8.17.22 OUTBoard Packet - Laserfiche WebLink

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Orange County Transportation Services ADA Paratransit Plan Orange County Planning Department Page 22 Those persons who would like to learn how to use the lift or ramp equipment on an accessible fixed route bus can practice on a vehicle that is not in regular service. Whenever possible, OCTS can make available demonstrations, attended by all interested persons, and will arrange transportation to such sites for those needing those services. OCTS staff may be able to accompany passengers on all or part of their first trip if advance arrangements are made. OCTS will also make mobility training available upon request. OCTS permit the use of a lift or ramp for Segway or other personal transportation devices when used as a mobility device by eligible customers as long as safety or vehicle integrity is not compromised. Securement provisions do not apply. The Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) allows paratransit passengers to travel with service animals trained to assist them. The ADA (49 CFR §37.3) defines a service animal as one that is individually trained to do work or perform tasks for the benefit of an individual with a disability. The work or tasks performed by a service animal must be directly related to the handler's disability. Examples of work or tasks include, but are not limited to, guiding individuals with impaired vision, alerting individuals with impaired hearing to intruders or sounds, providing minimal protection or rescue work, pulling a wheelchair, or fetching dropped items. The crime deterrent effects of an animal's presence and the provision of emotional support, well-being, comfort, or companionship do not constitute work or tasks for the purposes of this definition. People with disabilities who use service animals are not be charged extra fees, isolated from other patrons, or treated less favorably than other patrons. A person with a disability cannot be asked to remove a service animal from the premises unless: (1) the animal is out of control and the animal’s owner does not take effective action to control it (for example, a dog that barks repeatedly); or (2) the animal poses a direct threat to the health or safety of others. OCTS does not provide care or food for a service animal or provide a special location for it to relieve itself. Allergies and fear of animals are not valid reasons for denying or refusing service to people with service animals. Passengers are permitted to travel with respirators, portable oxygen, and other life support equipment. Travel with this equipment will only be denied if it violates rules concerning the transportation of hazardous materials. 13. Subscription Service Policy Passengers who use Paratransit service to make regular trips (daily, weekly, etc.) can request a standing reservation service through the Dispatch office. These reservations allow passengers to not have to call and schedule each recurring trip. OCTS takes subscription requests on a first come first serve basis. If a passenger makes a standing reservation and has two no-shows, per the OCTS no-show policy, the standing reservation are cancelled, and that passenger is not be eligible to qualify for subscription service for 30 days. Trips missed by the individual for reasons beyond his or her control (included but not limited to trips that are missed due to operator error) are not a basis for determining that a pattern or practice exists for missing appointments. 32