ResourceAbilities promotes the full participation and inclusion of people with disabilities in Island society. Persons with disabilities are entitled to have their needs taken into consideration at all stages of economic and social planning. To that end, ResourceAbilities has partnered with the Department of Social Development and Seniors to offer a rebate program to incentivize the purchase of accessible transportation to assist individuals with a physical disability.
The objectives of the program are:
- to improve service to customers requesting on-demand wheelchair accessible taxis;
- to reduce the costs incurred by accessible drivers associated with purchasing and operating wheelchair accessible vehicles, and;
- to incent accessible drivers to improve 24/7 on-demand wheelchair accessible service delivery
An accessible taxi must provide ease of entry to or egress from the vehicle in a safe and dignified manner by means of an on-board lift or ramp, and conforms with all sections of Canadian Standard Association D409-02: Motor Vehicles for the Transportation of Persons with Physical Disabilities.
General Guidelines:
- Eligible applicants are taxi and ride-sharing companies and other non-profit organizations who are providing transportation services
- Must be incorporated to do business in Prince Edward Island
- Rebates will be to a maximum contribution of $30,000
- Eligible costs include both vehicle and conversion costs
- Vehicles must be capable of carrying a minimum of three additional occupants in addition to wheelchair
- Recipients must agree to maintain and operate the vehicle for a 5-year period
- Preference will be given to new vehicle purchases. Used vehicles are eligible but should not exceed 100,000 kilometers and be no more than five years old
- Partial rebate may be administered for vehicles between 5-8 years old provided they can provide safe, reliable service for a minimum of 3 years and meet all other eligibility requirements
- Purchases which utilize stacking funds will not be considered (if a vehicle purchase has already been funded, retrofit costs will not be covered under this program)
Equipment Requirements:
- Rear or side entry to accommodate all chair sizes
- Rear entry must include a drop gate that can be pushed closed
- Vehicle must have four adjustable strap/tie downs; two for the front wheels and two for the back frame
- Vehicles must have extended seat belt
- Rear entry can be manual or hydraulic
- Any vehicles adaptations must be completed by an approved dealer and meet CSA approval
Application Process:
- ResourceAbilities will accept applications in advance of purchase. Successful applicants will be provided with a conditional approval and required to submit proof of purchase before rebate is provided
- Applications should include the following information:
- company background
- description of vehicle being purchased and accompanying equipment
- cost of purchase and conversion (if applicable)
- number of vehicles being purchased
- operating hours of the proposed vehicles
Claiming the Rebate:
Approved applications will need to submit the following information to ResourceAbilities:
- a copy of the bill of sale
- proof of payment
- proof of insurance
- a letter certifying that the vehicle meets all certifications, standards and federal and provincial regulations
- Reporting requirements for the full 5 year commitment (3 years in the case of partial funding); these requirements will include the number of days the vehicle is on the road and available for use, the number of trips, and the location of the taxi.
Failure to Comply:
By accepting funding, the recipient agrees to adhere to all program requirements for the full duration of the commitment period of five years (three years in the case of partial funding). Should the recipient fail to comply with any of the program requirements, or if the recipient ceases to provide an accessible transportation service and/or ceases to use the funded vehicle before the completion of the commitment period, the recipient is obligated to repay all, or a prorated portion of the funding received. The repayment amount will be calculated based on the length of time the service was operated in relation to the full commitment period.
Drivers of vehicles are required to complete a training course on the safe operation and improved awareness skills of the needs of passengers with disabilities. ResourceAbilities, in collaboration with Pat and the Elephant, will provide this training at no cost.
Any question can be directed to:
ResourceAbilities 902-892-9149 – Devon@ResourceAbilities.ca or Kerry@ResourceAbilities.ca