Transit operators face the difficult challenge of providing safe services to passengers who rely on wheelchairs and scooters for their personal mobility. Additionally, the DOT requires that agencies operating demand-responsive or fixed route systems must ensure that their personnel are “trained to proficiency” to properly assist and treat individuals with disabilities who use the serviTce. Using a comprehensive and hands-on approach, this new course provides New Jersey community transportation providers with an overview of the tools available to safely secure their passengers using powered and manual mobility devices.

Participants will identify several of the most common types of mobility devices, and discuss available securement equipment and techniques, including front and rear securement, lap and shoulder belts, and three-point attachment. Next, they will view actual sled tests of the G-forces associated with mobility devices that were involved in crashes, both properly and improperly secured, as well as see pictures from actual crashes where passengers were properly secured. Participants will receive hands-on training on securing different types of wheelchairs in different vehicles. After completing this course, participants will be comfortable that they and their staff will know what it means to be “trained to proficiency.”