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Frequently Asked Questions

ARE PEOPLE WITH DISABILITIES AND SENIORS ON THE INTERNET?

According to a 2001 National Organization on Disability study "the rate of home internet use increased by more than 400% among persons with disabilities. If the internet use by persons with disabilities continues to grow at the same growth rate, it should match the internet use of the non-disabled." The American Association of Retired Persons (AARP) reports in 2005 that there "was a substantial increase in computer and internet access among older persons." For people who don’t use the internet, the application is also available by simply calling the toll free phone number (877) ADA-RIDE and requesting an application. A paper application will be mailed and can be faxed to (310) 410-0239 or mailed back. Most agencies serving persons with disabilities, (e.g. transit agencies, healthcare professionals, advocates) are already online, making the process much more efficient.

IS THERE A FEE ASSOCIATED WITH ADA ELIGIBILITY?

The process is accessible to all and there is no charge from the transit agency. Online accessibility reduces time and cost and therefore most healthcare professionals do not charge either. The ADARIDE verification form does not require an office visit to complete. However, if your doctor is charging you to complete the verification form, you can use another authorized licensed professional, such as a physical or occupational therapist, nurse, social worker, orientation & mobility specialist, etc.

IS MY INFORMATION SAFE ON THE INTERNET?

ADARIDE uses the latest internet security software (Thwate) to protect your health information by encrypting all data to and from the site. ADARIDE has also taken all measures to comply with the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA), requiring all users to have an ID and password. All of the approved professional evaluators are listed on the website so one can be sure we are not outsourcing these to a foreign county.

DOESN'T SOMEONE NEED TO HAVE AN IN-PERSON INTERVIEW TO ACCURATELY DETERMINE ABILITIES?

The FTA Regulations only indicate an in-person assessment at the appeals level. Most other disability entitlement programs are decided using a paper application with professional verification. With a complete application and an appropriate healthcare participation, an accurate and functionally based eligibility decision can be made. If someone has difficulty finding a professional to document their abilities, then the person may have the option of being evaluated in person.

HOW DOES AN EVALUATOR IN LOS ANGELES KNOW WHAT’S GOING IN MY HOMETOWN?

The first thing ADARIDE evaluators see is a description of the persons home environment including local weather and terrain, bus accessibility, as well as any notoriously inaccessible areas and or bus stops. This allows ADARIDE evaluators to factor in how an individual interacts with their unique environment. It is important to get community participation into the eligibility process and therefore ADARIDE was made to be completely customizable. Whatever application and verification questions are determined appropriate, ADARIDE can quickly turn around a customized application that has local acceptance.

DOES THIS PROCESS INCREASE THE POTENTIAL FOR FRAUD?

While healthcare professionals do indeed advocate for their patients, most of them respond honestly and with professional integrity. ADARIDE believes that applicants also respond honestly and with integrity but the final decision is based on highly trained professional who can spot inconsistent and false information. Further, the system has a warning button that flags applications for quality assurance review should any misgivings be noted. The application can also include a photo attached for picture identification cards, further decreasing the risk of fraudulent applications.

ISN’T ADARIDE TURNKEY SYSTEM MORE EXPENSIVE THAN OUR CURRENT PROCESS?

The cost of eligibility process varies from city to city. The expenses include customer call centers, data entry, evaluation staffing, postage, mail fulfillment, and for those doing in-person assessments, the gasoline and vehicle expenses to drive applicants back and forth to an evaluation center. The in-person assessment costs are approximately $150 dollars each while ADARIDE’s average cost per evaluation is half of that. ADARIDE’s cost per evaluation (average $70) includes a toll-free customer service, professional evaluations, 24/7 web access, digital data distribution, recertification, appeals management, travel training and record retention.

I FORGOT MY USER NAME AND / OR PASSWORD WHAT DO I DO?

Someone at ADARIDE’s toll free customer service center will assist you by identifying you in the system, asking you a security question, and then emailing you a new password.