Content for Higher Education Faculty to Address
Disability and Mobility Topics for Future
Transportation Professionals

Module Development▪ The contents of this module were developed by the National Center on Mobility Management, atechnical assistance center funded by the US Department of Transportation, Federal Transit
Administration▪ NCMM provides technical assistance, produces trainings and products, hosts events, and conducts
professional development presentations▪ NCMM is a partnership across three national organizations, including the Community
Transportation Association of America (CTAA) which is the lead organization, and the American
Public Transportation Association, and Easterseals▪ This module was prepared by NCMM staff and is disseminated in the interest of informationexchange. Neither the NCMM nor the FTA assumes liability for its content or use. The opinions andconclusions expressed herein are solely those of the authors and should not be construed as
representing the opinions or policy of any agency of the federal government.

How Can Faculty Use this Content?
▪
▪

▪

▪

WHO. Introduce this content to students enrolled in transportation planning, urban planning, and/or innovative mobility andtransportation programs at the undergraduate level.
WHAT. The contents of this module are intended to highlight key legislative requirements that affect and/or impact individuals
with disabilities who may be public transportation riders. This module is intended to complement curriculum or content sharedwith students about diversity, equity, inclusion, and access (DEIA). The content can be used as is, or the content can be
integrated into faculty materials. It is not intended to interpret the law.
WHY. Strategies related to coordination and mobility management that can be practical ways to support the implementation ofaccessibility requirements and create more inclusive transportation services.
HOW. Encourage students to apply what they learn through activities and assignments. Emphasize that this is only the beginning– students are encouraged to seek opportunities to continuously learn about the needs of riders with disabilities andcoordination and mobility management activities that can facilitate partnerships and create opportunities for individuals withdisabilities.

Student Learning Outcomes
When faculty integrate contents of this learning module, this can help students::
Learn• Key tenets of the Americans with Disabilities Act which is the foundation for accessible services
Identify• Integrate an inclusive focus on mobility and transportation topics related to individuals with disabilities intransportation practice through coordination and mobility management.
Acquire• Strategies and resources to incorporate accessibility, coordination, and mobility management topics intransportation planning

How to Use this Module?
This module includes content obtained
from a variety of sources. More descriptive
content, such as actual text from legislation
is included in an appendix.

There are suggested assignments after each major sectionthat faculty can use to support application of learning
content.

Faculty are encouraged to have students
apply what they learned by talking with
their peers and community professionals to
confirm learning and garner additional
thoughts about a subject.

Use the links and resources to acquire
more information.

When a new topic will be introduced,
readers will see the arrow above

About this Module▪ The content of this module can be used in a couple of ways:– Modify and customize to integrate into existing course content– Faculty can determine the content that can be shared directly with students▪ Some content in this module relates to legislation, policy, and theory, whileother content is intended to be more practical▪ Icons are included on some of the slides to help faculty identify the content
focused on policy versus the content that is focused on policy (theory) topracticeStudent Assignments▪ Embedded in some of the content are suggested activities orassignments that faculty may consider to help students apply
what they learned
Faculty will see this callout that includes
suggested student
activities or assignments

Moving On..
▪ This next section provides an overview of accessibility topics
including the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA)▪ Extensive description of legislative content can be found in the
appendices

What is Accessible Transportation and Mobility?
– Public and Private Collective Means of Transportation - trains, buses, planes, boats, trams, etc. - that are adapted to allow
persons with disabilities to get on and off independently; to travel in a safe position; to cancel tickets; and so on.
– Public Individual Means of Transportation - taxis, 1tuk-tuks, etc. - that are adapted to allow persons with disabilities to get on
and off, to store their assistive devices during the trip, if necessary, etc.
– Mobility-Related Facilities - stations, bus stops, airports, etc. - that allow persons with disabilities to safely enter, circulate, findtheir way, and access the desired transportation.
– Mobility-Related Urban Infrastructure - roads, bridges, pedestrian crossings, pavements - that allow persons with disabilities tocirculate within urban or rural environments.
– Information and communication within the facilities - signs at bus stops, timetables, maps, information for travelers in airports- provided in more than one format, to accommodate the needs of those with visual, hearing, mobility, or other disabilities.
– Information and communication inside collective means of transportation. Accessible information inside trams, trains, buses,
etc. about current and next stops, emergency procedures, how to call for help, etc.
– Digital information and communication. Digital platforms that provide real-time information on the transportation system, Web
services to book a ticket or file a complaint, etc.

What Does Accessibility in Transportation Mean?
▪ From the World Bank, When planning accessible cities, an unbroken
chain of movement must be ensured: urban planning and inclusive
mobility solutions need to ensure that persons with disabilities areable to Reach the infrastructure, while the design of buildings needs
to ensure that they are able to Enter the building, Circulate around
it, and Use all the relevant spaces freely and independently.

The World Bank, Fact Sheet 3: Accessibility in theTransportation Sector of Operations

Why is Learning About Transportation Accessibility
Important?
▪ The ADA provides a legislative requirement to ensure accessibility▪ Improved accessibility creates opportunities for a wider range of riders▪ Improved accessibility promotes inclusive mobility and transportation
options for individuals with disabilities and older adults▪ Planning professionals and transit providers have an obligation to support
accessible and reliable mobility and transportation services

Student Assignment▪ Ask students to write about and/or discuss why a focus onaccessibility is important.
▪ Ask students to articulate how learning about accessibility can
impact on their role in community transportation planning
activities.

ADA Legislative Requirements▪ Requires accessible vehicles▪ Requires accessible public accommodations▪ Requires accessible transportation service▪ Requires accessible features and operations▪ Requires complementary paratransit services
If faculty want to address
any of these items in depth,
use the links to appendicesthat include regulatory
languageWhat is ADA Complementary Paratransit Service?
▪ Disability alone does not determine paratransit eligibility; the decision is based on the applicant’s
functional ability to use the fixed route bus and is not a medical decision.
▪ The Department of Transportation (DOT) Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) regulations in Appendix
D to 49 C.F.R. Section 37.125 explain: “The substantive eligibility process is not aimed at making a
medical or diagnostic determination. While evaluation by a physician (or professionals in rehabilitationor other relevant fields) may be used as part of the process, a diagnosis of a disability is not dispositive.
▪ What is needed is a determination of whether, as a practical matter, the individual can use fixed routetransit in his or her own circumstances.”▪ Transit agencies, with input from the communities they serve, devise the specifics of their individual
eligibility processes. The DOT ADA regulations in Section 37.125 set only broad requirements that allagencies must incorporate, such as written notification of eligibility decisions and an opportunity for an
appeal. This regulation may be accessed here.

Use these Considerations Students to Not Assume…..
▪ Individuals with the same disability have a variety of strengths and needs Service needs can be
influenced by factors such as disability condition, architectural and pedestrian accessibility, andweather/climate conditions.
▪ Some individuals with disabilities can use fixed route services (traditional bus or train service thathas dedicated schedules and routes), while others are not able.
▪ Some individuals with disabilities need complementary paratransit service. The need for paratransit
may change intermittently, based on such things as weather, time of day, destination, etc.
▪ Objective information helps an agency know the service needs of individuals. An eligibility
determination process can help transportation professionals understand the capacity and service
needs of individuals with disabilities.
– An eligibility determination process is usually part of a transit agency’s process to determine
whether a rider might be eligible for ADA Complementary paratransit service.

Food forThought…Thedisability
community isinterested ininclusivetransportation
serviceStudent Assignments
▪

▪
▪
▪

Encourage students to have discussions with their peers about the importance of information about theaccessibility needs of riders in transportation planning.
Ask students to select one of the ADA regulatory areas (vehicles, public accommodations, service, operations)and identify the key attributes or conditions associated with these areas.
Ask students to gather from a planning organization or transit agency, an example of how theorganization/agency has addressed this ADA regulatory requirement.
Suggest students identify several ADA eligibility determination processes used by transit agencies

Student Assignments

Moving On..
▪ This next section offers practical recommendations to improve accessible and inclusiveplanning and practice and defines the following content▪ The Americans with Disabilities Act provides the foundation – but moving legislation into
practice requires deliberate action and coordination.
▪ Federal initiatives such as the Coordinating Council on Access and Mobility (CCAM) can
support coordination.
▪ Regional and local coordination activities through Coordinated Public Transit Human
Services Transportation Plans can facilitate the sharing of inclusive practices▪ Coordination and mobility management encourage strategies to address the accessibility
requirements of the ADA.

A Key to Inclusive Transportation is Coordination▪ Coordination Can occur:– When transportation services are integrated across provider types andmodes;– When funding for transportation services is blended;– When diverse agency perspectives are represented in transportation
planning, design, and operations; and– When there is a deliberate effort to identify gaps in transportation service
and identify solutions to address these gaps.

There is a Federal Impetus for Coordination
Called:Coordinating Council
on Access and Mobility(CCAM):

Coordinating Council on Accessand Mobility (CCAM)
What an Opportunity!

CCAM
Coordinating Council on Access and Mobility

Coordinating Council on
Access and Mobility

Established in 2004 by Executive Order 13330

Interagency partnership of agencies that fund transportation
Target populations – older adults, people with disabilities andindividuals of low income

Coordinating Council on Access and Mobility

22

CCAM
Coordinating Council on
Access and Mobility

11 Federal Agencies
Dept. of Transportation
Health & Human Services
Housing & Urban Development
Education
Dept. of Labor
Veterans Administration

US Dept. of Agriculture
Dept. of Interior
Attorney GeneralSocial Security Administration
National Council on Disability

CCAM statement“Member agencies of the Federal Coordinating Council
on Access and Mobility resolve that Federally-assisted
grantees that have significant involvement in providing
resources and engage in transportation should
coordinate their resources in order to maximize
accessibility and availability of transportation service.”

CCAM 2023-2026 Strategic Plan
Core Values
Accessibility
Mobility
SafetyReliability
Affordability
Equity▪ Goals
1. Improve multisector
collaboration
2. Promote safer and moreaccessible transportation
networks
3. Address policies that impede
transportation coordination
25

CCAM at the State and Local Levels▪ Although CCAM happens at the Federal level, most Federal
agencies have state counterparts.
▪ These are regional or state offices associated with the 11
CCAM Federal agencies that are charged with implementing
the Federal policies.
▪ CCAM provides an opportunity for coordination to happen
across these agencies at the state level.

CCAM Program Inventory
130 Federal programs that provide funding for human services transportation▪ Program name (Comprehensive Opioid Abuse, Recreational Trails,
Temporary Assistance for Needy Families – TANF…)▪ Responsible agency and sub-agency▪ Program objectives▪ FY18 Authorizations/Expenditure total estimates▪ Recipients and Beneficiaries▪ Eligible Activities

27

CCAM Federal Fund Braiding Guide▪ Fund braiding - Multiple funding streams used together to fund a project or service▪ Guide relates only to Federal funding for local match requirement▪ Federal funding streams do not lose their identity or requirements.
▪ The transportation service must meet all the requirements of the participating Federal
agencies.

28

CCAM Federal Fund Braiding Guide Example

CCAM Federal Fund Braiding Guide June 202029

Example From the CCAM Fund Braiding Guide
Incoming

Outgoing

30

CCAM’s Cost-Sharing Policy Statement•••

Recommends cost-sharing to encourage coordination on a state and local
level.
Coordinating transportation can include vehicle and ride-sharing as well as
using multiple funding sources.
In order to enter into these arrangements, each entity should have an
understanding of their own fully allocated costs.

Always Check with your DOT
31

CCAM’s Cost-Sharing Policy Statement cont.
▪
▪
▪
▪

Costs must be allocated based on the benefits each partner receives.
Each partner pays the fully allocable share of the costs.
Cost allocation agreements must be updated regularly
If shared activities generate income, the income should be allocated to partners in the same
proportion as costs.
▪ Costs of a required attendant for a passenger must be included in cost allocationagreements to determine rates.

32

Examples of CCAM Coordination
Coordinating Council on Access and Mobility (CCAM):
Building Partnerships Checklist▪ Participate in conferences/events▪ Host and Hold events▪ Write grants and establish evaluation criteria within grant programs with a transportation
focus▪ Participate on grant panels and reviews▪ Provide training to state agency staff or grantees▪ Establish communication mechanisms▪ Share data

https://nationalcenterformobilitymanagement.org/wpcontent/uploads/2023/03/Building-Partnerships-Checklist.pdf

Additional Examples▪ Share technology and tools▪ Develop coordination plans across agencies▪ Participate on state advisory committees.
▪ Implement vehicle sharing agreements across agencies.
▪ Establish formal agreements and memorandums of understanding (MOUs) between
agencies▪ Develop cost sharing and cooperative funding for transportation service▪ Establish policies and written guidance.

The Following Slides include Resources to Support
CCAM & Coordination▪ Using non-DOT agencies funds to support transportation– Use the FTA Program Inventory to identify those programs that can support
transportation▪ Blending and braiding resources across Federal agencies– Use the Federal Fund Braiding Guide to identify opportunities for braiding▪ Sharing financial support for transportation and mobility services across
CCAM agencies– Use the CCAM Cost Sharing Policy Statement to determine allowability of cost
sharing.

How Can Planning Professionals Leverage the
CCAM Initiative in their Current or Future Work?
• Review relevant CCAM agency policies and programs, especially planning processes required acrossagencies (page 23)• Learn about CCAM agencies at the state level• Participate in cross-agency meetings, advisory committees, and forums and hold events• Share data related to the impacts of transportation access to CCAM Partner audiences.
• Develop funding opportunities cooperatively• Explore the viability of integrating performance measures in CCAM agency partner programs• Share publications and jointly write and communicate with CCAM partner audiences• Establish formal agreements and MOUs between agencies• Provide training across agency staff to ratchet up knowledge about coordination and opportunities tosupport transportation• Share technology or tools• Encourage vehicle sharing agreements• Implement cost sharing agreements• Identify opportunities to braid funds

Learn about the Recommendations included in the
2023–2026 Coordinating Council on Access and Mobility Strategic Plan

CCAM-FTA Resources▪ CCAM Program Inventory– https://www.transit.dot.gov/regulations-and-guidance/ccam/about/ccamprogram-inventory▪ CCAM Federal Fund Braiding Guide– https://www.transit.dot.gov/regulations-andprograms/ccam/about/coordinating-council-access-and-mobility-ccamfederal-fund▪ CCAM Cost Sharing Policy

37

Student Assignment▪ Ask students to explore the FTA updated Strategic Plan and answer the following questions.
– Describe the overarching strategic goals identified in the plan.
– Describe the performance measures related to each of these goals.
– How are policies related to cost-sharing or blending or braiding funds influenced by the strategic plan?
– What do you think can be a catalyst for the transportation community implementing the plan?

▪ Ask students to identify one non-DOT CCAM agency partner in their state. Are there examples of how
your state DOT may already be collaborating with these other state agencies?

Student Assignments

Moving On….
Coordination Can and Should Happen at theRegional and Local Levels Too..
Next Topic

The Local Coordination between Transportation and
Human Services Organizations▪

Coordinated Public Transit Human Services Transportation Plans– Federal transit law requires that projects selected for funding under the Enhanced Mobility for
Seniors and Individuals with Disabilities (Section 5310) Program be "included in a locallydeveloped, coordinated public transit-human services transportation plan," and that the planbe "developed and approved through a process that included participation by seniors,
individuals with disabilities, representatives of public, private, and nonprofit transportationand human services providers and other members of the public" utilizing transportation
services.
– These coordinated plans identify the transportation needs of individuals with disabilities, older
adults, and people with low incomes, provide strategies for meeting these needs, andprioritize transportation services for funding and implementation.
• See plans that have been developed around the country in the National Center for Mobility Management's Index of
Coordinated Plans.

https://www.transit.dot.gov/funding/grants/coordinatedpublic-transit-human-services-transportation-plansExamples of Human Services Coordinated Transportation(HST) Plans▪ The Coordinated Public Transit-Human Services Transportation Plan (Coordinated Plan) supports
improved coordination of transportation for seniors and people with disabilities in the Boston region.
This plan also guides transportation providers in the Boston region who are developing proposals torequest funding from the Federal Transit Administration’s Section 5310 Program. To be eligible forfunding, a proposal must meet a need identified in the Coordinated Plan.
▪ The Coordinated Public Transit-Human Services Transportation Plan (HST) identifies the Old Colony
Metropolitan Planning Organization (MPO) region's unmet human-service transportation needs,
describes the region's current transportation network and transportation providing agencies andprovides ideas for improving transportation services. The HST Plan is prepared by the MPO to allow
organizations in the region to be eligible to receive funding from the Federal Transit Administration's
Section 5310 transit funding program. This program provides capital and operations funding forservices for the elderly and persons with disabilities.

Support to Develop an HST Plan
Writing a Coordinated Public Transit Human Services Transportation
Plan

From: https://nationalcenterformobilitymanagement.org/wpcontent/uploads/2021/07/Writing_a_Coordinated_Public_Transit_H
uman_Services_Transportation_Plan.pdf

Student Assignments▪

▪
▪

Encourage students to review and comment on the human services coordinated transportation plan in their own
regions.
Ask students to describe the process by which the human services coordinated transportation plan was developed?
Have students describe the connections between CCAM at the Federal level and locally developed human services
transportation plans.
– What are the similarities?
– What are the differences?

Student Assignments

Moving On…
▪ CCAM and locally developed coordination plans are the foundation forsustained activity across transportation and non-transportation professionals▪ A network that brings together transportation and non-transportation
professionals creates the framework for coordination and opportunity toaddress ADA accessibility and inclusive services▪ States, regions, and local communities can have mobility management
networks and professionals called mobility managers to be the organizational
structure for coordination

A Means to Enhance Coordination is throughMobility Management▪ Mobility management brings together transportation planners, providers, and humanservices organizations.
▪ A mobility management network identifies resources, services, and gaps and suggests
solutions to address challenges and gaps
▪ Mobility managers are professionals at the state, regional, or local level who help tocoordinate the network, its people, and services▪ Mobility management networks are a great resource to learn about diverse riders including
older adults, those with low income, and individuals with disabilities

Mobility Management isaboutcreating community
connections• A well-connected and diverse
transportation system is the key tocommunity-wide mobility.

• It begins and ends with thecustomer, rider, or client.
• We encourage communities' visions
in which the entire transportation
network works together.

• Deliver the transportation options thatbest meet the community's needs.

Mobility Management is about Getting your Ducks
in a Row

Access Free Mobility Management
Curriculum

States and Local Regions Employ Mobility
Management Professionals to Improve Coordination
Mobility Manager Key Roles Include:▪ Inform and Connect. All mobility management activities point toward one goal: connecting customers to the transportation options
that are most responsive to their needs.
▪ Empathize and Advocate. With the empathy and understanding they have developed with their customers; mobility managers thenshare that knowledge with partners.
▪ Convene and Facilitate. Mobility management practitioners cultivate partnerships and create or join collaborative efforts that
include transportation providers, planners, and other community stakeholders.
▪ Design and Plan. A goal of mobility management is to design local and regional solutions customized to fit the community’s needs,
resources, and vision.
▪ Launch and Sustain. When a mobility management practitioner have designed a new service or extension of a service, there areseveral steps they can take to ensure its launch is successful and sustainable.

From the National Center for Mobility Management

Examples of Mobility Management Networks▪ Connecticut Statewide and Regional Mobility Management
Programs▪ State of Ohio Mobility Management Program▪ Virginia Statewide Mobility Management Network (VAMM)

Mobility Management Encourages
Universal Mobility▪

▪

▪

Universal mobility refers to the state in which everyone has access to reliable means of transportation for necessities like going
to work and school, accessing public services and healthcare, as well as shopping and socializing. Despite being taken for granted
by many, there is a significant percentage of the population whose basic mobility needs are not met. From Autocrypt, March
2022.
Universal Mobility is a design practice which works to ensure that all transportation products and services are inclusively
designed for all user groups.
Why?
– Mobility is a human right– Mobility provides access to community, jobs, education, and health– Mobility strategies and services may not consider the end-user

The National Center for Mobility Management (NCMM) and theShared Use Mobility Center (SUMC) developed a universal
mobility toolkit. The resource helps planners and providers
implement universally designed services.

Student Assignments▪

▪
▪

Have students identify mobility management networks in their state, region, or community and ask them todescribe ways in which they would interact with this network.
Ask students to describe three (3) tangible outcomes of a mobility management network.
Request that students identify an example of a transit agency appears responsive and has made progress toward
universal mobility and explain why the example reflects universal mobility.

Student Assignments

Moving On…
▪ Universal Mobility includes a focus on sidewalks and accessible
pathways

The United States Access Board: A Key
Resource
The Access Board is an independent federal agency devoted toaccessibility for people with disabilities. The Board develops andmaintains design criteria for the built environment, transit
vehicles, telecommunications equipment, and for electronic andinformation technology. The Board develops standards for
sidewalk accessibility called the Public Rights-of-Way Accessibility
Guidelines (PROWAG).
https://www.usa.gov/federal-agencies/u-s-accessboard#:~:text=The%20Access%20Board%20is%20an,for%20ele
ctronic%20and%20information%20technology.

And the Sidewalk Matters Too!
• The Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) provides the legislative requirements
for individuals with disabilities to be included in all facets of society.
• This means removing the physical, social, and cultural barriers that may impede
the ability of individuals to be included and access vital programs and services.
• Specifically, Title II of ADA ensures that people with disabilities have an equal
opportunity to participate in and benefit from state and local governments’programs, services, and activities. The U.S. Department of Justice (DOJ) has
rulemaking authority and enforcement responsibility for Title II, while U.S.
Department of Transportation (DOT) is charged with ensuring compliance relating
to transportation. The Federal Highway Administration (FHWA), Office of Civil
Rights (HCR) and State Division Offices provide oversight of state and local
entities and recipients of Federal funds that are responsible for roadways andpedestrian facilities to ensure that they do not discriminate on the basis of
disability in any highway transportation program, activity, service or benefit they
provide to the public. Subpart A of Title II covers public rights-of-way.

Public Right of Way
A public right of way is a public right to travel unhindered over a pieceof land, even if that land is privately owned. Generally, this term is inreference to sidewalks and streets that are located on city or town
property. However, even if the public right of way is on such public
property, any landowner adjacent to the right of way may have a
responsibility to keep the public right of way safe for travel bypedestrians. A public right of way can be differentiated from a “privateright of way,” which is usually referred to as an “easement.”
https://www.mylawquestions.com/what-is-a-public-right-ofway.htm

ADA Transition Plans: Transit and Community
Planning Professionals Working Together• Since 1973, Government entities with 50+ employees were required todevelop an ADA Transition Plan, which is document where a local
government assesses the conditions of the public right-of-way (e.g.
sidewalks, curb-cuts, and crosswalks), finds any barriers that may belimiting access, and plans for their removal.
• https://www.metroplanning.org/uploads/cms/documents/ensemblemedia_mpc_ad
atransitionplanreport_compliant.pdf• At times, professionals who plan and implement transit projects don’t
communicate with their colleagues who are responsible for the pathways
and sidewalks that enable pedestrians to access transit stations.
• Individuals with disabilities can’t access transit stations and accessible
services if the means of getting to these services in inaccessible!

Student Assignments▪

Have students identify and communicate with the ADA professionals in your community who are responsible for
the ADA Transition Plan. Ask students to:
–
–
–

▪

▪

Describe what are the key components of the plan?
How was the plan developed?
How is the plan implemented?

Ask students to describe the connection between the ADA, Coordination Plans, Mobility Management, and ADA
Transition Plans?
Ask students to identify and describe resources that are important to facilitate inclusive transportation optionsin their community.

Student Assignments

Encourage Future Transportation Professionals to use
this Module Content to:▪ Have discussions with colleagues from human services sectors to learn more and help
advance their knowledge of transportation topics▪ Undertake an inventory of transportation services and collaborate on identifying local
opportunities▪ Visit local non-profits and human services organization to learn about the needs of theiraudiences▪ Look for opportunities to develop collaborative projects with non-transportationcolleagues▪ Identify local communication channels and forums to obtain additional information andshare learning▪ Create innovative projects that facilitate connections across interdisciplinary
professionals.

Moving On…
The Next Section will Provide Additional Resources and Websitesthat can Complement Module Content

Access National Center for Mobility
Management (NCMM) Resources• Research products and tools• Our blog, Mobility Lines• Participate in our events• Share our online e-Learning
modules• Take advantage of our grant
programs• Connect with your regional
liaison – a professional who can
support your customized
technical assistanceFTA’s Technical Assistance Network (slide 2 of 3)
NCMM: Promoting customer-centeredmobility strategies that advance good
health, economic vitality, selfsufficiency, and community (SDOH).
NRTAP: Addressing the training andtechnical assistance needs of rural andtribal transit agencies across thecountry and supporting state RTAPs.

61

FTA’s Technical Assistance Network (slide 3 of 3)
SUMC: Working to achieve equitable,
affordable, and environmentally soundmobility across the US through theefficient sharing of transportation assets.
TWC: Helping urban, suburban, tribal,
and rural public transportation entities
recruit, hire, train, and retain the diverse
workforce needed now and in the future.

Coordinating Council on Access and Mobility

62

TACL: The Transportation Technical Assistance Coordination
Library
Find transportation coordination resources from adiverse range of transportation technical assistancecenters and the Federal Transit Administration (FTA).
Participating Technical Assistance Centers:• National Aging and Disability Transportation Center (NADTC)• National Center for Applied Transit Technology (N-CATT)• National Center for Mobility Management (NCMM)• National Rural Transit Assistance Program (National RTAP)• Shared-Use Mobility Center (SUMC)• Transit Workforce Center (TWC)National Publications• Building Awareness in Accessible Transportation: Transit assessment
guide for students, families and educators, NADTC/Easterseals Project
Action.
• A Review of Human Services Transportation Plans and Grant Programs• TRB’s National Cooperative Highway Research Program (NCHRP) Research
Results Digest 354: A Review of Human Services Transportation Plans andGrant Programs explores the level of effort and costs associated with thedevelopment of coordinated public transit-human services transportationplans.

• World Bank Group, Fact Sheet 3: Accessibility in the Transportation
Sector of Operations.

National Federally-funded Technical Assistance Centers• The National Aging and Disability Transportation Center (NADTC) is a national technical assistance center funded by FTA with guidance from the Department
of Health and Human Services’ Administration for Community Living (ACL). NADTC promotes the availability and accessibility of transportation options thatserve the needs of people with disabilities, older adults, caregivers, and communities with a focus on the Enhanced Mobility of Seniors & Individuals with
Disabilities Section 5310 program and other transit investments. The NADTC supports the delivery of effective, efficient, high-quality, and coordinatedspecialized transportation services that maximize Federal investments.
• The National Center for Applied Transit Technology (N-CATT) provides technical assistance to small-urban, rural, and Tribal transit agencies. N-CATT supports
the use and development of transit technologies and innovations with the goal of making services more cost-effective and efficient. N-CATT’s work supports
CCAM’s mission by developing and supporting transit programs—which includes support for CCAM’s targeted populations—in rural and small-city America.
• The National Center for Mobility Management supports FTA’s Transit & Health Access Initiative and is funded through a cooperative agreement with FTA.
The NCMM’s mission is to promote customer-centered mobility strategies that advance good health, economic vitality, self-sufficiency, and community.
NCMM provides technical assistance and training; catalogs and disseminates best practice information on innovative mobility management programs; andworks to enhance the coordination of Federal resources for human services transportation, especially for people with disabilities, older adults, and peopleof lower income. NCMM tracks State and regional transportation coordination contact information
at https://nationalcenterformobilitymanagement.org/states-at-a-glance/.
• The National Rural Transportation Assistance Program (RTAP) addresses the training and technical assistance needs of rural and Tribal transit programs
across the nation and supports state RTAP programs. National RTAP provides comprehensive free technical assistance programs and resources, including
training materials, webinars, newsletters and technical briefs, peer resources, research, and innovative technology initiatives. RTAP’s technical assistancealigns with the mission of the CCAM by helping to improve the availability and efficiency of rural and Tribal transit.
• The Transit Workforce Development Technical Assistance Center (TWC) was created by FTA in September 2021 to support public transit agencies’ workforce
development needs for all modes and in communities of varying sizes, including urban, tribal, and rural entities. The center helps transit agencies recruit,
hire, train, and retain the diverse workforce needed now and in the future. Main initiatives include 1) conducting technical assistance activities within andfor transit agencies that promote more effective and efficient training of frontline workers involved in public transportation maintenance and operations;and 2) implementing technical assistance activities through collaborative partnerships between transit agency management and labor, including
apprenticeships. Overall, the center is providing opportunities to address social inequities that exist in the transit industry and creating diversity within andamong the transit workforce.

Additional Federal Supports• The National Transit Institute (NTI) at Rutgers University conducts trainings and educational
programs related to public transportation. Funded by FTA, NTI’s mission is to provide training,education, and clearinghouse services in support of public transportation and quality of life in the
United States. Training is available to public transportation agencies, metropolitan planning
organizations (MPOs), State Departments of Transportation, and other agencies providing
transportation services.
• The Mobility on Demand Innovation and Knowledge Accelerator (IKA) is a partnership between
the Shared Use Mobility Center (SUMC) and FTA. The IKA provides technical assistance to support
FTA’s Mobility on Demand Sandbox grantees and shares knowledge learned with the larger public
transportation industry.
• The Multi-State Technical Assistance Program (MTAP), administered by the American Associationof State Highway and Transportation Officials (AASHTO), provides a forum through which statelevel public transportation agencies can communicate with each other about federal transit
regulations, grant program management, and technical issues pertaining to everyday
administration of public transportation service. MTAP was developed to benefit the member
states as well as their Federal program counterparts and local transit operators. Networking
among the States is conducted through two annual meetings, peer-to-peer assistance, conference
calls, and electronic communication.

National Organizations• ADA National Network. The Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) National Network provides
information, guidance, and training on how to implement the ADA in order to support its mission
to "assure equality of opportunity, full participation, independent living, and economic selfsufficiency for individuals with disabilities."• EARN. The Employer Assistance and Resource Network on Disability Inclusion (EARN)
offers information and resources to help employers recruit, hire, retain and advancepeople with disabilities; build inclusive workplace cultures; and meet diversity, equity,
inclusion and accessibility (DEIA) goals.
• DREDF. Disability Rights Education and Defense Fund (DREDF), founded in 1979, is a leading
national civil rights law and policy center directed by individuals with disabilities and parents who
have children with disabilities.
• NCIL. The National Council on Independent Living is the longest-running national cross-disability,
grassroots organization run by and for people with disabilities. Founded in 1982, NCIL represents
thousands of organizations and individuals including: individuals with disabilities, Centers for
Independent Living (CILs), Statewide Independent Living Councils (SILCs), and other organizations
that advocate for the human and civil rights of people with disabilities throughout the UnitedStates. NCIL advances independent living and the rights of people with disabilities.

Thank you!
• This module is intended to provide an overview of the wide range of
topics that impact disability, mobility, and accessible transportation
services and provide practical strategies to minimize siloes in ourwork.
• If this content piques your interest in learning more – in seeking new
and innovative partnerships and in developing cooperative projects –than this work can be considered a success.
• We would always welcome your additions, corrections, andsuggestions to this module. Let us know how you use the material
and importantly, how it affects your knowledge and practice.

Moving On…
▪ Appendices – Use this information to complement the module
content– Legislative Requirements, Transportation Vehicles– Legislative Requirements, Accessibility Standards– Legislative Requirements, Service– Legislative Requirements, Features and Operations– Legislative Requirements, Complementary Paratransit Service

Legislative Requirements: Transportation Vehicles• ADA Accessibility Guidelines for Transportation Vehicles, from the US Access Board• Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) requires access to new or remanufactured
transportation vehicles, including buses and vans, rail cars, automated guideway
vehicles, trams, and similar vehicles. Vehicles covered by the ADA must comply withstandards issued by the Department of Transportation (DOT). These standards are
based on the Board’s original ADA Accessibility Guidelines for Transportation Vehicles(1991). Regulations issued by DOT under the ADA apply these standards and indicate
which vehicles are required to comply. DOT’s ADA regulations also addresstransportation service and facilities.

Legislative Requirements: Accessibility Standards• Accessibility standards issued under the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) apply toplaces of public accommodation, commercial facilities, and state and local government
facilities in new construction, alterations, and additions. The ADA Standards are based onminimum guidelines set by the Access Board.

• The Department of Justice (DOJ) and the Department of Transportation (DOT) issue theADA Standards. DOJ’s ADA Standards apply to all facilities except public transportation
facilities, which are subject to DOT’s ADA Standards. This version of the ADA Standards
combines both documents and notes unique provisions in the DOJ Standards and the DOT
Standards. The Access Board is responsible for providing technical assistance and training
on these Standards.

Legislative Requirements: Service
The Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) applies to both public and private ground transportation providers. The ADA rules that
apply to transportation are regulated by the U.S. Department of Transportation.
• Both public and private organizations must meet ADA requirements: A public entity entering into a contract or agreement with a private
entity to operate transportation services must ensure that the private entity meets all ADA requirements for the public entity.
• Rider information: A public transportation system must provide adequate information on services in accessible formats for persons withdifferent types of disabilities (e.g. information in large print, braille or alternative and electronic format).
• Assistance equipment and accessible features: Equipment and facilities such as lifts, ramps, securement devices (straps for securing
wheelchairs on board), signage, and communication devices must be in good operating condition. If a feature is out of order, it must be
repaired promptly. In the interim, an alternative accessible vehicle or option must be available.
• Adequate time to board: Public transit operators must allow adequate time for people with disabilities to board and exit from vehicles.
• Service animals allowed: Service animals may accompany people with disabilities in vehicles and facilities. The DOT ADA regulations define a
service animal as any guide dog, signal dog or other animal individually trained to provide assistance to an individual with a disability,
regardless of whether the animal has been licensed or certified by a state or local government.
• Priority seating and signs: Fixed-route systems (those operating along a prescribed route) must have signs designating seating for passengers
with disabilities. At least one set of forward-facing seats must be marked as priority seating (for people with disabilities).
• Operator training: Each public and private transportation operator must ensure that personnel are trained to operate vehicles andequipment safely; properly assist individuals with disabilities in a respectful, courteous way; and recognize that individuals with disabilities
have different abilities and needs requiring different types of assistance.

Legislative Requirements: Features and Operations
Fixed-route service requirements include:• Stop announcements: Stops must be announced at transfer points, major intersections, destination points, and other points sothat people with visual impairments understand their location. In addition, the operator must announce any stop at the requestof a rider with a disability.
• Assist with payment: Operators must assist passengers who have difficulty using the vehicle fare payment system.
• Destination information on vehicles: Vehicles must have destination and route information on the front and boarding side of avehicle. There are size requirements for the numbers and letters on the route information signs. Destination and routeinformation must be announced.
• Lifts and Ramps: Vehicles need a boarding device (e.g. lift or ramp) so that a passenger who uses a wheelchair or mobility device
can reach a securement location onboard. Lifts must have a minimum design load of 600 pounds and lift platforms must
accommodate a wheelchair measuring 30 inches by 48 inches.
• Illumination, contrast, and slip-resistant surfaces: Stepwells and doorways of vehicles must be illuminated. Doors and steps needslip-resistant surfaces.
• Farebox: Fareboxes must be located so they do not obstruct passenger flow for boarding the bus.
• Turning room, handrails, and pull cords: There must be sufficient turning and maneuvering space for wheelchairs. Handrails andstanchions (vertical rails) in the vehicle must be accessible. A stop control, such as a pull cord or button, should be within reach ofwheelchair securement locations.

Legislative Requirements: Complementary Paratransit
Service
ADA complementary paratransit service provides origin-to-destination service and must be available where fixedroute service exists. Transit agencies can establish a policy to provide door-to-door service or curb-to-curb service.
For door-to-door service, a driver offers assistance from the customer’s door to the vehicle and from the vehicle tothe door at the destination. For curb-to-curb service, assistance is provided to the customer to enter and exit thevehicle at the curb. However, if a customer needs assistance due to disability, physical barriers in the walkway or
adverse weather conditions, the driver may need to help beyond the curb to the door. ADA Paratransit Service
Minimum Requirements• Service area: Generally, within a three-quarter mile on either side of a fixed route.
• Hours and days of service: Same hours and days as fixed route.
• Fare: Fares may not exceed twice the fare that would be charged to an individual paying full fare for a fixed-route trip ofsimilar length, at a similar time of day. A personal care attendant shall not be charged.
• Response time: Paratransit service must be provided at any requested time on a particular day in response to a request
for service made the previous day. Real time scheduling, in which a call to the transit provider would result in pickup thesame day, is allowed but not mandated.
• Trip purpose restrictions: No restrictions or priorities based on trip purpose are allowed.
• The following are not allowed:• Restrictions on the number of trips per eligible individual• Waiting lists for access to the service• Substantial numbers of significantly untimely pickups for initial or return trips• Substantial numbers of trip denials or missed trips• Substantial numbers of trips with excessive trip lengths

The End!
• Thank you!