Individuals with a disability or their caregivers can be provided free transportation for both emergency as well as everyday needs. The goal is to ensure that the client is able to live as independently as possible, so these rides are available to help meet that objective. Transportation for people with a physical or mental disability or in a wheelchair can be arranged by any of several different non-profit or government-backed agencies near you as noted below. Find free rides as well as handicapped transportation services for a doctor appointment, grocery shopping, medical appointments, pharmacy, or other needs.
Some of the resources are coordinated by the government, which can be the county or state where to personal lives. However, that is not the only option. Many non-profits, as well as charities, also support low-income individuals with a disability, anyone in a wheelchair, or handicap by giving them a ride using volunteers from the community.
Some of these groups that may be near you range from Agency on Aging Centers to the Salvation Army or private companies. Note while usually a ride may be provided at no cost, some of the transportation that is arranged for the disabled may require a small fee from the client, or they “suggest” a minimal donation be made.
Rides from charities for the disabled
While there are no guarantees to this being available, the disabled can often get a free ride from charitable-run Volunteer Driver Programs. These are not mandated to be offered in any community, but rather donations from individuals and local businesses often fund them. In almost all cases, a donation is always requested from the rider. Even a few dollars to help offset the cost of gasoline, mileage, and wear and tear on the car or wheelchair-accessible van can make a big difference to keeping these programs operating.
Charities will call these Driver Programs different names. The Salvation Army may refer to them as Share a Ride while a faith-based church often calls them emergency services. Another major contributor to this service tends to be the National Aging Network, and there are offices in most counties that help both the elderly, adults with a handicap, and the disabled. While senior citizens are the main focus, others can apply as well. These will be referred to as the Agency on Aging centers.
Causes: Human Services, Philanthropy, Senior Centers, Seniors, Transportation Assistance, Voluntarism Promotion
Mission: Nonprofit For Good’s mission is to help people maintain their health, independence, and dignity by mobilizing volunteer drivers to provide rides to eligible residents of the communities we serve.
Target demographics: Nonprofit For Good serves residents who are age 55 and better or who have a disability that prevents them from driving.
