Transportation Barriers to Employment

For many people with a disability transportation can be a huge issue. It can cause much time, money, and hassle to be able to get rides, ask for rides, and find something that is suitable for your needs. To find something that accommodates all your needs whether that is financial or elsewise it will cost you whether it is your time, money, or your physical needs.  

I personally never thought about transportation until 2010. I got my license when I turned 16 years old and was able to drive with no adaptations. However, in 2010 I was in a car accident that left with me dystonia (a neurological movement disorder). This means I have involuntary muscle spasms and movements that cause daily pain and making driving an issue. My reaction time is slower and my neck is turned to the right, so I am unable to see fully. For three years, I wasn't able to drive at all. This really impacted my ability to get to work and work in general. My mom ended up retiring to help me out. I got rides from family and friends and ended up paying friends to help me out. A few years later, I got adaptations for my car and able to drive a ten-fifteen mile radius from my house which has given my freedom back.

Sooner or later, I found out a few resources that have been helpful to me. It is a give and take however because I generally find one costs an arm and a leg and other takes time and a toll on the body. Here are a few resources that I have found helpful when I am unable to drive.

1. Metro Mobility-If you have a certified disability, you may qualify for Metro Mobility. You will need to have a doctor’s note and not be able to use public transportation. The cost is $3-4 depending on whether it is rush hour traffic or not. The pros to metro mobility is that they will take you pretty much anywhere in the Twin Cities and door to door service. It is also cheap. The downside to metro mobility is you are on their schedule and often have to wait long hours for them and be on the bus for a long period of time. For my ride that is 30 minutes long, it takes two hours on the bus. Also the bus ride isn’t friendly. It is bumpy and uncomfortable. For me often causes pain because of the way the bus is set up as well as the length of time you ride on the bus. -https://www.metrotransit.org/metro-mobility
2. Lyft or Uber-If your looking for a more expensive route, but a quicker route taking Lyft or Uber gets you door to door wherever you want to go. You download the app on your phone and ask for a ride. Many of the drivers are profesional. The only downside to Lyft is the expensive, however, it gets you to your location and you don’t have to take as long of a time to get there.
3. Insurance-Some insurance companies especially with MA have transportation systems that are able to take you to your doctor appointments. Check with your insurance to see if your insurance will take your to doctor appointments.
4. Friends and Family-Ask friends and family for rides. See if they will drive you for a cheaper rate.
5. Public Transportation-If this is available for you, there is the bus system and light rail that are available to take. 

Having a disability where transportation is difficult, but there are ways around. I find it a challenge, but encourage you to check out the resources above. Do you have other resources you like to use for transportation? Comment below.