Reasonable Modification Policy

Civil Rights Protections

AppalCART is committed to operating transportation programs and services without regard to disability, race, color or national origin, in accordance with applicable federal statutes:

• Title II of the Americans with Disabilities Act

• Title VI of the Civil Rights Act

A. Requests for Reasonable Modifications of Policies and Procedures

AppalCART is committed to ensuring a reliable, accessible experience for all customers. If, due to a disability, you are not able to fully utilize AppalCART programs and services (including fixed route, complimentary paratransit, and demand response because of a policy or procedure that AppalCART has established, you may submit a request for a modification of the policy or procedure.

To request a modification, complete a Request for Modification of Policy/Procedure Form, linked here and at the bottom of this page or by calling 828-297-1300 or 1-800-735-2962 (TDD/TTY)/ 1-800-735-8262 (voice).

All requests for reasonable modifications to AppalCART policies or procedures will be considered on an individual basis. Please note that the AppalCART may be unable to accommodate requests for modifications which would:

(1) result in a fundamental alteration to the nature of the service;

(2) create a direct threat to the health or safety of others, and;

(3) create an undue financial or administrative burden.

Requests for modifications might also not be granted if AppalCART determines that the service can be fully utilized without the requested change. In the event that a barrier to access exists, but the requested modification cannot be granted, the AppalCART will, to the maximum extent possible, assist in determining other possible actions that might be taken to provide access to its programs and services.

B. Reasonable Modification of Policies and Procedures

Individuals with disabilities may ask AppalCART to modify a policy or procedure if they feel the policy or procedure is discriminatory or prevents them from fully utilizing AppalCART services. AppalCART will review these requests and will modify policies unless it finds that:

The person can fully utilize the service without the requested modification (i.e., it is for convenience only).
The change would create a direct threat to the safety of others.
The change would fundamentally alter the nature of the service.
The change would cause an undue financial or administrative burden.

AppalCART encourages people to request such modifications in advance when possible. To request a modification of a policy or procedure in advance complete the Request for Modification of Policy/Procedure Form linked here and at the bottom of this page or by calling 828-297-1300 or 1-800-735-2962 (TDD/TTY)/ 1-800-735-8262 (voice). AppalCART will be guided by examples in Appendix E of 49 CFR Part 37 when making decisions on requests for modifications of policies. If AppalCART denies a request, it will consider other reasonable actions or approaches that might be able to meet the person’s needs.

AppalCART has designated its Transportation Director to coordinate the acceptance and review of requests for reasonable modifications of policies. This policy will be communicated to the public on the AppalCART website and in the AppalCART Route Schedule.