The Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) of 1990 requires public transit agencies to provide Paratransit service to people with disabilities who cannot access the regular fixed-route bus service due to their disability or function limitation. All Fort Smith Transit buses are equipped with ramps and are accessible to individuals with disabilities.

ADA Paratransit is a service provided to individuals who are unable to use a fixed-route bus service because of a disability or function limitation. An inability to use a fixed-route bus service may include: being unable to travel to or from bus stops, board or exit buses, or understand how to ride and use the bus system.

A disability does not guarantee eligibility for ADA Paratransit. Your disability must impact your ability to board, ride and exit a fixed-route bus.

There are three types of eligibility:

• Conditional Temporary: You are able to use the fixed-route bus sometimes and need Paratransit sometimes. The functional limitation is expected to improve.
• Conditional Permanent: You are able to use the fixed-route bus sometimes and at other times you need Paratransit service. The functional limitation will not improve and may become worse.
• Unconditional: You cannot use the fixed-route bus due to functional limitations.

To enable us to accurately determine your eligibility for this service, please complete the enclosed application as completely and accurately as possible. The questions are meant to determine the circumstances under which you may be able to use Paratransit services.

If you need assistance completing the form or have any questions, please contact the Fort Smith Transit office at 479-763-6464. Upon request, this letter and application are available in large print and other alternative formats. After you have completed and signed “Part A” of this application. “Part B” is a voluntary confirmation from your licensed health care or rehabilitation professional to further support the information provided in “Part A”. The application must be returned no later than 21 days after receipt. If any sections are left blank, the application will be returned to you. Temporary presumptive ADA eligibility will be granted until approval of the final certification. The information you provide in this application is confidential.

Following the next Operations Committee meeting, you will then be notified in writing of your eligibility status. If it is determined that you are able to use Fort Smith Transit fixed-route bus service, and are therefore ineligible for ADA Paratransit, you will be notified of the reason(s) for this determination. You may appeal this decision in writing. Appeals will be accepted within 60 days from the date on the eligibility determination letter.

Thank you for inquiring about applying for Fort Smith Transit System ADA Paratransit eligibility. If you have a disability or health condition that prevents you from sometimes or always using Fort Smith Transit fixed-route bus service, you may be eligible for ADA Paratransit.

Below is a copy of the Application for Certification of ADA Paratransit Eligibility, as well as information outlining the certification process.

Application for Certification of ADA Paratransit Eligibility

Solicitud de Certificación de Elegibilidad de Paratránsito ADA

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Please Return the Application to:

Fort Smith Transit

6821 Jenny Lind Road

P.O. Box 1908

Fort Smith, AR 72902

(479) 783-6464

Fax: (479) 788-6525

Toll-Free (877) 335-9555

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