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Special Needs Resource Directory

 
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Transportation and Travel

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For the child with special health care needs, arranging for safe and reliable transportation and making special preparations before travel can present some unique challenges. Below is a list of resources compiled by the Center for Infants and Children with Special Needs at Cincinnati Children's Hospital Medical Center to help families plan ahead for safe transportation and travel.

Transportation to Medical Appointments | Car Modifications and Wheelchair Accessible Vans | Car Seats | Disability Placards | Driving | Air Transportation | Travel | Emergency Plan

Find additional information on transportation and travel resources in Kentucky and Indiana.

Transportation To Medical Appointments

For the child with special health care 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)
  • Easter Seals provides information on "Transportation Solutions for Caregivers: A Starting Point." This web site includes tips, products and sources for assistive devices and adaptive equipment.  
  • Non-Emergency Transportation (NET) in Hamilton County provides transportation to and from Medicaid providers. Transportation services arer 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. 
  • 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.
  • 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.ransportation
    Services for non-emergent Medicaid clients

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Car Modifications / Wheelchair Accessible Vans

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.
  • The American Association of People with Disabilities (AAPD), together with Digital Federal Credit Union (DCU), offers mobility loans for AAPD members. Loan arrangements allow for the purchase of expensive mobility equipment at smaller, more affordable monthly payments.
  • 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 health care needs.
  • The Child Wellness Fair operates a Vehicle Donation Program to assist families and organizations. A printable application is available online.  
  • 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.
  • Kings Toyota in Cincinnati works with MobilityWorks to provide adaptive equipment solutions and wheelchair accessible vans. 
  • Liberty Motor Company, Inc. operates on their founding principle of "accessibility at a reasonable cost."  New and used wheelchair-accessible vans available.
  • 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.
  • National Mobility Equipment Dealers Association (NMEDA) has information on choosing the best vehicle, buying adaptive equipment and finding financial assistance. 
  • Ohio Legal Rights Service provides information on accessible vehicles, disability parking permits, medical considerations and public transportation.
  • Vehicle Modifications to Accommodate People with Disabilities has information about laws, regulations and adaptive equipment.
  • Wheelchair Getaways has accessible van rentals for people with disabilities. Locations and contact information are provided for each state. 

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Car Seats

  • Trauma Services at Cincinnati Children's provides a child safety seat guide, a complete listing of car seat safety fitting station locations in the Greater Cincinnati area and car seat safety information. 
  • Ohio Kids are Riding Safe provides information for choosing a car seat / restraint, special consideration for children with medical conditions, lists of types of car safety seats available, and contact for qualified help and training opportunities.
  • The Right Seat brochure, sponsored by the Children and Families Commission of Orange County,  provides helpful information on car seat safety. The brochure is also available in Spanish.

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Disability Placards

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Driving

Many people with physical disabilities can learn to drive safely with the right training and equipment.

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Air Transportation

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.

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Travel

It is important that families of children with special health care needs make preparations well before traveling to make sure that their child receives the proper care should acute problems arise. Plan ahead and keep these tips in mind to help make travel easier:

  • Travel with a detailed and current medical summary, plan of care and contact information on all providers:
  • American Academy of Pediatrics provides samples of different types of caregiver notebooks.
  • EMS Emergency Information Form for Children with Special Needs, developed by the American College of Emergency Physicians and the American Academy of Pediatrics can be a helpful organization tool.
  • Check with your physician for the necessary precautions, immunizations and / or medications for your destination.
  • When traveling by plane, keep your medications in your carry-on bag for easy access during the flight and to protect against loss if your luggage doesn't arrive. This will also prevent exposure to extreme temperatures in the baggage compartment, which can reduce the effectiveness of some medications.
  • Be prepared to provide airport security with a copy of your prescription if you use medication that requires a syringe.
  • Carry your pharmacy's phone number and list of your prescriptions in case you lose your medication.
  • If your trip requires changes in time zones, consult your physician to see if the timing and dosage should be adjusted.
  • Beware of buying over-the-counter medications in foreign countries. Some could have different ingredients that could cause allergic reactions or complications with drug interactions.
  • Keep your medications out of direct sunlight if you are traveling in a hot, humid climate. Excessive heat can reduce the effectiveness of some medications. Avoid storing medications in the glove compartment of your car.
  • Take along more medication than the number of days you plan to be away so that you will be prepared for unexpected delays.
  • Some medications can cause increased sensitivity to sunlight and may require increased sunscreen protection.
  • Call your insurance providers to clarify what coverage they have when traveling out of your network area and be specific in relating your itinerary, especially if you are traveling out of state or out of the country. Ask for written documentation and record the insurance representative's name, department and extension.
  • Obtain a list of the nearest appropriate hospitals, physicians and durable medical equipment (DME) contacts for all cities / regions you are visiting. Bring an adequate suuply of medications, special nutritional items and equipment before leaving.
  • Thoroughly investigate all aspects of your trip to make sure that your child's disability can be accommodated.
  • Many children with special health care needs have difficulty with travel and need frequent stops as well as an ample supply of snacks, games, toys and other distractions. Also be aware that some children may need adjustments in their medications.

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Emergency Plan

If you have a child with special needs, you may need to take extra steps to prepare in the event of an emergency. Resources are available to help you develop an emergency plan.

  • American Red Cross provides a comprehensive guide to prepare for emergencies for people with disabilities.

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Contact Us

If your questions are not fully answered by our Special Needs Resource Directory and its links, please contact us via email.

Rev. 10/09