Transportation and Driving Resources
Below is information on a variety of driving and paratransit resources, please click the green buttons to be connected directly to each organization's website.
Mark Whitehouse
250 Milton St. Dedham, MA 02026http://www.adaptivedrivingprogram.com/ (508) 626-6568 Summary Established in 2002, Adaptive Dance offers creative movement instruction for individuals with disabilities ages 2–adult at Boston Ballet's Newton, Boston, and North Shore studio locations. Classes are taught by Boston Ballet faculty and supported by licensed physical therapists and professional musicians. Students can engage and explore in a safe and supported studio environment as they develop movement, musicality, and personal/social growth. Adaptive Dance offers three types of classes: 1) Specialized classes for individuals with Down syndrome ages 2–adult in Boston and Newton (Friday and Saturday). 2) Specialized classes for individuals with Autism Spectrum Disorders ages 5–adult in Boston and Newton (Saturday). 3) Inclusive classes for individuals of all abilities and needs ages 5 and up in the North Shore (Tuesday) and Boston (Tuesday & Saturday). Classes take place during two 10-week sessions (September through November and March through May). In addition to providing an important outlet for creativity and self-expression, Adaptive Dance participants have demonstrated the following observable accomplishments: enhanced self-esteem and self-confidence, increased pride, cooperating with and encouraging others, increased appreciation and knowledge of music and rhythm, distinguishing right and left, attending to and following directions, increased focus, stopping/starting on cue, improved balance, posture, and alignment, separating upper and lower body movement patterns. The program also provides opportunities for adults with disabilities to work as teaching assistants for younger classes in order to develop professional and workforce skills. |
Contact
(617) 667-4074 http://www.bidmc.org/DrivingWithAutism#sthash.i79enNBL.dpuf Summary The goal of DriveWise at Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center is to provide objective information about driving safety while providing support for individuals and their families. What is DriveWise? Recognized as a national model, DriveWise offers an objective evaluation of driving safety for people of all ages who have experienced neurological, psychological and/or physical impairments. Because driving is important to one's independence, health care providers and family members are careful not to end driving privileges prematurely. On the other hand, delaying this decision can jeopardize safety. DriveWise was developed by the divisions of Cognitive Neurology and Occupational Therapy at Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center to help with this difficult decision making process. The program is comprised of a multidisciplinary team, including social workers, occupational therapists, and neuropsychologists. This unique team approach results in a thorough examination of driving performance. |
http://www.spauldingrehab.org/services/outpatient/pre-driving-evaluations.aspx
Summary Through our Driving Assessment Program, Spaulding Outpatient Centers offer evaluations for people experiencing functional changes due to trauma, surgery, a neurologic incident, or the aging process. It is an essential part of the assessment to address any deficits that may influence your safety and independence behind the wheel and as a licensed driver. Medical conditions that may affect driving skills include stroke, Parkinson’s disease, dementia, Alzheimer’s disease, acquired or traumatic brain injury, macular degeneration, glaucoma, neuropathy, cardiac disease, arthritis and cerebral palsy. These conditions may affect your vision, memory, attention, and ability to problem solve and react quickly. If you are unsure if your condition affects your driving abilities, or if you need a doctor’s order to medically clear you to drive, you may benefit from a driving evaluation. If you are concerned about the driving abilities of a family member or friend, you may want to recommend that they participate in a driving assessment. We will assess your vision, spatial awareness, ability to shift attention, problem solving, sequencing, and awareness of others on the road. We also will assess your own strengths and weaknesses, ability to read traffic signs, ability to identify and safely respond to hazards, gas/brake/steering reaction time, and other physical and cognitive abilities. This evaluation may also examine the need for adaptive equipment to make driving easier for you. |
www.projectaction.org
Summary Funded through a cooperative agreement with the U.S. Department of Transportation, Federal Transit Administration, Easter Seals Project ACTION promotes cooperation between the transportation industry and the disability community to increase mobility for people with disabilities under the ADA and beyond. Project ACTION is especially interested in helping students with disabilities access transportation to support their transition goals. We offer numerous resources, as well as training and technical assistance, in an effort to make the ADA work for everyone, everyday. Almost two decades after our creation, our goal - and our name - remains unchanged: Accessible Community Transportation In Our Nation (ACTION). Visit www.projectaction.org to access free resources and learn about training events |
http://www.mbta.com/riding_the_t/accessible_services/default.asp?id=7108
http://www.mbta.com/fares_and_passes/ride/ Summary THE RIDE provides door-to-door paratransit service to sixty cities and towns for eligible customers who cannot use subways, buses, or trains due to a physical, mental, or cognitive disability. Only registered RIDE customers, their Personal Care Assistants, and their guests may take advantage of the service. Link to The Ride Brochure http://www.mbta.com/uploadedfiles/Riding_the_T/Accessible_Services/The_Ride/TRECBrochureFINAL112012.pdf |