2. Vocational Rehabilitation
3. Policy, Processes, and Guidance
4. Transportation

Transportation

Updated: July 2024

Purpose

To define transportation services, outline when they can be authorized in the DVR process and provide guidelines when considering transportation options for a consumer.

Rationale

Everyone needs transportation to get to work, and people with disabilities are no different. Transportation means travel and related expenses, authorized by DVR, that are necessary to enable an applicant (prior to IPE), or an eligible individual to participate in a vocational rehabilitation service. Transportation-related expenses that staff can authorize include:

• Mileage (using the current state rate when fleet car is not available)
• Bus fare
• Taxi
• Van Service
• Expenses for training in the use of public transportation vehicles and systems

Once a consumer is found eligible and an IPE is developed, DVR may pay only those transportation expenses that have been specifically listed in the IPE and authorized by DVR at the lowest rate which adequately meets the consumer’s needs to participate in the primary service.

Comparable benefits should be explored. If transportation is required for the consumer to meet their IPE goal and is provided by another entity, transportation should be on the IPE and case noted as a comparable benefit.

After all alternatives are assessed, the most cost-effective alternative which meets the consumer’s needs (to participate in the IPE) determines the maximum amount DVR can pay towards transportation.

Vehicle Modification - Vehicle modification is considered rehabilitation technology not transportation. See related guidance - Assistive Technology.

Consumer informed choice – Once this information has been shared with the consumer, including the maximum DVR participation toward transportation costs, the consumer can select whichever option the consumer feels is best, provided it meets the consumer’s IPE needs.

Service Providers

Transportation is not an included service component in the service agreements with statewide service providers. DVR statewide service providers may NOT provide transportation. Preparation and emotional support for job interviews can be done ahead of the scheduled interview or at the time of the interview on-site.

Some service providers may receive transportation funding from another source: a county, Managed Care Organization (MCO) or IRIS for a common consumer. If another entity provides transportation for a common consumer, that is acceptable. That transportation is happening as part of another agreement, not with DVR or as part of the DVR service agreement.

DVR staff should work with consumers to identify options for travel that encourage independence and long-term sustainability:

• Transportation options should be discussed, and case noted prior to authorizing a service that would require the consumer to travel.
• Staff are strongly encouraged to discuss and provide transportation to consumers via existing options and resources at the time a statewide service is authorized.
• This discussion should also include options for short notice transportation events (i.e. interviews, stoppage or primary transportation options, etc.)
• Consumers are encouraged to use their own resources when possible for travel to DVR-related appointments.
• DVR staff are NOT ALLOWED to transport consumers.
• DVR staff should work to identify local resources for transportation and provide this information to consumers.
• Payments should never be made for transportation after-the-fact.
• Case note discussions about the consumer's plans to maintain transportation once they are employed and their case is closed. Each case is individualized. For example, DVR may pay for transportation until the consumer's first paycheck, or DVR could pay for the first couple of months.