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Transportation in New MexicoA Guide to Transportation Resources for People with Disabilities

DVR WIT

Whatever It Takes Transportation

October 2007Division of Vocational Rehabilitation (DVR)

Whatever It Takes Transportation Program (WIT)

Through USDOE/RSA grant



3

Preface

Thanks go out to people who staffed the Whatever It Takes Transportationprogram in the earlier years, as well at the current staff members for making thisinformation available to the public. Thanks to Andy Winnegar and Alan Klaus fortheir vision for the grant that WIT is funded under. Thanks to Yvonne Hart andLisa Vigil for their direction of the program and compassion for the needs of

people with disabilities. Thanks to Pat White for his insights into transportationissues for people with disabilities. He has brought his community together todiscuss and act on plans for coordinated transportation in his community. Thanksto Tracy Alcaraz and Patricia Gulino for their administrative support of theprogram. Thanks also to the following people for their review: Adrianne Vidal,Chairperson for Whatever It Takes Transportation Program, Althea McLuckie,WIT Advisory Committee Member, Patrick White, WIT Advisory CommitteeMember and former staff member, and Charlene Chavez, DVR Counselor RioRancho. Pat White and Adrianne Vidal were also Whatever It TakesTransportation customers, prior to being part of the committee or the staff.

We hope that this manual will be an effective tool for serving the transportationneeds of people through out the State of New Mexico, and especially those livingin rural communities and those with disabilities.

Carmen E. Taylor, Program ManagerDVR Whatever It Takes Transportation



4



5

TABLE OF CONTENTS

I. Introduction……………………………………………………………… 7

II. DVR Services and Access to Services…………………………………… 8

III. DVR Whatever It Takes Transportation (WIT) Program…………….. 9

IV. Coordinated Transportation Planning…………………………………. 12

V. County by County Resources………………………………………… .... 13-57

VI. Conversions and Automotive Modifications…………………………… 59

VII. Driver’s Training………………………………………………………… 60

VIII. Disability License Plates and Placards…………………………………. 62

IX. Wheel-Chair Selection and Resources………………………………… 65

X. Conclusion………………………………………………………………… 67

Appendices

Appendix A Office of Policy Development-Memo on Human Services

Transportation Coordination 1-13……………………………. 71

Appendix B United We Ride-October 2006 Policy Statement- Attachment I 79

Appendix C United We Ride-October 2006 Policy Statement-Attachment II…… 87

Appendix D Area Code Map…………………………………………………….. 89



6



7

I. Introduction

This manual is designed to provide information about transportation resources for people in NewMexico. We sincerely hope that the information provided here will assist not only people withdisabilities, but others who need transportation in rural and metropolitan New Mexico. Although

the information is more specific to New Mexico residents, there will be general information of value to people living in other states, who would like to explore options needed for them, as wellas people they might serve.

New Mexico is predominantly a rural state, so the challenges to get to work, to seek medical careand to simply access the day to day needs of the individual in a rural community can be achallenge if:

• there is no public transportation available

• a person does not have the physical ability to drive a vehicle

• an individual does not have the financial assets to be able to afford transportationservices or a private car

• an individual lacks the resources to repair or modify a vehicle to be in running conditionand/or accessible to a wheel chair user

• the person lacks the family support system to get rides in a timely manner from familymembers and/or friends

• no transportation routes exist that serve the areas that a person needs to travel

• transportation schedules do not accommodate the individual at the time that he/she needstransportation to get to work, for instance a late night shift worker.

• no routes exist that link small towns or metro areas to each other

However, there are always creative solutions to these challenges that can be overcome. Peopleneed the resources in their communities to lead productive lives. This manual will highlight the

work of the Division of Vocational Rehabilitation’s Whatever It Takes transportation program,which served the transportation needs of people with disabilities. The manual will discusstransportation issues and resource solutions. County by county resources are listed in thismanual. There will be information intended to assist people all over the state with lists of drivingschools, vehicle conversion specialists, potential modifications to vehicles and information aboutselection of a wheel chair.

The federal government has mandated collaboration in order to receive federal dollars fortransportation that not only meets for the general population, but also those with special needs.Why should this be important to you? This is very important to people and communities thatthey live in, because knowing this information could facilitate a very effective and important

dialog about access to transportation resources that may not have been available before. Accessto transportation is an important step to employment, economic independence, access to medicalcare, and simply to do the day to day activities, like shopping for groceries. In a ruralcommunity, this becomes even more crucial. Traditionally, there have been few optionsavailable. However, there is change on the horizon with the expansion of services contained inthe directory and the ability of people to bring together partners to access funds needed for theircommunities. As a member of the community, you can make a difference by participating in the



8

process. This would include identifying the stakeholders, and learning about and advocating forservices in your community.

II. DVR and Access to Services

The New Mexico Division of Vocational Rehabilitation (DVR) is a state agency dedicated to

helping people with disabilities to achieve a suitable employment outcome. DVR is a part of theNew Mexico Department of Education, whose specialty is training and employment of peoplewith disabilities. DVR Counselors are licensed Certified Rehabilitation Counselors (CRC), whoare qualified to determine customer eligibility for DVR services and to assist a DVR client withdeveloping his/her Individual Plan of Employment (IPE).

A. A DVR customer is determined eligible for services if he/she has to meet the followingcriteria:

1. has a physical or mental impairment;2. which for the individual constitutes or results in a substantial impediment to

employment;

3. who can benefit in terms of an employment outcome from vocationalrehabilitation services.B. Vocational rehabilitation services are required in order for the individual to prepare for,engage in, or regain employment.

Although DVR does not have specific income eligibility to be a client, this may be consideredwhen accessing services and the ability to cost share may be discussed.

To apply for services, a disabled person would apply for services in the DVR Office closest tohis/her home. DVR has 26 offices throughout New Mexico. Although DVR offices are not inevery town, there is a counselor assigned to each community. In some cases, rehabilitationcounselors may set up an appointment in your community. In other instances, you may need togo to the DVR office serving your area. Once the assigned office is known, then the applicationprocess can begin. It may include an orientation session depending on the office serving yourlocation.

The application process always includes filling out an application. The more informationpertaining to your disability, that you can provide early in the application process, the shorter thetime to be determined eligible. This would include medical reports, a letter from your doctorverifying your disability, school transcripts or GED records, vocational assessment andeducational records of special needs, if these have been done. If a counselor has additionalquestions, he/she may request additional information in order to make that determination. Onceyou have been determined eligible for services you and your DVR counselor will work on anIndividualized Plan of Employment (IPE).

This Individual Plan of Employment (IPE) is a plan of activities, services, responsibility for eachidentified activity or service, and costs that will be needed to achieve your employment goal. Insome cases, you will be asked to cost share on your plan. Basically, it is different for eachperson, depending on their particular goal, disability, prior education, experience and resources



9

available to them. In other words, each plan is unique to each person to best identify andaccomplish their employment or training needs.

III. DVR Whatever It Takes Transportation Program (WIT)

The Division of Vocational Rehabilitation’s Whatever It Takes Transportation (WIT) program isin the final months of a special demonstration grant funded by the United States Department of Education Rehabilitation Services Administration federal grant. The DVR WIT program willclose its doors December 31, 2007. This program was in existence for six years and served over866 people with disabilities with their transportation needs. The Whatever It Takes (WIT)Transportation program staff assisted vocational rehabilitation clients with rural transportationneeds, or where no public transportation route or schedule is available. Goals of this programwere to assist people with disabilities with “Whatever It Takes” to attend job training and toseek/retain employment. For many of our customers, this assistance made a real difference intheir independence and their ability to sustain their livelihood for the future. The WIT programcollaborated with vocational rehabilitation counselors, businesses, post-secondary training

schools, Middle Rio Grande Council of Governments, Project Access, private non-profitorganizations, coordinated transportation groups, and high schools, just to name a few.Objectives of this program were accomplished through a variety of means. The followingservices were provided:

• Transportation through an accessible van service, taxi, contracted van pool, peer driver,self-directed transportation, or financial assistance with established public transportation.

• Financial assistance with automotive repairs

• Financial assistance with specialized vehicle modifications, including raising or loweringparts of the van, lifts, hand controls, and strap down devices for wheel chairs. Eachmodification is individually determined by the vehicle make/model and unique medicalconditions of the customer.

• Assistance with purchasing short term automotive insurance, usually 6 months at a time.• Collaboration with transportation providers throughout the state to purchase

transportation services, such as individual rides or bus passes.

• Over the life on the grant the WIT Program has assisted 866 (as of September 24, 2007)individuals with transportation assistance, some fully funded by WIT and others withvocational rehabilitation services funding and client cost sharing.

• WIT partnered with Carlsbad Mental and Roswell Mental Health to providetransportation for 35 VR clients to work in hospitality and motel operations at the FLETCPolice Training Center in Artesia.

• Pueblo communities were served through Zuni Entrepreneurial Enterprise.

• WIT staff promoted coordinated transportation development throughout the state.

• Development of a state-wide transportation manual.• Outreach activities to the general public to promote use of the WIT program services.

• Referral of people with disabilities to resources available to them.

• Referral to vendors for services.

• Referral to the Division of Vocational Rehabilitation for potentially qualified customers.

• Referrals to employers for job seekers.

• Maintained a program information website.



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This statewide program assisted over 866 disabled people with a transportation barrier to seek training, employment and retention of employment. Most clients had some type of orthopedic ormental health impairment and some sort of transportation barrier, for which transportationresources were needed. The WIT program partnered with the DVR Mentoring program to assist

30 at-risk high school youth from Bernalillo High School and Tohajilee Community School toattend job fairs, to participate in mentoring opportunities, and to work in on the job trainingduring the summer months.

WIT Program staff participated in the development of a coordinated transportation plan, whichserves as the model in a four county area; Torrance, Valencia, Bernalillo and Sandoval counties.As a result of this initiative, the WIT Program manager assisted other parts of the state withinformation about development of coordinated transportation plans.

The WIT program worked under a variety of transportation service delivery models. Theseinclude the following:

• Access to existing public transportation, via bus passes

• Self-directed transportation, where the customer receives funding and then selects thedriver and uses receipts for reimbursement.

• Peer Driver, where customer selects his driver from those insured and able to transportthem.

• Contract vendor for single rider, such as Taxis and contract service vendors.

• Contract vendor for multiple riders, such as Carlsbad Mental Health and TobosaDevelopment Services which transport 4-8 riders to their work destinations.

• Contract vendor for multiple riders, but shared with other riders eligible under TANF,Medicare or Medicaid.

Although WIT program staff made a real difference in providing transportation for people withdisabilities, there is much that must still be done. The WIT program was able to providetemporary solutions to temporary situations. What really needs to be done is to develop longterm solutions to transportation issues in New Mexico. The brightest hope for the future is forcommunities to rally and participate in coordinated transportation planning. The coordinatedtransportation incentive is one giant step in the right direction. In the next section there isgeneral information about coordinated transportation to assist with the development of a plan.

IV. Coordinated Transportation Planning, Why is this important to you?

The federal government is interested in collaborations to make federal transportation dollars

available through community combined efforts in order to prevent duplication of services and tomaximize resources. There are three main and 3 subtitle pieces of legislation, which all mandatecollaboration, partnerships and establishing transportation that not only meets the needs of thegeneral population, but also those with special needs such as people with disabilities and seniorcitizens.

The legislative mandates are as follows:

• Transportation Efficiency Act of 1991 (ISTEA)



11

• Transportation Equity Act for the 21st Century (TEA-21)

• SAFETEA-LU-Safe. Accountable, Flexible and Efficient Transportation Equity Act:A legacy for Users.

i. Job Access and Reverse Commute (Section 5316)ii. Elderly Individuals and Individuals with Disabilities (Section 310)

iii. New Freedom (Section 5317)

The Safe, Accountable, Flexible and Efficient Transportation Equity Act: A Legacy for Users(SAFETEA-LU) is the federal legislation that establishes funding levels and projectrequirements for surface transportation programs. This Act, funded and administered by theFederal Transit Administration (FTA) can only be used to assist projects that were developedthrough collaboration of partners from a locally developed, coordinated public transittransportation plan. SAFETA-LU assists programs that serve the Elderly and Individualswith Disabilities programs. It provides funding to States for capital projects to assist inmeeting the transportation needs of older adults and persons with disabilities.

SAFTEA-LU also provides funds to allow transportation for “Job Assess and Reverse

Commute” to provide needed transportation resources to welfare recipients and eligible low-income individuals to and from employment seeking and employment keeping locations.This program also supports reverse commute projects designed to transport residents of urbanized areas and other than urbanized areas to suburban employment opportunities.

The SAFETEA-LU does not define the elements of a coordinated public transit-human servicestransportation plan, but recognizes that communities are unique. The FTA in the September 6,2006, Federal Register1 published a “Coordinated Planning Guidance for FY 2007.”Thisguidance listed the minimum criteria for a coordinated transportation plan:1. An assessment of available services

2. An assessment of needs3. Strategies to address gaps for target populations

The New Freedom program provides funds for new public transportation services and publictransportation alternatives beyond those required by the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990.

The responsible entity for developing a coordinated transportation plan is determined bypopulation. For an area that exceeds 200,000 in population, the metropolitan planningorganization (MPO) and the public transit agencies are to cooperate in the development of theplan. The state is responsible for the plan for areas that are 200,000 or under in population.

In the appendices of this manual there is additional information about the CoordinatedTransportation initiative. This section outlines the legislation and addresses components andrelated legislation. (See Appendices A, B & C) This is vital information for communities, whocan and will assemble the partners in the community to work smarter on transportation needs.This manual will not go into detail about this initiative because there are other resources cited inthe manual that will serve those who desire to access the federal funds and develop communitytransportation.



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V. County by County Resources

Although there are many providers of transportation services in New Mexico, most people do not know tcounty. The information contained in this manual is based on information gathered by the Division of VIt Takes Transportation program, prior to October 2007. If you are reading this information at a much laprovider of transportation services to see if the information is current. Area code addresses will change f

October, 7, 2007, to 575. The 505 area code will continue to work until October 5, 2008. When this infthe service were noted and may change over time. Phone numbers as well as other contact information a

County: Bernalillo

Type of

TransportationName Accessible? Contact Phone City

Fixed Route ABQ Ride Yes 505-243-7433 Albuquerque

Sun Tran Varies505-243-7433Fax-764-6146

Albuquerque

Para-transit ABQ Ride Yes 505-243-7433 Albuquerque

Go ForsToo,Inc

Yes

505-332-1919332-0124

Fax [email protected]

m

Albuquerque

Desche

New MexicoRide

Yes 505-883-7433 Albuquerque

Non-emergency

MedicalSafe Ride Yes 800-797-7433 Statewide D

AlternativeHome HealthCare

Yes 505-454-0054 Statewide

Rio Transit Yes 505-994-4607 Rio Rancho De



14

County: Bernalillo

Type of


Shuttle Service Park & Ride Yes 505-424-1110

Albuquerque, Rio

Rancho, Santa Fe,Espanola, LosAlamos, Las Vegas

ww

Sandia Shuttle Yes 505-474-5696 ABQ Airport

Airport Shuttle No 505-765-1234 Albuquerque De

Sunport Shuttle No 505-883-4966 Albuquerque D

TaxiAlbuquerque

CabNo 505-883-4888 Albuquerque De

Checker CabCo No 505-243-7777 Albuquerque De

Giant Cab Co No 505-293-4222 Albuquerque De

Lance’s YellowCab

No 505-553-9853 Albuquerque De

Yellow Cab Co No 505-247-8888 Albuquerque De

LuxuryLimousine

No 505-890-6620 AlbuquerqueD

RLS TaxiService

No 505-296-2215 Albuquerque D

Need a Ride No505-489-6848

Albuquerque

Albuquerque D

Craig MeagherTaxi Service 505-489-0663 Albuquerque De

OtherGo Fors Too,

IncYes 505-332-1919 Albuquerque



15

County: Bernalillo

Type of


AdelanteDevelopment

Centers

Specializedtransportation

505-541-2000 AlbuquerqueDe

Casa AngelicaSpecializedTransport.

505-877-5763 AlbuquerqueDemdisa

Easter SealsSpecialized

transport505-888-3811 Albuquerque

De

Other Isleta Pueblo 505-869-6661Isleta/Variousdestinations

Dem

PB&J FamilyServices, Inc

SpecializedTransport

505-867-2356877-7060

Bernalillo &Albuquerque area

De

Share Your

Care

Specialized

Transport

505-897-9025

881-8982

Albuquerque westside/Rio Rancho

adult day care

De

St. Martin’sHospitality

Center


505-243-8031776-6876

AlbuquerqueDese

TransitionalLiving Services

Yes 505-268-5295 AlbuquerqueDe

Pueblo of IsletaSpecializedTransport

505-869-3142 Isleta PuebloDe

Ims VanConversions

Yes 505-247-2626 Albuquerque

Cryogenic

Transportation Yes 505-798-9900 Albuquerque NM State

GovernmentYes 505-864-7250 Belen

NM State HwyTransportation

DepartmentYes 505-841-2700 Albuquerque



16

County: Catron

Type of


Fixed Route None

Para-transit None

Non-emergency

MedicalSafe Ride Yes 800-797-7433 Statewide Me

AlternativeHome Health

CareYes 575-454-0054 Statewide

Shuttle Service None

Reserve SeniorCenter

Yes 575-533-6616 ReserveS

Other None



17

County: Chavez

Type of


Fixed Route Pecos TrailsSystem

575-624-6766


om

Roswell and LakeArthur, Hagermanand Artesia

G

Para-transit None

Non-emergency

MedicalSafe Ride Yes 800-797-7433 Statewide De

AlternativeHome Health

CareYes 575-454-0054 Statewide D

Victory Royal

Express Inc

Yes 575-401-9820Statewide

communities

S

Shuttle ServicePecos Trails

Transit575-624-6766 Roswell

FortuneTransportation

Yes 575-627-0645 Roswell Wh

TaxiSunshine Cab

Company? 575-910-3400 Roswell D

OtherChavez County

Joy Centers? 575-623-5008 D

Nmt-1-800-BusLimo

Yes 575-622-5466 Roswell Wh



18

County: Cibola

Type of


Fixed Route None

Para-transit None

Non-emergency

MedicalSafe Ride Yes 800-797-7433 Statewide

Alternative HomeHealth Care


Victory RoyalExpress Inc

Yes 575-401-9820 Grants

Pueblo of Laguna Yes 575-552-6652 Village of Laguna

Laguna RainbowNursing Center

Yes 575-552-6034Casa Blanca,

Village of Laguna

Dem

Pueblo of LagunaShaa’srk’aTransit

575-552-6652Fax 552-0605

[email protected]

Pueblo of Laguna 6local villages

Fixmo




19

County: Colfax

Type of


Fixed Route Angel Fire Transit No

575-377-7005Fax 377-0519

[email protected]

Village of AngelFire

Fixfor

Para-transit

Taos/ColfaxCounty

CommunityServices

575-758-5857 Taos/Colfax County

Non-emergencyMedical Safe Ride Yes 800-797-7433 Statewide



TaxiRaton CabCompany

No 575-454-1864 Raton De


Other Springer SeniorCenter No lift 575-483-5900 Springer

New Mexico StateGovernment

Yes 575-483-2971 Springer Wh



20

County: Curry

Type of


Fixed Route Clovis AreaTransit

Yes

575-769-7910

Fax-769-7911cats@city of

clovis.org

Clovis

Portales AreaTransit

Yes 575-356-5101 Portales

Para-transitClovis Area

TransitYes 575-769-7910 Clovis

Portales AreaTransit


Non-emergency





Taxi City Cab Co No 575-742-2100 Clovis De

G & C Cab Co No 505-714-2630 Clovis De



21

County: Curry

Type of


Other Portales SenorCenter


City of Clovis-Older Adults

Yes 575-769-7910 Clovis

Los Abuelitos Yes 575-356-5056 Portales

Eastern NewMexico

RehabilitativeServices for the

Handicapped

(ENMRSH), Inc.

Yes 575-762-5988 ClovisDe

Plains RegionalMedical Center

Yes 575-769-7581 ClovisDe



22

County: De Baca

Type of


Fixed Route Ft Sumner Transit No

575-355-2985

[email protected]

Ft Sumner

TucumcariD

Para-transit None

Non-emergency




SCS Yes 800-991-4276 Socorro De


Taxi Socorro Taxi Yes 575-355-7180 Socorro De

Other

Fort Sumner

Housing AuthorityTransit

Fort Sumner De



23

County: Dona Ana

Type of


Fixed Route Roadrunner Transit Yes

575-541-2500

Fax 541-2545roadrunner@las-

cruces.org

Las Cruces wSe

Para-transitDial a Ride

Roadrunner TransitYes 575-541-2777 Las Cruces

Non-

emergency

Medical

Safe Ride Yes 800-797-7433 Statewide D



Victory RoyalExpress

Yes 575-539-4517Las Cruces

Area

Ben Archer HealthCenter

Yes575-267-221Fax 267-0224

Las CrucesHatch,T or C,

Anthony,Sunland Park,

Chaparral,

Vado, Berino,and others

Job

Dona Ana County Yes 575-647-7263 Las CrucesS



24

County: Dona Ana

Type of


Shuttle Service Las Cruces ShuttleService

No 575-525-1784 Las Cruces A

Taxi LCI Taxi Service No 575-526-8294 Las Cruces De

Yellow Cab No 575-524-1711 Las Cruces De

Other Quality Senior Care Yes 575-882-2905 Las Cruces

South CentralCouncil of

GovernmentsYes 575-744-4585

Las Cruces,Hatch, Elephant

Butte, Tor C,and Socorro

Dedoc

Tresco Specialized 575-528-2214 Las CrucesDe

Sandra Watson ? 575-524-9393- Las CrucesPla

New Mexico StateGovernment

Yes 575-882-4300 Anthony Wh

PremierTransportation

Yes 575-523-9393 Las Cruces Wh



25

County: Eddy

Type of


Fixed RouteCarlsbad Municipal

TransitYes

575-887-2121Fax-887-3636

[email protected]

Carlsbad

Para-transitCarlsbad Municipal

TransitYes 575-887-2121 Carlsbad

Non-

emergency

Medical

Safe Ride Yes 800-797-7433 Statewide De

Alternative HomeHealth Care Yes 575-454-0054 Statewide


TaxiDesert Express

TaxiNo 575-885-5115 Carlsbad De

OtherCarlsbad Mental

HealthYes 575-885-4836 Carlsbad

Defo

Door of Opportunity

575-746-9642CarlsbadArtesia

De

Lending Hands 575-767-9642 Artesia

De

Pecos ValleyRegional

Educational Center

De



26

County: Grant

Type of


Fixed Route None

Para-transitCorre Caminos

TransitYes

575-388-3180Fax 575-388-31881-800-934-3866

[email protected]/bus

Silver CityM

resp

Non-emergency




Border AreaMental Health

ServicesYes 575-388-4497 Silver City

De

Fort BayardMedical Center

Yes 575-537-3302 Fort BayardDe

Life Quest, Inc Specialized 575-388-1976 Silver CityDe


Taxi None

Other None



27

County: Guadalupe

Type of


Fixed Route None

Para-transit None

Non-emergency




Victory RoyalExpress Inc.

Yes 575-741-0574 Las Vegas


Taxi None

OtherCampos Senior

CenterYes 575-472-5248 Seniors Only De



28

County: Harding

Type of


Fixed Route None

Para-transit None

Non-emergency



Yes 575-454-0054 Statewide De

Victory RoyalExpress Inc.



Taxi None

OtherHarding Co. Senior

ProgramYes 575-619-7310 Roy



29

County: Hidalgo

Type of


Fixed Route None

Para-transit Corre Caminos Yes 866-934-3866 Silver City

Non-emergency





Taxi None

OtherLordsburg HidalgoCo. Senior Citizens

Yes 575-542-9414 Lordsburg



30

County: Lea

Type of


Fixed Route

City of

Hobbs/HobbsExpress

Yes

575-397-9298

397-9200Fax 397-9334

Hobbs

New MexicoJunior College

ACCEL ProgramNo

575-391-9466Fax-397-4998

[email protected] or

[email protected]

HobbsNe

t

Para-transit City of Hobbs Yes 575-297-9298 Hobbs

Non-emergency




Care-A-Van Yes 575-397-2801Hobbs &

Lovington W


Taxi None

OtherBilly McKibben

Senior Center

Yes 575-396-4161 Lovington

Agnes CastnerSenior Center

Yes 575-397-9301 Hobbs

Ramirez HM Buscompany

Yes 575-393-5615 Hobbs



31

County: Lincoln

Type of


Fixed Route None

Ruidoso

Downs tr

Para-transit None

Non-emergency




Shuttle ServiceShuttle Ruidoso,

LLCNo 575-257-1815 Alto

Taxi Dollar Cab No 575-937-6803 Ruidoso, NM

OtherCarrizozo Zia

CenterYes 575-648-2121 Carrizozo

60+

Ruidoso SeniorCenter

Yes 575-257-4565 Ruidoso

New HorizonsDevelopmental

Center575-748-6100 Carrizozo

Dem

Senior CareCoalition of

Lincoln CountyNo 575-630-8004 Lincoln County

D

Vt

offocc

v



32

County: Los Alamos

Type of


Fixed Route Los Alamos BusSystem

Yes 505-662-2080

Los Alamos

County, WhiteRock, LANL,

and majoremployment

locations

OfroFix

Para-transitLos Alamos Bus

SystemYes 505-662-2080 Los Alamos

Non-emergency

Medical

Safe Ride Yes 800-797-7433 Statewide De




Albuquerque,Rio Rancho,

Santa Fe,Espanola, LosAlamos, Las

Vegas

ww

Taxi None

OtherLos Alamos

Senior CenterYes 505-662-8920 Los Alamos

60+



33

County: Luna

Type of


Fixed Route None

Para-transit None

Non-emergency




Deming Medical

Transport andCharter

Yes 575-546-1747 Deming


Taxi Deming Taxi No575-544-2223575-494-6049

Deming De

A-W Taxi No 575-544-2223 Deming D

OtherDeming Senior

CitizensYes 575-546-8823 Deming 60+



34

County: Mc Kinley

Type of


Fixed Route City of Gallup Yes 505-863-1295 Gallup

B

ZuniEntrepreneurialServices (ZEE)

Yes505-782-5798Fax 782-2585

[email protected]

JobZ

Ro

Navajo TransitSystem

Yes

928-729-4113Fax 928-729-4110

www.navajotransitsystem.com

Four cornersregion, Gallup,

Farmington,Navajo Nationand Tse Bonito

Fixrehawe

Para-transitDisabilityServices

Yes 505-722-4383 GallupDe

Na'NizhoozhiCenter

Yes

505-722-2177Fax 722-5961

[email protected]

Gallup and 15mile radius

De

Tohatchi Area of Opportunity &Services ,Inc.

Yes 505-733-2200 TohatchiD

Non-emergency






35

County: Mc Kinley

Type of


Shuttle ServiceMesa

Transportation,Inc.

? 505-287-4940 Grants

TaxiLuna's CabCompany

No 505-722-9777 Gallup

Other

ZuniEntrepreneurial

Services

Yes 505-782-5798 ZuniZ

Ro

Ivanbito SeniorCenter

Yes 505-488-5757 Fort Wingate

Gallup SeniorCenter

Yes 505-863-6884 Gallup

Coyote Canyon Yes 505-735-2261 Brimhall,Dem

DisabilityServices, Inc.

Yes 505-722-4383 GallupS

Native ResourceDevelopment

? 505-726-9054 Gallup



36

*Most of Mora County will have the 575 area code, with some exceptions

County: Mora

Type of


Fixed Route None

Para-transit None

Non-emergency




Victory RoyalExpress Inc. Yes 575-397-6078800-713-6367

Select

communitiesstatewide


Taxi None

OtherHelping Hands

Inc.No 575-387-2288 Mora

D

Mora/San Miguel

CommunityCenter

Yes 575-387-2279 Mora



37

County: Otero

Type of


Fixed Route Zia Transportation Yes 575-439-4971 Alamogordo

Para-transit

Zia TherapyCenter, Inc.

(Rural PublicTransportation_

Yes575-439-4900

437-3040Alamogordo

Ser

Non-emergency




Alamogordo SeniorCenter

575-439-4243 Alamogordo De


Taxi Dollar Cab No 575-434-8294 Alamogordo De

TNT Taxi No 575-430-4504 Alamogordo De

OtherAlamogordo Senior

CenterYes 575-439-4150 Alamogordo

De

Cloudcroft Senior

Center

Yes 888-576-3022 Cloudcroft

Betty Dare GoodSamaritan Center

Yes 575-434-0033 AlamogordoDe

The CounselingCenter, Inc

505-434-7404 AlamogordoDe



38

County: Quay

Type of


Fixed Route None

Para-transit None

Non-emergency



Yes 575-454-0054 StatewideDem


Yes575-461-6400800-713-6387

Tucumcari


Taxi None

Other None



39

* Most of Rio Arriba County will have the 575 area code, but some areas will keep the 505 area code)

County: Rio Arriba

Type of

TransportationName Accessible?

Contact

PhoneCity

Fixed Route Espanola Transit Yes

575-753-4111575-753-0167Fax 747-6084

Espanola, San JuanPueblo, Hernandez, ElGuache, San Pedro, LaMesilla, Sombrillo, and

Santa Clara Pueblo

24

lg

Las Valles TransitSystem

575-753-5956Fax 747-3640575-747-3631

[email protected]

Rio Arriba, Santa Fe(Pojoaque corridor) and

Los Alamos/LANLarea.

De job

Para-transitRio Arriba Co

Los VallesTransit

Yes 505-747-3631 Espanola Fix

Non-emergency



Yes 505-454-0054 Statewide Dem


Yes505-469-6189800-713-6387

Espanola

Espanola SeniorCitizens

Yes Espanola D



40

County: Rio Arriba

Type of


Contact

PhoneCity

Hoy RecoveryProgram, Inc.

505-747-1881

Fax 753-2203 Espanola

D

Las CumbresLearning Center

Yes 505-753-4123 EspanolaDe


Albuquerque, RioRancho, Santa Fe,

Espanola, Los Alamos,Las Vegas

ww

GarciaTransportation

Corp505-747-4100 Hernandez, Espanola

TaxiRio Arriba Co

Los Valles(505) 747-

3631Espanola

OtherRio Arriba Adult

Day CareYes 505-753-5194 Espanola

Ad



41

County: Roosevelt

Type of


Fixed RoutePortales Area

TransitYes

575-356-5101356-2813

Fax356-3158

Portales5 m

Para-transitPortales Area

TransitYes

575-356-5101356-2813

Fax 356-3158Portales

5 m

City of PortalesCommunity

Services Center

Yes

575-356-8576356-5101


PortalesD

Non-emergency





Taxi None

OtherPortales Senior

CenterYes 575-356-8741 Portales 55+



42

County: San Juan

Type of


Contact

PhoneCity

Fixed Route Red Apple Transit Yes 505-325-3409 Farmington, Aztec,Bloomfield ww

City of Farmington 505-325-3409 Farmington

Para-transitDial-A-Ride

Red Apple TransitYes 505-325-3409

Farmington, Aztec,Bloomfield

24 h

Presbyterian Medical

Services –Dial a RideYes

505-325-3409Fax 326-7283

[email protected]

Farmington, Aztec,

Kirtland, Shiprock

Non-

emergency

Medical

Safe Ride Yes 800-797-7433 Statewide D



Navajo TransportServices Inc

Yes 505-327-0851Farmington-San Juan Co

Northwest NewMexico Seniors, Inc

Yes 505-326-7462Farmington and

surrounding area.De

Presbyterian MedicalServices

YesDe



43

County: San Juan

Type of Transportation Name Accessible? ContactPhone City

Taxi Metro Cab No 505-325-2999Farmington, Aztec,

BloomfieldD

Other Aztec Senior Center Yes 505-334-2881 Aztec

Blanco Senior Center Yes 505-632-9146 Blanco

Bloomfield Senior

Center Yes 505-632-8361 Bloomfield Bonnie Dallas Senior

CenterYes 505-994-1580 Farmington

Lower Valley SeniorCenter

Yes 505-698-0054



44

*Parts of San Miguel County will keep the 505 and other parts will take the part will use the 575 area co

County: San Miguel

Type of


Fixed Route Meadow CityExpress


Para-transitMeadow City

ExpressYes

505-454-8163Fax 454-7335

[email protected]

Las Vegas

Non-emergency






Las Vegas MedicalCenter

Yes 505-454-8163 Las VegasDe

AlternativeTransportation


2emM


Taxi Las Vegas Cab No 505-454-1864 Las Vegas D

Other None



45

* Most, but not all of the county will keep the 505 area code

County: Sandoval

Type of


Coordinated

Transportation Sandoval County

Par

Fixed Route

Cuba 550Express/Sandoval

Easy Express1-877-660-1110 Jemez Springs,

TJem

Railto

Para-transit None

Non-emergencyMedical Safe Ride Yes 800-797-7433 Statewide D




Taxi A-1 Taxi No 505-892-3444 Rio Rancho

OtherBernalillo Senior

CenterYes 505-861-1535 Bernalillo

60

Pena Blanca Comm. Yes 505-465-2658 Pena BlancaMed

Corrales SeniorCenter

Yes 505-897-3818 Corrales

Sandoval CountyMeal Site

Yes 505-896-8311 Rio Rancho



46

County: Sandoval

Type of

Transportation

Name Accessible? Contact Phone City

Sandia PuebloHealth Center

Yes 505-867-4696 Sandia Pueblo

City of Rio Rancho 505-896-8317 Rio Rancho De

Backwoods of NewMexico Taxi

505-834-7340 Jemez Pueblo



47

County: Santa Fe

Type of


Fixed RouteSanta Fe TrailsCity of Santa Fe

Yes

505-955-2001

955-2004Fax 955-2020

[email protected]

Santa Fe

Ser

sf

Para-transitCapitol Cab

Santa Fe ADA RideYes 505-473-4444 Santa Fe A

All AboardAmerica

Yes 505-424-1110 Santa Fe

Non-emergencyMedical Safe Ride Yes 800-797-7433 Statewide De




Albuquerque, RioRancho, Santa Fe,

Espanola, LosAlamos, Las

Vegas

ww

Sandia Shuttle Yes 505-474-5696 ABQ AirportSanta Fe Shuttle No 505-833-2300 ABQ Airport De

Taxi Capitol Cab Yes 505-438-0000 Santa Fe De

Capital CityCab/Village

? 505-438-3472 Santa Fe D



48

County: Santa Fe

Type of


Other

City of Santa FeDiv. of Senior

Services

Yes 505-955-1721 Santa Fe

Ayudantes Yes 505-438-0035 Santa Fe

Espanola SeniorCitizens Center

Yes 505-753-5194Espanola and

surrounding area

Hoy AlcoholismProgram

505-753-2204 Espanola

Las CumbresLearning Center

505-753-4123 Espanola

Open Hands 505-982-4258 Santa Fe

Pojoaque Pueblo 505-455-3254Pojoaque Puebloand surrounding

area.Presbyterian

Medical Services-Main

Yes 505-982-5565Santa Fe &Surrounding

areas.

Able to Haul andAble to Scoot

Yes 505-424-0344Santa Fe and

surrounding areas



49

County: Sierra

Type of


Fixed Route None

Para-transit None

Non-emergency





TaxiPending New

ServiceP

OtherSierra County Senior

ServicesYes 575-894-6641 T or C

6

Village of Cuba-550

Express(Van Service)

575-289-2166Fax- 289-2168

Email:cubatransit@star

band.net

550 Corridor

between Cuba,Rio Rancho andAlbuquerque

JDe

p



50

County: Socorro

Type of


Fixed Route None

Para-transit Socorro Taxi Yes 575-835-4276 Socorro D

South CentralCouncil of

Governments

Las Cruces,Hatch, Elephant

Butte, T or C, andSocorro

Fix

Non-emergency




Socorro MentalHealth Foundation

Yes,Specialized

575-835-2444 De


Taxi Socorro Taxi No 575-835-4276


OtherAmerican

Transportation? 575-835-2678 Socorro




51

County: Taos

Type of


Fixed Route Taos Chili LineTransit

Yes

575-751-4459

Fax [email protected].

nm.us

Taos, Taos

Pueblo, andRanchos de Taos,Penasco, Questa

Fixe

M-SJob Web

Red River MinersTransit

Yes

575-754-2277Fax-770-5959

[email protected]

Red River 7

Village of TaosSki Valley

575-751-4459 Taos Ski Valley

Para-transitTaos Chili Line

TransitYes curb to

curb575-751-4459 Taos

Non-emergency





Yes575-737-9320800-713-6387

Taos

Shuttle ServiceFaust's

TransportationNo 575-758-3410 Taos/El Prado

AirMe

TaxiFaust's

Transportation No 575-758-3410 Taos De

OtherBridges Projectfor Education

Yes 575-758-5074 Taos

De



52

County: Taos

Type of


Colfax CountyCommunity

Services

575-758-5857 Taos

Casa Corazon Yes 505-751-7037 TaosDe

Other Village of Questa

505-586-2124Fax-586-0699

[email protected]

Questa, Cerro,Amalia, El Rito,Costilla and Red

River

De

Dream TreeProject

Yes 505-758-9511 TaosDe

Taos Senior

Center

Yes 505-758-4091 Taos6

Penasco SeniorCenter

Yes 505-587-2778 Penasco6

Questa SeniorCenter

Yes 505-586-0508 Questa6

Amalia SeniorCenter

Yes 505-586-0071 Amalia6

Rocky MountainYouth

Corporation505-751-1420

Taos andSurrounding areas

Am



53

County: Taos

Type of

Transportation

Name Accessible? Contact Phone City

Other

Taos/ColfaxCommunity

Services505-758-5857

Taos/ColfaxCounty

De

Taos County Arc 505-758-4274 Taos CountyDe



54

County: Torrance

Type of


Coordinated

Transportation

MRCOG County-widePart

planFixed Route MRCOG

Partplan

Para-transitPartplan

Non-emergency

Medical

Torrance CountySenior Citizens

PG505-384-1280 Estancia.

ServDem

Shuttle Service

Taxi



55

County: Union

Type of


Fixed Route None

Para-transitGolden Spread

Coalition

575-374-6208Fax-575-374-

0092

Clayton, NewMexico

$4 r

Non-emergency





Taxi None

Other



56

County: Valencia

Type of


CoordinatedTransportationplanning

MRCOG

Fou

tranmulthro

Fixed RouteBelen Public

Transit505-864-8630 Belen

Partplan

City of BelenMid Rio Grande

RSVPYes

505-864-8630Fax 864-8408

[email protected]

Belen + 3 miles

Fixewithemewww

City of Los Lunas 505-352-3595Fax 352-3592

Los Lunas Fixe

Para-transitVictory Royal

Express IncYes 505-866-9492 Los Lunas No l

Valley RoyalExpress

505-565-2227 Los Lunas Dem

Los Lunas PublicTransportation

505-866-8047Fax-866-8044

[email protected]

Los Lunas

Demadvacomwww

Non-emergencyMedical

Safe Ride Yes 800-797-7433 Statewide Non


Yes 505-454-0054 Statewide Non


Yes505-866-9492800-713-6387

Los LunasNo l



57

County: Valencia

Type of

TransportationName Accessible? Contact Phone City Com

Valencia

CounselingService

Demdisa

Shuttle Service

TaxiValley Cab

Company, Inc.Yes 505-565-2227 Los Lunas Dem

Valley CabCompany

No 505-861-1111 Belen Dem

OtherBelen Senior

CenterYes 505-839-3940 Belen 60+

Del Rio

CommunityCenter Yes 505-864-7500 60+

Meadows SeniorCenter

Yes 505-865-8829 60+

Bosque SeniorCenter

Yes 505-869-5433 Bosque Farms 60+

Fred Luna SeniorCenter

Yes 505-839-3888 Los Lunas 60+

Valencia County-SER de New

Mexico


505-866-6131 Los LunasDemdisa

Valencia CountySER de New

Mexico-FosterGrandparent

Program


505-866-6313 Los Lunas Spec



58



59

V. Conversions and Automotive Modifications

For many people with disabilities, there is a need for a specialized car, truck or van toaccommodate wheel-chair users and those with limited mobility. This specialty is generally

referred to as a conversion or automotive modification. Generally speaking, there are fewproviders of those services, and they are very specialized. Each vehicle has to be inspected bythe shop that will make these modifications to the vehicle. Parts need to be ordered to beginwork on the vehicle. Modifications may include any of the following:

• raising the roof

• lowering the floor 10”

• installing lifts or non-slip power wheel chair ramps

• keyless entry

• power windows

• power locks

• mirrors• traction control

• power driver’s seat

• hand controls

• safety devices to lock the chair in place, or transfer devices if the person will be using theregular seat installed in the vehicle.

• There are also additions in some cases of carrying units for the wheel chair or hydrauliclifts to transfer the chair, where it will be loaded in or on the vehicle.

• The rear suspension may be replaced with computer designed multi-leaf springs foradded support.

Generally speaking, vendors of modification services prefer to install them on vehicles which areunder 10 years old, with a preference for new vehicles or ones not older than three years old.Vendors want to make the modifications cost effective for the customer and ensure the greatestusage time for the modification. Modifications are expensive and modifications to an oldervehicle limit the life expectancy of the work performed to adapt the vehicle.

A customer must take the vehicle to the vendor who will perform the modifications to receive anestimate. If the customer decides to have the modifications done, the vendor will need to orderthe specialized parts. Usually this takes one to two weeks for the parts to arrive. Labor and timeto complete the job may take several days, depending on the extent of the changes. In manycases, it may take up to a month before services are completed.



60

Vendors who work on vehicle conversions and modifications are found in the chart below.

Name Address Phone

number

Type of Services offered

New Horizons

Vans, Inc.

2716 Vassar NE

Albuquerque, NM 87107

505-884-2492 State contract vendor

Van and truck conversionsHighlandConversions

419 Adams St. SEAlbuquerque, NM 87108

505-232-8629 Van and Truck Conversions. Door andgate operating devices.

Name Address Phone

number

Type of Services offered

Behavioral HomeHealth Care

239 S. Fourth St. #2Albuquerque, NM 88435

505-472-2500 Van and truck conversionsand accessories

Cara Van Custom,Inc.

4505 Menaul Blvd., NEAlbuquerque, NM 87110

505-888-3443 Hospice, van and truck conversions andaccessories.

Commercial VanInteriors, Inc.

3600 Osuna Rd., NE #301Albuquerque, NM 87109

505-344-2768 Day Care CenterAdult Van and truck conversions

Ims Van ConversionSales and Rentals

Albuquerque, New Mexico 505-247-2626 Van conversion, sales andrentals

Frisbee’s AutoTruck Access

229 San Pedro NE #AAlbuquerque, NM 87103

505-265-1970 Van and truck conversionsand accessories and doorand gate operating devices

Lucero’s CustomTruck Stuff

17 El Cerro Rd., Los Lunas,NM

505-866-1611 Van and Truck Conversions andaccessories.

AmsVans, Inc Dodge Dealership

www.amvans.com

No phonelisted.Contact isthrough theweb site.

Van conversions & salesof new and used vanconversion vehicles onwebsite:www.amvans.com

Southwest LiftInstallation

9901 Bradford Place NWAlbuquerque, New Mexico87114-2150

505-891-3346 Wheel chair liftinstallation

Affordable Mobility 2035 Corbett Dr.Las Cruces, NM 88001

575-521-1006 Hand controls, lifts, glideand go seats

VI. Driver’s Training and Driver’s Assessments

Once conversions are done to the vehicle, there is often a need for specialized driver’s training tooperate the hand controls, lifts, tie downs and other equipment installed. Generally, the vendorwho does the conversions will brief the customer of the use of the modified van, but often thereis a need for more training and practice to become proficient. There are many drivers’ trainingschools within each community in New Mexico. However, driver’s training instructors, who can



61

teach driving using a modified vehicle, are difficult to find, even in the larger urban areas of thestate. This is an untapped market that needs to be filled.

Driver’s Assessments

Name Address Phone

Number

Services Offered

DrivingAmbition, Inc

Mr. Courtney

5601 Montoya Drive,Suite BEl Paso, TX [email protected]

1-888-751-34441-915-584-0905

Driver evaluations, driverrehabilitation and adaptiveequipment specialist.

Carol Spitzman Albuquerque 505-262-2839 Driver assessment & evaluationfor seniors and people withdisabilities.

Health South Albuquerque 505-344-9478 Pre-driving evaluation for fee.Driver training-(FormerInstructor, from AdaptabilitySchool of Driving.)

Driving toIndependence,LLC

Tempe, Arizona 1-480-449-3331 Driver assessment

CovenantHealthcare

Owen White

Covenant Healthcare4010 22

ndSt

Lubbock, Texas 79410

1-806-725-5627Fax-1-806-723-6009

Driver Assessments

Cost at time of printing $485 perassessment.

Adaptive Driver’s Training

Name Address Phone Number Services Offered

Driving Ambition,Inc

5601 Montoya Drive, SuiteBEl Paso, TX [email protected]

1-888-751-34441-915-584-0905

Driver evaluations,driver rehabilitationand adaptiveequipment specialist

Highland

Conversions

419 Adams St. SE

Albuquerque, NM 87108

505-232-8629 Train customers who

have modificationsdone to their vehiclethere. There aresome hand controldemo units.

Randy Roth Albuquerque, NM 505-363-6548 Does driver trainingfor modified vehicledriving.



63

until the injury mends. This placard is also free of charge. The process for applying for atemporary placard is the same as applying for a permanent placard.

Disabled placards and plates from another state are valid in New Mexico. Until you eitherbecome an official resident or transfer your registration and title to New Mexico, you can hold

onto them. There is no fee to switch the placards to New Mexico.

License Plates

If you meet the requirements imposed by the New Mexico statutes, you may be entitled to applyfor a handicapped license plate(s). To apply for the license plate, you must prove to the MotorVehicle Division that you suffer from paralysis (or loss of limb) of the arms or legs. If thedisability is obvious, you can go through the Motor Vehicle Division directly. If it is notobvious, then a physician’s certification of disabling condition must be obtained. In addition,you must complete and sign the “Application for Handicapped License Plate” form. The plate isfree of charge, but standard registration fees apply.

Once you receive a license plate and mount it to your vehicle, it does not permit you to park inthose close handicapped spaces. To park in those close places require a placard, mentionedabove. Having a handicapped license plate may qualify you for a waiver of excise taxesassociated with titling a vehicle, but not access to handicapped parking.

Generally, MVD prefers that you apply for the license plate in person. However, there areprovisions for those who are unable to or simply prefer to avoid a visit to a MVD office; you cansend the paperwork via mail:

o MVD Vehicle Services Bureauo Special Services Divisiono P.O. Box 1028o Santa Fe, NM 87504-1028

Disabled Veteran License Plates

Persons, who were incapacitated while serving in a war or on active military duty, may apply forthe Disabled Veteran License Plate. The plates are available in two types: one with and onewithout the handicap symbol. Both require the completion of the completion of the MilitaryService Special Plate form, available on the website or at a MVD office. The application willalso include a copy of the New Mexico Veterans Service Commission certification. There is nofee for the plate.

• You can apply at either an MVD office or by mail:o MVD Vehicle Services Bureauo Special Services Divisiono P.O. Box 1028o Santa Fe, NM 87504-1028



64

VIII. Wheel-Chair Selection and Resources

Although most of the manual discusses transportation issues from place to place, mobility andaccess are equal partners to the issue of transportation as a whole. It is for this reason, that

information about wheel chairs is included. Wheel Chairs are vital mobility tools for those whoneed and use them. Whether a person uses a manual or a power wheel chair, there are featuresand considerations that should be taken into account when purchasing a wheel chair. It isimportant to have the right seat for that individual. There are a variety of tests, such as pressuremapping to assist in deciding on the correct type of chair. The decision for each is dependent onthe person’s condition and whether it will be used short term or long term. It is important toknow how and where the chair will be used, whether indoors or outdoors. How the person isable to get in or out of the chair and upper body strength will play a roll in the features selected.Another consideration is the type of access to a vehicle that the person will be driving or ridingin as a passenger. In many instances the portability of the chair, and whether the person willperiodically be in or out of the chair for any length of time should be considered. When possible,

a user should try out a chair before purchase for general comfort and usability.

For electric models, there are a number of features on the power chair that will be important toconsider. Most of the criteria for a manual chair are the same, except for the electricalcomponents. Most importantly, the chair must fit the person who uses it and the uniqueprescription specifications for the chair. The amount of use of the chair and the conditions underwhich the chair must perform are important first considerations. There are many manufacturersof manual and electric wheel chairs. It is important to know many things to select the mostappropriate chair. These include:

• the primary use of the chair

• whether is used mostly indoors or outdoors

• whether it is light enough to be portable

• whether it is maneuverable within certain turning radius distances

• the overall size of the chair

• weight capacity

• ground clearance.

Wheel chairs come in many sizes and configurations. It would be important to know whatthose features are and how they meet the unique needs of the user. Below are listed somefeatures of wheel chairs that may be important to know about to make a selection. Theseinclude:

• Manufacturer’s quality rating• Primary use

• Size of drive wheels (10”-16”)

• Type of wheels, whether the wheels are drive wheels, pneumatic, or solid

• Size of the castors (8” or 9”)

• Maximum speed, generally rated from 3.5 MPH to 6.25 MPH.

• Ground clearance ranges from 2.5 to 4.25”.

• Turning radius, from as small as 16.5” to 28”



65

• Overall length from 33” to 45”

• Overall width from 23” to 27”

• Weight of user capacity, range from 250lbs. to 400 lbs.

• Vertical lift

• Adjustable chair settings

• Tilt-in-space or fully upright settings• Head Supports

• Cushioning supports needed by user.

Wheel chairs for long term use need to be customized to the unique specifications required bythe user. Each user will need to let the vendor know the following information:

• Weight and height of the person

• Desired seat width, depth, and height off the ground

• Is there any skin breakdown?

• Does the client require lateral support

• Is the person right or left handed?

• Is the wheel chair used mainly indoors or outdoors?

• Will a standard design work for the person, or will a custom design be needed forthe unique requirements of the user?

• Will the user need accessories to support their unique needs for carrying items,drinks, or such as an oxygen pole?

There are a number of other resources for assistance, but availability of wheel chairs that meetthe unique needs of the user is an important consideration.

Potential Sources of Assistance

Most wheel chairs are paid for through private insurance, Medicare or Medicaid. Not everyonequalifies for chairs under these programs. In addition, Medicaid and Medicare will only buy awheel chair every five years, except for growing children. The person should check with theirhealth insurance company to see if a wheel chair is covered. In either of these cases, aprescription for a wheel chair needs to be completed by the treating physician and submitted forapproval through the providers of this service. Often the full price of an electric wheel chair isnot fully covered by insurance.

Some rehabilitation counselors have been successful in getting doctors or hospital staff toprovide treatment to request a waiver for Medicare/Medicaid, especially if the disablingcondition is so severe that a wheel chair is required for mobility. The request should referencedurable medical equipment. There are some instances where the D and E Waiver is useful forgetting eligibility for assistance with the purchase of a wheel chair. In some cases vendor’s whosell wheel chairs may be able to provide information about how others have been able to getwheel chairs and the steps to take to get this assistance.



66

As a result of a survey of New Mexico Division of Vocational Rehabilitation staff, the followingorganizations were cited as potential sources for assistance in getting new or used wheel chairs,and/assistance with the purchase of a wheel chair. We are sharing this information with somecaution, as resources for wheel chairs are scarce and some of those listed may or may not be ableto assist you at a particular time. Even if the resource listed below cannot directly help you, their

staff will be a wealth of information about what is available and where to go.

Medicare and Medicaid

Private and Group Health Insurance may cover partial payment, which may or may notinclude wheel chairs under durable medical goods.

Community Options-Has a newsletter that features ads for used technology and often featuresused wheel chairs for sale.

NMTAP- New Mexico Technology Assistance Program is federal grant program with the

DVR Professional Development Services unit. It helps persons with disabilities enhance theirquality of life through the use of assistive technology. It includes a loaning library of equipmentto try out before buying. It typically does not usually include wheel chairs, but other assistivedevices may be available. (505) 954-8535-Julie Martinez

Independent Living Resource Centers (ILRC) located throughout the state may be able toassist as outlined below. Person must have a disability and be income eligible to receiveservices. The person should have a doctor’s prescription for the needed item. Potential optionswill be explored, which may include other solutions. It may also be about the availability of Medicaid, Medicare, Private insurance, and loan equipment. In some instances they may bereferred to the Access Loan Program, but must be able to repay the loan. Since each case if different, it is best to make an appointment with a benefits specialist to discuss your particularcase. In Albuquerque, the ILRC is located on Lomas. The phone number is 505-266-5022- Ask for Lucy Birbiglia.

Zia Roadrunner is the newsletter of the Zia Chapter of Paralyzed Veterans of America,which outlines activities for veterans with spinal cord injuries. The also sponsor athleticactivities that involve specialized wheel chairs. Some wheel chairs are provided, but details oneligibility were not available at the time of this writing. It appears that those eligible are thosewho have membership in the organization affiliated with the newsletter. For further information,see the web site at: http://ziapva.org/index . For further information, go to the web site or callMark 268-3054.

Muscular Dystrophy Association- The Muscular Dystrophy Association does assist with thepurchase of wheel chairs, leg braces and communication devices. All who have a MDA clinicdoctor’s recommendation based on an individual’s neuromuscular disease, regardless of age,education or employment are eligible for MDA assistance. This assistance is based on accessingwhatever medical insurance is available and whatever family resources are available beforeasking for MDA financial assistance. The maximum allowed is established by the MDAannually. There are several offices serving the state. MDA offices serving the Albuquerque area



67

are located on Academy Road and University of New Mexico Hospital. The one on Academycan be reached at the following at (505)828-1331 or via Email [email protected] . The one at UNM Hospital can be reached by calling thehospital and asking for the MDA Coordinator.

Open Hands –Santa Fe 505-428-23Open Hands can assist with a variety of loan equipment, including wheelchairs, walkers, transferbenches, hospital beds and canes. Open Hands has a variety of services for those withdisabilities. A visit to their website is well worth the time. The website is: www.openhands.org The agency has quite a few phone lines for various services, but for the loaner equipment, call428-2340.

Not Potential ResourcesThe following list is names were received as part of the counselor survey. However, when

they were called, they indicated that they do not provide the kinds of services for getting

wheel chairs and serve only a limited population. They are included as updates to save youtime and to let you know that they were not a source that could be verified, for one reason oranother.

Adelante Development Center serves people with developmental disabilities. They offer anumber of services to their eligible customers, but did not want to be listed as a resource forwheel chair assistance, as they do not have the ability to provide this service, except for theireligible customers and it would be limited. They get part of their limited resources fromdonations. Friends-in-Time is another program located at and part of Adelante. Friends-in-

Time specializes in neurological disorders. Both are at this phone number, 341-2000.

Easter Seal-Project Action No longer in New Mexico

Cerebral Palsy Association- Their website recommends other sources for financial assistance,such as Social Security and low-cost, long term loans.

IX Conclusion

For all people to lead productive lives, transportation plays an important role in their success and

independence. New Mexico has many challenges regarding readily available publictransportation. We hope that you will be able to use the information to find resources in yourcommunity, as well as others. It is my hope that this manual will assist to facilitate a process thatwill move the state in the direction of coordinated transportation. Many improvements intransportation have occurred in New Mexico, but there is still much to be done and it will takemany people participating in the process to make it happen, a step at a time. In the meantime,the resources in this manual will assist people to find out what is in their own community.



68



69

Appendices

Appendices A Office of Policy Development-Memo on Human Services

Transportation Coordination 1-13

Appendices B United We Ride-October 2006 Policy Statement- Attachment I

Appendices C United We Ride-October 2006 Policy Statement-Attachment II

Attachment D Area Code Map



70



71



72



74



75



76



77



78



79



80



81



82



83



84



85



86



87



88



89

social security: wit-transnm

Documents