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