Transportation Program, ALS

The Transportation Program offers reimbursement for the cost of wheelchair van transportation for people with ALS(PALS)  who do not have a means of transportation of their own. For those who are able to, the program has funds available for transportation services such as taxi services.  The chapter can provide reimbursement for rental of wheelchair vans. No ambulance transportation is provided.

To be eligible, a person must have a diagnosis of ALS; reside in the Chapter's service area of DC, Maryland or Virginia; and have no other available transportation. Individuals must be able to exit their home or building without the assistance of the driver, either on foot or with a wheelchair ramp. We highly recommend the individual be accompanied by a caregiver.  In some cases the transportation company may require an attendant for the patient. The van drivers are solely there to drive the van and cannot assist with getting the patient into or out of the home and they cannot accompany the patient into the appointment.

The Chapter will reimburse transportation costs up to $250.00 per quarter for medical appointments.  Reimbursement is subject to the availability of funds.

For those PALS living in the Washington DC metropolitan area, MetroAccess is another alternative for those who need wheelchair transportation. It is a shared ride, curb-to-curb paratransit service for people who cannot use regular public transportation due to a disability.   For more information about this service, visit the Metro Access Web page.