ExceptionalOPS, an advocacy group for people with Developmental Disabilities and Fayette Senior Services have announced their collaboration in the establishment of the Fayette County Alternative Transportation Initiative effective immediately.

Through a grant awarded to ExceptionalOPS by The United Way this program is in addition to the already existent Senior Services “Ticket to Ride” Voucher program. This new program will provide transportation vouchers to FayetteCounty residents over the age of 18 with Developmental Disabilities and persons under the age of 60 whom, through no fault of their own, do not have the ability to drive. This pilot program will be offered on a first come first served basis and clients and drivers will be screened for participation in the program.

Because Fayette County has no public transportation, the independence of individuals who cannot drive is severely limited. Through this program, participants can arrange their own transportation and negotiate the payment for their transportation with one of the registered drivers using vouchers they obtain through Fayette Senior Services. Vouchers can be purchased for a nominal fee. Drivers can then submit their vouchers to Fayette Senior Services for payment of services rendered.

Individuals interested in participating in the program as passengers or as drivers should contact Marie Doyle at Fayette Senior Services located at 390 Lee Street in Fayetteville. Phone or e-mail Marie at 770-461-0813 or [email protected]

People with Developmental Disabilities requiring assistance in obtaining day support services, information about Medicaid waiver funding or any other related questions may contact Janet Smola of ExceptionalOPS at 770-631-1035 or [email protected]