Service: Peer Transportation Program

Purpose: To provide transportation to and from work and work related activities for people that live in Erie County and have been diagnosed with a mental illness.

Method:
1. An intake is done over the phone.
2. Documentation of disability is obtained and a Peer-Advocate is assigned.
3. The Peer-Advocate identifies what are the consumer's transportation needs and sends an email to the Transportation Department. If the times and days are available, transportation will be scheduled and a van will pick up the consumer at designated times to take them to work.
4. Individuals may ride the van for 3 - 6 months. The Peer-Advocate is available to assist in finding alternative means of transportation.
5. Drivers are given schedules each day and proceed to each pick up. The vans run from 7:30 am to 10:30 pm seven days per week, some holidays off.
6. Bus passes may also be provided. A tracking sheet must be completed to verify number of trips used for work purposes.
7. Individuals may receive a bus pass for up to 3 months when beginning employment.

Intake, ride requests and bus passes provided by:
1. Transportation Department Staff.

Transportation provided by:
1. Drivers that have a NYS Commercial Driver's License Class A, B or C with a passenger endorsement, except Staff Support Driver. Staff Driver will require a valid NYS Drivers License and a high school diploma.
2. Drivers who are trained on how to use the wheelchair lift, appropriate securing procedures, basic first-aid instruction, HIPAA requirements and WNY Developmental Disabilities Service Office Part 633 Training on reportable incidents.
3. All Drivers, excluding Staff Support Driver, must comply with Article 19A of the NYS Vehicle and Traffic Laws and undergo required testing for said regulation. Staff Support Driver will comply with having a physical annually and may be subject to a road test at the discretion of the Director of Transportation or the Executive Director.
4. All Drivers are fingerprinted and have had a criminal background check and comply with random drug tests at the discretion of the Director of Transportation or the Executive Director.

Offered By:

Independence Express

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