Voters with disabilities in five counties can get free rides to their polling place on Election Day
One of the greatest privileges we have as American citizens is to vote for the elected leaders that we choose – but for many individuals with disabilities who wish to do so in person, getting to their polling place may be a challenge. In Erie, Niagara, Genesee, Orleans or Wyoming Counties, Western New York Independent Living (WNYIL) can help!
Independence Express, the transportation branch of WNYIL, will provide van rides, free of charge, to people with disabilities who need one to vote on Election Day (Tuesday November 5th). Independence Express has wheelchair-accessible vehicles for those with mobility challenges, and ambulatory people can get transportation, too. While we can’t help anyone up or down stairs, and they must rely on friends or relatives for that, we can take people to their voting place and then back home or to work, between the hours of 8:30 AM and 8:30 PM, (except during drivers’ lunch from 12:00 to 1:00 PM).
If this is appealing, please email transportation@wnyil.org with “Election Day” in the subject, and providing this information: The Rider’s Name; Address; Phone Number; if rider uses a wheelchair (or write “WC”), or if rider is ambulatory (“AMB”); the Name and Address of the polling place, (i.e., North Buffalo Community Center, 203 Sanders Rd., Buffalo, NY 14216); If anyone is going with them, such as a Personal Care Attendant (PCA). [if more than one extra person, give the number of PCAs — we can only take up to three people at one time]; the rider’s first choice of the time to go to the polls.
Alternately, one may call Christian at 716-836-0822, extension 108, to set up a ride. If there is high demand at times, requests will be honored on a “first-come, first-served” basis.
Voting is your right – and we can help you exercise it!
The Western New York Independent Living, Inc. family of agencies offer an expanding array of services to aid individuals with disabilities to take control of their own lives.
