Care-A-Van Services are for residents of the City of Sarnia who are unable to use conventional fixed-route transit due to physical disability as per the Integrated Regulations of the AODA. Those with cognitive disabilities may be eligible if their cognitive disability severely impacts their ability to use conventional transit facilities and vehicles (e.g., physical ability to board a conventional bus). Eligibility is considered on a case-by-case basis and is not based on a specific health condition but how a specific medical condition impacts mobility.
Care-A-Van Application
Application and Assessment Fees
No application or assessment fees will be charged to applicants applying for Care-A-Van services.
Application Waiting Period
A decision will be made within 14 business days after an application for Care-A-Van has been received by the City of Sarnia. If a decision has not been made within 14 business days, the applicant will receive Care-A-Van services until a decision about eligibility has been made.
Providing Accessible Formats
Upon request, the City of Sarnia will provide all information relating to the application and eligibility for Care-A-Van services in accessible formats and will accommodate the applicant’s needs in understanding the information.
Re-assessing Eligibility
The City of Sarnia may reassess the eligibility of temporary Care-A-Van users every 6 months to determine if temporary users still require the service.
Appeal Process
The City of Sarnia has established an appeal process using third party representation including medical professionals to review decisions of eligibility for Care-A-Van users.A release of information must be signed by the applicant in order to process the appeal.
Appeal Decisions
All decisions will be made on appeals within 30 calendar days after the appeal application has been received.If a decision has not been made within the 30 calendar days, the applicant will receive temporary Care-A-Van services until a decision is made.
If the appeal process favours the applicant, then the applicant will receive Care-A-Van services as requested in their application.
If the appeal process favours the City of Sarnia and upholds the original decision of ineligibility for Care-A-Van, then the applicant will not receive eligibility for Care-A-Van services.
If temporary service was received because the decision deadline had passed, then the applicant will no longer be eligible for Care-A-Van services.
Care-A-Van Emergency and Compassionate Grounds
Purpose – To establish a consistent policy that provides temporary Care-A-Van service to the public on emergency and compassionate grounds.
Emergency and Compassionate Grounds
If an applicant requires Care-A-Van services because of emergency or compassionate grounds, the applicant will receive temporary eligibility as soon as possible but no later than 14 calendar days after the application is received.
Individuals who require Care-A-Van services because of emergency or compassionate grounds must complete a regular application form but must state why Care-A-Van services are needed in a clear manner.
The City of Sarnia will assess the application and determine the appropriate days the individual is eligible for Care-A-Van services based on the applicant’s needs and timelines.
Examples of Emergency and Compassionate Grounds
A husband is hospitalized after a heart attack. He is the primary driver and caregiver of a person with a disability. This person would be eligible for temporary Care-A-Van services in accordance with this policy.
A woman acquires a serious illness and is no longer able to drive. She needs specialized treatment at the hospital and has no form of transportation to and from the appointments. This woman would be eligible for temporary Care-A-Van services in accordance with this policy.
Care-A-Van Trip Restrictions
Purpose – To establish a consistent policy that Care-A-Van services do not limit the availability of service to users.
Trip Restrictions
Care-A-Van services will not restrict the number of trips people with disabilities can request.
Example: Care-A-Van services cannot enforce a limit of 10 trips a month for one user.
Not Cancelling in Advance
Individuals who utilize Care-A-Van services will not have limits put on the service due to not cancelling trips in advance.
Example: A person cannot be suspended from Care-A-Van services because of not cancelling trips in advance. Similarly, individuals cannot be suspended from using conventional services from deciding not to use the service.
*The Corporation of the City of Sarnia is subject to the Municipal Freedom of Information and Protection Act which sets rules for the collection, use, disclosure and handling of personal information. The City of Sarnia is committed to adhering to all aspects of this law.