Capital District 

Coalition for Accessible Transportation

(518) 273-1110

Members of:

  The Council for Community Services of NYS

The National Alliance of Public Transportation Advocates

and

Americans for Transportation Mobility

    STAR  Application Information!

                                Updated 3/12/06

How CDTA Processes STAR Applications

The Coalition assisted CDTA in updating the new STAR application form as well as STAR's policy on how applications were handled.

Note:  CDTA now (As of November 19, 2004) states STAR sends out BOTH the application and verification forms (finally!) to anyone who wants to apply.  This way you can make sure both application and verification forms are filled in correctly and mailed back at the same time to CDTA/STAR. That way, the 21 day timer starts when they receive both of the forms and you can be assured that your application will be reviewed within the mandatory 21 days or...

You can schedule trips and use STAR from day 22 on till they do give you a decision on your application.

Envelopes and such -

Note: STAR was telling people in January and February that the coalition agreed to STAR sending back applications and verification forms if they weren't literally mailed in the same envelope. (Yep, they were sending them back to people because they weren't sent in the same envelope!)  Um, no, we didn't agree to that at all, nor did we suggest anything that ridiculous.

We believe in giving people MORE choices, not less. We (and the FTA agreed with us) said that while it's better if both forms are mailed in one envelope, there will be times that's not possible (such as if the doctor wants to mail in the verification form separately!) 

Applications are now accepted if sent in the same OR separate envelopes, if not, please let us know!

Want to know how it was done before this? Click the link below:

Star Processing Archive

Tips for those applying for STAR:

1. Make sure you receive both the application and verification forms.

2. Make sure you completely fill out the application form. Don't leave blank spaces, put a line in them if needed.

3. Make sure you fully answer questions. Some questions can have multiple answers.  Don't just list your medical diagnoses or disabilities, write in how the disability affects your ability to get to or use the fixed route bus system safely.

4. I know this sounds silly, but don't forget to sign the form. There are two places to sign the application form.

5. It's better to bring the verification form to your physician (or other health care provider)  and have them fill it out while you are there. Make sure the health care provider fills in with answers that show how your disability affects your mobility.

Your health care provider shouldn't just list your conditions or diagnoses. They should say how the conditions impact your mobility.

6. Ask your Doctor if they can make a copy of all the forms for you  while you are there. If not, copy all forms if possible before mailing in.

7. It's best to mail both your application and the verification form in together in the same envelope, certified mail, return receipt requested. This will prove the date STAR received it and who signed for the application should this be needed. 

If you can't do this, bring or have someone bring the forms to STAR and get a signature on a piece of paper of the date and who received them. 

8. We make bets you get your answer within the 21 days if you send the forms in with proof of the date. If not, and STAR won't let you ride the bus on day 22, you have proof  that CDTA violated the ADA regulations on processing applications. Call us. We'll be happy to help and it probably won't take more than a phone call.

9. If you are not approved or if you are approved but with limitations that you believe you shouldn't have: 

Call us. CDCAT assists with STAR appeals for free. 

Don't GIVE UP.

If you are disabled and require STAR, and your medical professional agrees with this, We'll get the denial overturned.

It's really too bad that people have to struggle with something THIS SIMPLE though, isn't it?   We have both Application and Verification forms if anyone needs them. You can also get them from CDTA's website or our forms page on this website.  

 Independent Living Centers should also have these, as do The Center for the Disabled's Service Coordinators.  We leave some applications out at our public meetings as well and at the Albany Library. These forms are public information and also are available from this website.

             Who can fill out a STAR verification form?

Remember, CDTA has a number of health care professionals listed who can fill in this verification form, not just doctors.  Social workers, case coordinators, therapists, psychologists, physical therapists, LPN/RN, and Independent Living Specialists (at Independent Living Centers).  That isn't even a complete list, almost any health professional can fill them out.  Make use of them if your doctor seems to not understand why you need STAR or is too busy! Short answers won't get you approval for this service! The professional you give the verification form to must show how your disability limits your mobility to the point where you can't use the public transportation SYSTEM safely. 

Accessible Format for people with vision disabilities.

CDTA should be sending STAR recertification forms and deadlines in a format you can read! A simple letter that you require forms and correspondence sent to you in the future in braille, tape or large print is all it takes to get these things in the format you require.  If you need help with this, please feel free to call the Coalition at (518) 273-1110.  You must REQUEST this of CDTA, don't expect them to offer it, the 

ADA requires that if you REQUEST accessible format, it must be provided. The Coalition heavily suggests doing this in writing. A form for this will be posted in our forms section of this website to assist you with this. If you need assistance in filling out such a form, again, just call us, We'll be happy to fill it in for you if needed and send to you. All you'll have to do then is sign it and mail it to CDTA in the envelope we enclose for you.

Last Updated:  06/04/2006