Long-Term Disability
A long-term or permanent disability is one which persists longer than three months.

Temporary Disability
A temporary disability generally lasts three months or less.

Paratransit
Provides curb-to-curb service for individuals whose disability prevents them from using a regular (fixed route) bus service.

Cornell is continually working to improve accessibility on campus for all individuals. We are increasing the number of accessible buses, bus stops and parking spaces, with accessible spaces being linked to paths of travel to buildings. In an effort to better serve the Cornell community, Commuter and Parking Services works to accommodate the transportation needs of individuals with disabilities by providing them with accessible transit or parking options.

Application Process
To apply for transportation accommodations, use this online form*. In most cases, transportation accommodations are made in consultation with you, and based on the recommendation of both your doctor and a health-care professional working with our office.

The determining factors can include, but are not limited to:

• ability to access bus stops
  
• ability to wait for the bus
  
• ability to climb the steps of a bus
  
• ability to ride a lift
  
• ability to ride the bus
  
• mobility limitations of the applicant
  
• the options for access to a building
  
• accessible parking at work or residence

Fees are charged according to the transportation option provided.

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TCAT Fixed-Route Bus Service
Every effort will be made to place an accessible transit vehicle on your route. Call TCAT at 277-RIDE at least 24 hours prior to your need to ride.

ADA Paratransit Service
Under the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), public transit companies are required to provide service to everyone in the community, within the corridor of fixed transit routes. If you are prevented from using fixed-route buses because of a disabling condition, ADA paratransit may be offered.

ADA Paratransit is a curb-to-curb, demand-responsive public transportation service.

Application information and materials are available from the ADA Paratransit Coordinator at TCAT (277-9388, extension 450).

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Metered Handicap Spaces
If you have a campus, municipal, or state issued handicap permit, placard, or license plate, you may park in handicap metered spaces. The regular meter fee must be paid, however.

Parking Permits
For many applicants, a perimeter area parking permit and bus pass are viable, accessible transportation options. If, through the application process, we make the determination that you are unable to use public transit or paratransit without unusual difficulty, a handicap permit for general handicap spaces on campus may be issued.

General Handicap Spaces
You must display a Cornell University-issued handicap parking permit to park in handicap spaces on campus (does not include those spaces reserved for specific individuals). Campus visitors may use general handicap spaces when displaying a Cornell University-issued visitor's parking permit and a municipal or state issued handicap permit, placard, or license plate.

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