Transport was always an important part from our lives. Without it we cannot go practically nowhere. Wheelchair users especially feel this issue more than other disabled people because they need more specialised vehicles to travel with their motorised wheelchairs. In this page, I am trying to put some tips/etiquette rules or any other reference links that I feel appropiate about this subject.
When you guide a totally blind/VI person to get into a regular car, either put his hand on the car door knob, or if you open it for him/her, remember to put his hand on the top of the door frame so the blind knows immediately car orientation.
If the vehicle is not always the same one that the particular disabled (especially blind), users use, tell them the type of vehicle is eg: small van or regular car.
Disabled persons must <always> wear the seatbelt. This is inthe the interest of both the disabled person and the driver.
Wheelchair users, always must have their wheelchairs anchored securily with the vehichle's floor. Wheelchair passengers must also use the seatbelt.
Try to learn something about the disabilities of your clients.
Make sure that your vehicle is up-to-standard and working properly.
Make sure that your vehicle is <properly> insured for the scope you are using it.
If something is wrong with the vehicle, draw the attention of the garage owner immediately, if they do not listen, put your complaint in writing, and put the responsability on their shoulders. Keep a copy of your written complaint.
If for some reason, when a client arrive at his destination, but you cannot park near enough to his door, always accompany him/her to the final destination.
Make sure that every <new> driver apart from the required proper driving license, they given at least basic course how to deal with different disabled persons and what to do in certain circomstances.
Regular drivers, should attend a refreshment course at least once every five years.
Make sure that at least every vehicle has a copy of the A2Z
map book of the
Every driver should at least have the ability to read the road names because imagine of what happen if the client is blind and do not know the area, and the driver is not able to read the road names!! Both of them get lost!
Community Transport Association.
1 Dar Il-Kaptan.
Triq Dar Il-Kaptan,
Mtarfa MTF 1155
MALTA
Tel: +00356-21450103
Or click here to send an email.
Last updated: Thursday 5 July 2007.