Access San Joaquin offers ADA complementary service for those who qualify under the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA). This program is specifically designed for those individuals who due to their disability, are functionally unable to use fixed-route services in San Joaquin County.

Under the ADA regulations, there are three categories of persons who are eligible for ADA paratransit service:

1. Any individual with a disability who is unable, as the result of a physical or mental impairment (including a vision impairment), and without the assistance of another individual (except the operator of a wheelchair lift or other boarding assistance device), to board, ride, or disembark from any vehicle on the system which is readily accessible to and usable by individuals with disabilities [is eligible for ADA paratransit.
2. Any individual with a disability who needs the assistance of a wheelchair lift or boarding assistance device is able, with such assistance, to board, ride, and disembark from any vehicle which is readily accessible to and usable by individuals with disabilities, if the individual wants to travel on a route on the system during the hours of operation of the system at a time when such a vehicle is not being used to provide designated public transportation on the route. An individual is eligible under this paragraph with respect to travel on an otherwise accessible route on which the boarding or disembarking location, which the individual would use, is one at which boarding or disembarking from the vehicle is precluded.
3. Any individual with a disability who has a specific impairment-related condition which prevents the individual from traveling to a boarding location or from a disembarking location on such system.

Certification Process

Access San Joaquin’s eligibility process, conducted by Paratransit Inc. offers an in-person assessment. The process will not require a paper application or a professional healthcare verification. Eligible passengers will be able to extend their recertification period from one year to up to three years. To schedule a DAR in-person assessment, call (209) 943-1111, Option 2, Option 1.

ADA Decision Appeals

If you do not believe the ADA certification decision is valid, you may appeal the decision.  In order to appeal the decision, you will need to submit your request in writing, within sixty days after receipt of the denial letter.

Appeals may be mailed to:

Access San Joaquin
421 East Weber Avenue
Stockton, CA 95202
Attn: Access San Joaquin

or faxed to: (209) 948-3024

Your appeal will be heard by the ADA Appeals Board. The ADA Appeals Board consists of individuals who are not involved in the initial certification process. Their decision is made independently of the ADA Certification Board.

Upon receipt of your letter, Access San Joaquin will set up a meeting with the ADA Appeals Board.  You will be notified by mail on the date and time of the meeting.  At the meeting, you will have an opportunity to submit any additional information, written evidence, and/or arguments to support your qualifications for service.  You may bring a representative with you to this meeting

You will be notified of the Appeals Board’s decision in writing within thirty days of the hearing. The Board’s decision is final.