Special Needs Resource Directory

For the child with special healthcare needs, it can sometimes be a challenge just getting to doctor visits. However, transportation to and from medical appointments can be funded by private insurance or Medicaid when medically indicated. When determining the type of transportation required by a child with special health needs, it is important to consider multiple issues, including:

• Whether the child is being transported by wheelchair or stretcher
• The type of equipment (i.e., ventilator)
• Medications
• Treatments
• Safety precautions (i.e., seizures, trach care, G-tube)
• First Care, 513-563-8811, accepts wheelchairs  
• Non-Emergency Transportation (NET) in Hamilton County provides transportation to and from Medicaid providers. Transportation services are available through the use of bus tokens, taxi service, van services or mileage reimbursement. Transportation will be provided in keeping with the child's medical needs. You must call five business days before your medical appointment to schedule a trip. Transportation services are arranged by contacting the representative based on the first letter of the child's last name:
• M, N, O, P (513-946-1675) 
• C, G, K, L (513-946-1640) 
• B, E, F, Z (513-946-2027)
• H, I, R, U (513-946-1744)
• A, D, S, Q, V (513-946-1778)
• J, W, T, Y, X (513-946-1242)
• You can confirm your ride by calling 513-587-4880 the day before your appointment. 
• Life Ambulance, 513-793-5433 or 513-720-3340, physician's note must state medical necessity for child with wheelchair or stretcher.
• Medcorp has 47 locations in Ohio, Kentucky, Indiana and Michigan. Services extend to all the medically impaired, including those who require wheelchair transportation. Call 419-727-0544 or toll free 888-319-0973.
• Rural Metro provides a variety of general medical transportation services in Ohio, Kentucky and Indiana. You can reach them at 513-863-5000.  
• Southwest Ohio Regional Transit Authority (SORTA) operates Access, a wheelchair accessible transportation service. This service must be applied for in advance.
• Strategic Ambulance, 513-821-3100 (does not transport children)
• Tri-Health, 513-831-5999, no wheelchairs
• UTS (Universal Transportation Systems) is a contract provider for transportation for non-emergency Medicaid clients in Butler, Hamilton, Clermont, Warren, Clinton, Preble, Adams, Highland, Brown, Greene and Montgomery counties. They can also provide wheelchair transport. You can reach them at 513-829-1287.

• Kentucky Cabinet for Health Services provides eligible Kentucky Medicaid recipients with cab vouchers for medical appointments.
  • Division of Family Support and Community Based Services

• Catch-a-Ride transit system, operated by Lifetime Resources, services Dearborn, Jefferson, Ohio, Ripley and Switzerland counties. Low fee for service. Must call to schedule appointment at least one week in advance as this service only comes to Cincinnati twice a week, 1-800-725-1680.
• Medicab Reliable Transportation, 812-522-3700, services Jackson, Lawrence, Scott, Dearborn and Rush counties in Indiana. Paid for by Medicaid.

• DMV.ORG is an online resource for all Department of Motor Vehicle-related needs.
• Ohio Bureau of Motor Vehicles has information on Ohio disability placards and disability license plates. A disability placard application form and disability license plate application are available on their web site. You can also apply at your local Ohio Deputy Registrar License Agency.
• Kentucky Motor Vehicle Licensing System has application forms for disabled persons special parking permit and disability license plates. You can complete the form and bring it into your local county clerk office.
• Indiana Bureau of Motor Vehicles has an application form for disability placards and license plates. You can complete the form and bring it into your local county office. 

Purchasing and modifying a car or van is an involved process. Since vehicle modifications can be expensive, it is well worth your time to be prepared and to research all options:

• Have your needs evaluated by a professional, such as your doctor, physical therapist, or occupational therapist. They can recommend types of adaptations would best suit your needs.   
• Select a vehicle that will meet your needs. One of the best resources is other families. They will be able to provide you with valuable tips and ideas. Check with companies that do vehicle accommodations to see what they recommend.
• Once you have chosen the type of vehicle that you would like to purchase, choose a reliable dealer who either has experience in adapting vehicles or who has a relationship with companies that do modifications.
• Research funding options. There are various funding resources that may be available, including grants from non-profit organizations, car manufacturer rebate programs, private insurance, Medicaid and funding through your county board of Mental Retardation and Developmental Disabilities. Check with your bank or credit union to see what special loan options are available.

Information on modifications and wheelchair accessible vans, including adapted equipment and financing, is available from the following resources:

• Access Unlimited specializes in creating products that allow easy access to any vehicle including cars, trucks, vans and SUVs.
• AMS Vans, Inc. sells wheelchair accessible conversion minivans and offer nationwide delivery.
• Automotive Safety Issues for Persons with Disabilities provides information about current regulations and standards, as well as access to reports and other consumer information.
• Avis rents vehicles that can be adapted for children and adults with special healthcare needs.
• Disabled Dealer provides an internet listing of used wheelchair accessible vans for sale by geographical area.
• First Hand Foundation provides grants for eligible children whose clinical, health care needs are not adequately covered by insurance and state aid. They can assist with vehicle modifications including expenses associated with lifts, ramps and transfer boards. The child must be 18 years of age or younger (a child 18 – 21 can be considered if under the care of a pediatrician and in a child-like state) and the family must meet financial guidelines. 
• Ford Motor Company Mobility Motoring offers financial assistance of up to $1,000 for the installation of adaptive equipment, and up to $200 on alerting devices for hearing impairments, lumbar seats and running boards on new Ford Motor Company vehicle purchases or leases.
 
• M.C. Mobility sells and rents customized wheelchair accessible vans and offers a wide variety of products to modify your existing vehicle.
• Ability Van Rentals is their wheelchair accessible van rental division in Ohio. They frequently have discount packages available. 
• MobilityWorks provides a wide range of services including the purchase of new or used conversion vans, adaptation of a currently owned vehicle and financial counseling. MobilityWorks delivers nationwide and has local representatives.

Air transportation services for children with special health care needs are available from the following organizations:

• Cincinnati Children's Transport Team transports critically ill newborn and pediatric patients from local, regional, national and international referral sites
• Air Charity Network provides free air transportation to specialized health care facilities
• Children's Flight of Hope provides free air transportation to and from medical facilities for critically ill and injured children whose families meet financial criteria; serves destinations within 600 nautical miles of the Raleigh-Durham International airport
• Corporate Angel Network arranges free air transportation for cancer patients traveling to treatment.
• Miracle Flights for Kids provides free air transportation for children with special health care needs.
• National Patient Air Transportation Helpline provides information about all available forms of charitable, long distance medical air transportation. Referrals to appropriate resources given.