disability and functional abilities, along with a release form. CAT staff will contact the professional once the applicant has provided this contact information.
- CAT will send the eligibility determination in writing within 21 days of completion of the application process. If an application is not approved for paratransit services, CAT will send a written statement including the reason for ineligibility and full description of the process for appeal.
- If CAT does not make a determination within 21 days, the applicant will be granted temporary eligibility and allowed to ride paratransit service until such time as a determination is made. Please note, the submission of this application does not guarantee eligibility.
Certification/recertification eligibility extends for three (3) years from certificate date.