9
ACCESS ADA Trip Trips
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Revised 01/19
DRIVER TRAINING
Drivers receive a combination of classroom and on the road training to proficiency, including the
following areas:
•
Defensive driving
•
Substance abuse training
•
Passenger assistance techniques
•
Use of lifts and wheelchair
securements
•
Quality customer service
•
ACCESS policies and procedures
•
Radio and emergency
procedures
•
Disability awareness
•
Pre-trip vehicle inspection
•
Use of on-board technology
SAFETY & MOBILITY
The safety of
all passengers and drivers is one of ACCESS’ most important
priorities. To ensure safe
transportation, the cooperation of ACCESS riders is required:
•
Portable oxygen, personal respirators or other life support equipment is permitted on board.
The equipment must be small enough to fit into the vehicle and be secured.
•
If you are not able to walk up and down the steps of the van, you can ride up and down
standing on the lift. There are handrails on both sides for you to hold on to, and the driver will
help you.
•
If you use a wheelchair or scooter:
o
You may choose to board the lift either facing outward, or pull on facing the vehicle
o
All wheelchairs and scooters will be secured by the driver using a four-point securement
system
o
Any wheelchair up to 50” long and 32” wide can be accommodated on a
vehicle
o
The total combined weight of the passenger and the wheelchair must not exceed 800
lbs.
o
Requests for service from people whose mobility aid exceeds this size or weight are
made on a case by case basis
(Contact the central ACCESS office for assistance.)
o
The driver will secure the seat belt. Use of the shoulder harness is strongly
recommended, but not required. Ask the driver to adjust the height if it is not
comfortable. If you choose not to use the shoulder harness, just tell the driver.
o
If you use a power wheelchair or scooter, the driver is not able to provide any
assistance up or down curbs or steps
o
Other than assisting you on and off the lift, the driver will not operate your power
wheelchair or scooter
VEHICLES
Every vehicle used in ACCESS service is equipped with on-board video recording devices and GPS
technology including Automated Vehicle Location (AVL) which displays, in real time, the location of
every vehicle. All vehicles are inspected regularly and meet all state and federal requirements for
safety. Vehicles are equipped with two-way radios, air conditioning and special emergency and
accessibility features.
WINTER WEATHER
Path of Travel Between Home and the Vehicle
It is the responsibility of riders to make sure that the entry way of their home is free of snow and ice,
and clear year-round. Local resources, like
Snow Angels (412) 475-2459,
can assist with snow/ice
removal.