San Luis Obispo - Caltrans - State of California

SAN LUIS OBISPO REGION
COORDINATED HUMAN SERVICES-PUBLIC TRANSPORTATION PLAN
the individual has a time slot in a given “chair” that will soon be used by the next patient on
the roster, and can’t be reserved if the rider is delayed by transportation difficulties. Also
return trips may have to be rescheduled if an individual has a medically difficult session (e.g.
bleeding out, etc.) and has to stay longer at the dialysis center.
Persons with Disabilities -- Physically Disabled Using Mobility Devices
Since the implementation of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) in 1990 considerable
attention has been paid to the physical environment relative to persons in wheelchairs and
using mobility devices. The outstanding issue that is consistently raised by consumers and
their social service agency representatives is the problem of the impediments in path of
travel.
Implementation of the ADA has been successful in contributing to creation of “islands” of
accessibility, which has resulted in a greater numbers of accessible bus stops and transfer
points. Consumers however still have difficulty accessing these places because of the
difficulties in navigating and moving about in the physical environment. One resulting impact
is the greater numbers of persons with disabilities who are classified in the conditional
eligibility category, as they cannot access fixed-route services because of path-of-travel
difficulties.
Local jurisdictions, commercial entities, public transit providers and human service
agencies/organizations must work in a coordinated fashion to remove physical impediments
to path of travel for persons with disabilities.
Persons with Disabilities -- Consumers with Behavioral Health Needs
Consumers in this category fall into several subsets, including those with mental health
problems, those who are developmentally disabled and those that may have Alzheimer’s or
brain injuries that translate into behavioral difficulties. Those clients associated with various
mental health services may be physically more able-bodied and mobile than some other
groups. They can frequently have same-day trip needs for medical appointments when their
mental health situation changes rapidly. Trip purposes for these individuals can reflect the
full gamut of life-sustaining, as well as life-enhancing purposes.
Fixed-route services are potentially feasible but also may be difficult and frightening for some
persons on those days when their mental illness is active. Medications commonly taken
make it difficult for these individuals to be exposed to the sunlight for extended periods. This
creates unhealthy situations when there are longer wait times for vehicle pick-ups and dropoffs.
Consumers with developmental disabilities, Alzheimer’s or those with severe brain injuries
likely require some level of supervision or assistance, both in transit, and at the end
destination. In these instances, the “hand-off” is very important as it ensures that an
individual with impaired judgment or poor memory is not wandering or getting lost in the
space between the vehicle and the front door of their destination. Some consumers may
become agitated, or even combative, in transit where they become fearful, or anxious,
particularly where there is a departure from their daily routine. In addition, there is increased
incidence of seizures among members of these groups. In short, drivers assigned to these
services should be adequately trained and prepared to handle these types of real situations.
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OCTOBER 2007