|
Capital District Coalition for Accessible Transportation (518) 273-1110 (A Grassroots Disability Coalition located in Albany, New York's Capital Region)
Members of: The Council for Community Service of NYS, (CCSNYS) The National Alliance of Public Transportation Advocates, (NAPTA) Americans for Transportation Mobility, (ATM)
|
|
| Forms and PublicationsUpdated: March 19, 2008 STAR User's Guide - NEW and updated CDCAT Forms: Coalition's Current Community Meeting Flyer (Word) This is our current flyer for CDCAT community meetings. Feel free to make copies and spread the word. STAR "Prove you were there forms" - Medical - New - (Print from PDF) STAR "Prove you were there forms" - General - New - (Print from PDF) Coalition information brochure - PDF (Updated 11/06) (Print from PDF)
You will need legal size paper to print the above brochure. These can also be ordered from CDCAT.
New Accessible Format Coalition information brochure - (Word - no clip art) This prints on regular 8 x 11 paper. This is our basic info brochure about the Coalition. If you want to print volume, use legal paper, print one copy then print multiple copies back to back.
CDCAT's Quick Complaint Forms Quick Route Bus Complaint Form (PDF) Updated 11/06 A one page easy and fast to use form for reporting problems on the regular fixed-route buses. STAR Quick Complaint Form (PDF) Updated 11/06 A one page, easy and fast to use form for reporting STAR problems. Fast FAX Complaint Form (PDF) -To be added
Office of Civil Rights Complaint Form
Capital District Transit Authority (CDTA) CDTA's STAR Paratransit Information Information on STAR. The link below redirects you to a CDTA web page in another window. They have this information as a PDF file as well.
CDTA's STAR Paratransit Application STAR Application and instructions - CDTA website STAR application instructions and info and request for application - CDTA website Note: you need to print and send in both of the above, they just separated the forms for some reason. STAR Application - (Actual Application Form we Scanned in with instructions) - Coming Soon! (We're proud to say that CDTA accepted our revision of their STAR application forms. These new application forms are shortened and greatly improved. The application contains both parts 1 & 2, the application and verification forms. ) The only parts we aren't happy with is the mobility aid survey area and that little notice to customers with larger or heavier chairs. Apply anyway and we'll help with your larger chair or higher weight chair later. You can't be turned down because of your weight or mobility aid weight. Important: Do not EVER go in to CDTA / STAR for that "friendly little visit" (for a meeting or to see how you get on a bus or to look at your mobility device) they are requesting WITHOUT AN ADVOCATE. While STAR may sound "friendly" when they call you to schedule this, these visits are not "friendly", nor is this normal for an application or after you are approved. They are official determination meetings or "something not good is up" and you won't necessarily be told this. If you get on the bus in those perfect conditions they provide, they will use this against you on your application. Same with your mobility device which they may try to measure (incorrectly) so they don't have to provide service. A note for people who have epilepsy and other seizure disabilities Your transportation needs shouldn't be judged on being able to board a bus on one day in perfect conditions. Once you are approved for paratransit, your approval is good through the date you are given. Be smart - bring a GOOD transportation advocate or your attorney with you. Call CDCAT for help, or advocacy. We can also provide you with a list of other advocates if you wish. 1. Even if you &/or your wheelchair/scooter is heavier or larger, apply anyway. STAR can't turn you down because of weight or a larger chair, for paratransit certification. There simply is no weight limit for "certification". We can usually work around the rest of weight issues. Mobility device size may be more difficult but you should know that STAR vehicle lifts can handle 800lbs and chairs that are larger. The Office of Civil Rights frowns on transit agencies denying service to larger customers or customers with larger or heavier chairs - when their lifts and vehicles can handle the mobility device. 2. Be careful with those questions where they ask you to measure your chair. They are fishing for information to see if they have to take you or your chair. That question intends to address something called the Common Wheelchair Definition. In other words, if your chair is too long or wide or weights more than 600lbs with you on it, it won't fit the definition and STAR may try to tell you that they won't take you. See below on HOW TO MEASURE. If your health care professional (or other person who fills in the verification paperwork) is told that "It's against Federal Law to allow anyone whose wheelchair/scooter and them weighs over 600lbs or where the wheelchair is larger than 30" width & 48" length, that isn't true. The "common wheelchair" definition is a definition, not a regulation or anything that FORBIDS anything. The ADA actually encourages transportation agencies to go above and beyond the minimal ADA paratransit regulations - especially if their lift holds more than the 600lb minimum and the wheelchair has no problems fitting on the lift. This definition was really written to ensure that transit agencies had lifts that were large enough in measurements and held enough weight for the majority of chairs.
Things they don't say in the application: You should measure your wheelchair/scooter from 2 inches above the ground - NOT the longest point to the longest point, for length. Yep, that's in the Federal definition but STAR left it out because well, chairs can measure smaller that way. Call us if you aren't sure you measured correctly. Wheelchair / Scooter Width - Measure 2 in above the ground how wide the BASE of your chair is. Wheelchair / Scooter Height - We believe STAR is asking for height because for chairs that recline, they are trying to include the fully reclined measurement as the length. This is a Federal no-no unless you always travel laying flat. So long as you can sit upright on the lift, they are cheating if they measure this way and it's not allowed. Take your time with all questions - If anything, most people tend over-estimate what they can and can't do because they want to be honest. Honesty is great and necessary, but remember, you need transportation service in all kinds of weather and especially if your condition varies, remember you will need to use the system in varying health conditions. If you have multiple disabilities that combined, make you eligible, show how the combination does this. This is where your health care provider or a transportation knowledgeable disability advocate can be invaluable. Call the Coalition at 273-1110 if you have questions or need help, it's free. We also ensured that STAR will give you an answer within the FEDERAL ADA REGULATION'S limit of 21 days. If you are denied, call us and we can help you with an appeal. If you are eligible for STAR, you'll win the appeal with our assistance or of course, you can contact your attorney. WE SUGGEST MAILING BOTH FORMS (APPLICATION & VERIFICATION FORM) IN THE SAME ENVELOPE, CERTIFIED MAIL, RETURN RECEIPT REQUESTED SO YOU HAVE PROOF OF WHEN YOU SENT THEM. MAKE A COPY OF EVERYTHING OR GET YOUR HEALTH CARE PROFESSIONAL TO DO SO FOR YOU! Part 1 is your application. Make sure to fill it out completely. Part 2 is the verification form that should be brought to your health care professional. A health care professional does NOT have to be a physician! They could be any of the following: (Tip: Take the verification and your completed application form to the health care professional that BEST knows how your disability effects your mobility.) This is very important. It is important that the person you bring the form to takes the time to write out and explain as much information as possible that will help you prove why you need STAR.) • Physician/Physician Assistant • Therapist / Psychologist/Orientation Mobility Specialist • Ophthalmologist/Audiologist/ Optometrist • Nurse Practitioner/ Registered or Licensed Practical Nurse • Independent Living Specialist (ILCHV, CDCI) • Case Manager or Worker/Employment Specialist • Social Worker Ask the Health Care Professional to be as specific as possible on FUNCTIONAL ability and how your functional ability makes you unable to use the regular route bus system and makes you eligible for STAR.
Help is here! The CDCAT STAR Application Info and Tips Guide - COMING SOON! Information and tips on filling in the STAR application form. CDCAT's STAR Appeal Guide - Being updated This guide gives helpful information and tips on how to do an appeal if you are denied STAR Paratransit service or have been approved for STAR with limitations (Like "Seasonal") that you and your doctor or other medical/disability professional believe that you should not have. Appeal the decision! STAR User's Guide - NEW
Last Updated: 03/19/2008 |
