The ability to move around your community – to get to the places you need and want to go, is essential. In Connecticut, there are several options for transportation including driving your own car, volunteer and private ride services, taking a public bus or train and using local Dial-A-Ride. The range and type of options differ for each community. By identifying and addressing the physical, sensory, and cognitive changes that may come with aging or disabilities, drivers can investigate solutions that may keep them on the road longer.
Get to the Places You Need and Want to Go
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The resources found below offer older adults and people with disabilities some options for maintaining mobility and independence in daily life.
For further information, contact the Mobility Ombudsmen (also known as mobility management) in your region. Visit the Connecticut Department of Transportation website – Mobility Ombudsman section, for additional information and links to regional programs throughout the state. Also available on that page are comprehensive guides to accessible transportation for each region of the state called “Getting on Board” — a good place to start.
Driving Independently
Mature Drivers Training
Learn about age-related issues that may impact driving skills, changes in the rules of the road and new car technologies. These classes can enhance driver safety practices on the road and extend one’s driving career.
Driving Assessment
Injuries, disease and age-related changes all impact one’s ability to drive safely. A clinical evaluation by a trained professional can assess an individual’s ability and recommend accommodations, modifications, retraining and possible restrictions.
Adaptive Drivers Training/Vehicle Modifications
Many people with disabilities can use adaptive aids or suitable vehicle modifications to safely drive their own vehicle. These include hand controls, modified foot controls, steering aids, ramps, lifts or other wheelchair conversions which may be recommended through a driving assessment process.
Parking Permits for Persons with Disabilities
Temporary and permanent parking permits are available to individuals who have a qualifying disability. These permits, which are for the exclusive use of the person with a disability, give that individual permission to park in spaces reserved for people with disabilities.
Transportation Services
Ride-Hailing Services
Services such as Uber and Lyft provide taxicab-like transportation primarily in urban areas to all individuals over the age of 18. The use of a smartphone and a data connection is required to use a ride-hailing service
Taxi and Livery Services
There are hundreds of Taxi and Livery services operating in Connecticut. Taxicabs are required to have meters and be available to pick up any passenger that hails or calls the taxicab company for service. Livery services do not have meters and are defined in statute as businesses that transport passengers for hire, such as limousines and medical transporters.
Public Transportation Including ADA Paratransit
Public transportation is available through a network of bus and train systems across the state, generally by CTtransit and CTrail respectively. Paratransit ADA is a shared ride, advanced reservation, door-to-door service for persons with disabilities who are unable to use the public bus service because of their disability.
Dial-A-Ride
Dial-A-Ride offers affordable, accessible transportation to older adults and people with disabilities to local destinations. Rides must be scheduled in advance.
Volunteer Driver Programs
There may be other transportation options available to you in your community that are offered by local groups or organizations. These are typically no- to low-cost options provided by disease-specific organizations, volunteer or service organizations or faith communities.
Non-Emergency Medical Transportation
This service provides transportation for Medicaid-covered medical appointments to HUSKY A, C, D, and limited benefit members who cannot drive themselves.
