Fact's Ada Policy Regarding Requests For Reasonable Modification
Listen to the Reasonable Modification Public Notice
Notice to the Public
The FACT values all of their customers and will strive to ensure their customers, in particular, those with disabilities' needs are considered when developing fixed route bus services and stops, passenger amenities, and when procuring vehicles and equipment. FACT's customers who utilize their ADA complementary paratransit service are provided with door to door service vs curb to curb in order to better serve their needs. As part of this commitment, the FACT has updated their ADA Policy & Procedures in regards to Requests for Reasonable Modification by Persons with a Disability.
What is a Reasonable Modification?
To ensure that programs and services are accessible to customers with a disability, an individual may request that a modification to FACT's public transit services be made in order to allow them to access and utilize the services.
There are no restrictions on when a customer can request a reasonable modification although the FACT supports and encourages customers to place a written request as soon as possible.
Exceptions
Reasonable modification requests to the FACT Staff must consider any and all requests for reasonable modifications but shall take into account the following exceptions:
Reasonable modifications
Will not place an undue financial and/or administrative burden on the FACT and/or their transportation contractors;
Will not constitute a fundamental alteration of FACT's current transportation services, programs or activities;
Cannot cause a direct threat to the health or safety of others;
Cannot adversely affect the service provided to other FACT customers;
Cannot jeopardize the functionality or use of equipment used to provide FACT's transit services; and
May not be approved if the individual with a disability is still able to fully use the FACT's services, programs, or activities for their intended purpose without the requested modification.
Public Request Process
Whenever feasible, requests for modifications should be made in advance. This is particularly appropriate where a permanent or long term condition or barrier is the basis for the request. In the ADA paratransit context, requests can be made in conjunction with FACT's ADA complementary paratransit service eligibility process.
The FACT's process for public submittals of requests for reasonable modifications is as follows:
Requests should be as specific as possible and include information on why the requested modification is needed in order to allow the individual to use FACT's services.
Requests should be made in writing or by email, but the FACT will accept a request by phone if needed. Requests should be directed to the FACT Director, 825 Airport Rd, Lemont Furnace PA 15456 or via website.
If a phone request is made and the FACT Director is unavailable, the request will be directed to a designee. Phone requests to the FACT must be made during normal business days and hours of operations of the FACT's administrative offices (currently Monday-Friday, 8:00 AM to 4:30 PM).
"On-the-spot" requests will be accepted for circumstances that may arise while utilizing FACT's transportation services by making a request to the driver. Such requests should be made as soon as the circumstance is made known to the requestor. The driver may make the determination or request a decision of a supervisor dependent upon the situation.
All requests/documentation shall be maintained in a designated file at the FACT's administrative offices for a minimum of five (5) years from date of request.
Request Denials/Protests
If a request for reasonable modification is denied, the requester has the right to protest the decision by following FACT's ADA protest procedures. Copies are available upon request. Also, a copy of the ADA protest procedures will be included with the written decision of denial. The FACT will take, to the maximum extent possible, any other actions that may be available to them to ensure that the individual with a disability receives the services or benefits provided by the FACT that would not result in a direct threat or fundamental alteration.
Refusal of Service & Non-Discrimination
The FACT can refuse to provide service to an individual with disabilities if that individual engages in violent, seriously disruptive, or illegal conduct, or represents a direct threat to the health or safety of others. However, the FACT will not refuse to provide service to an individual with a disability solely because the individual's disability results in an appearance or behavior that may offend, annoy, or inconvenience FACT staff/employees or other persons.
The reasonable modification process and use information will be made readily available to the public. ADA-accessible formats will be provided upon request.