What public transportation is available in Delaware?
There are a variety of transportation services available to Delawareans.  As of the writing of the website, DART provides transportation state-wide with 57 fixed bus routes, as well as train services from Wilmington to Philadelphia. Individuals with physical limitations may require and qualify for specialized transportation options such as PARA transit or Senior Citizens Affordable Taxi (SCAT), which provides a 50% fair reduction when using the services of certain taxi vendors recognized by DART and is available to not only senior citizens, but to persons with disabilities as well.  To find out if you qualify and to get additional information visit the websites of each of these services using the links below.

• https://www.dartfirststate.com/
• http://www.dartfirststate.com/services/para_services.shtml  (Para transit information)
• https://dartfirststate.com/Programs/  (Senior Citizens Affordable Taxi-  SCAT)

You can always call a taxi service and can find them by either looking on line or by using the telephone book.  However, as of this writing Delaware does not have a taxi service that provides transportation for  riders in wheelchairs.

Travelling farther distances may require additional planning for persons with disabilities.  For travel by air or rail you may wish to call ahead to get accurate information on what you should expect and how to make arrangements for any special accommodations you may need.

What is DART?
DART is a transportation organization with accessible interconnected services.   They provide Paratransit and Senior Citizen Affordable Taxi services.  Paratransit offers door to door rides.

Who is Eligible for Paratransit?
Paratransit services are provided for individuals with disabilities that are unable to access the fixed bus routes.

Who Qualifies for Paratransit?
Under the ADA, there are three categories under which a person can be eligible for ADA Paratransit Services:
The person is unable, as the result of a physical or mental impairment, to independently, get on or get off a bus on the fixed route; or

• The person needs the assistance of a wheelchair lift or other boarding assistance and is able to get on, ride, and get off a bus, but such fixed route bus is not available on the route when the individual wants to travel; or
• The person has a specific impairment-related condition that prevents travel to or from a bus stop in the system.

More information about eligibility is available on the ADA website.

How do you apply for DART Services?

• Request an application from DART First State by calling 800.553.3278 or download and print the application from their web site.
• Read the application and fill out Part A.
• If you are 65 years of age or older and do not have a disability, please complete Part A only and send us verification of your age (copy of your driver's license, birth certificate, etc.).
• If you have a disability, bring or send the application (Part A and B) to your health care professional and have them complete Part B. Both Part A and Part B must be completed for your application to be considered.
• Mail your completed application to:

DART First State - ADA Eligibility
900 Public Safety Blvd
Dover, DE 19901
or fax to our Dover office at (302) 760-2932

How will I know if I qualify for Paratransit Services?

• If you have not heard about your eligibility status within 21 days of submitting your application, please call 800.553.3278. TDD users please call 800.252.1600.
• If a determination has not yet been made, you will be granted temporary eligibility until a determination has been made regarding your application.
• If you are denied eligibility, you have a right to appeal the decision. Please contact DART First State for details on the appeals process.

How do I get a Delaware Driver's license?
In order to receive a Delaware driver's license, there are several steps that need to be taken.  A student between 15 & 21 who is enrolled in school can take a state certified driver training course, often offered right at the school.  A student with an IEP is permitted to take the course a second time, if they fail to attain certification during the first attempt.  The second attempt must be taken during the subsequent marking period.  For students who are enrolled in a qualified school program and who have an IEP can take the course any time until they turn age 21.  Should a student not meet the requirements of the driver certification program, he or she will then not be eligible for certification until age 18, at which time the test may be taken directly at the Department of Motor Vehicles.

For additional information, including certified training programs within the state, and other requirements, visit the DMV website or read about the Delaware Parent's Supervised Driving Program.

In the event that a person requires an accessible vehicle, or a vehicle requires modifications, resources are available by visiting the accessible transportation section under resources on this site.  Resources include where to purchase a new or used vehicle, information regarding accommodations, and possible sources of financial assistance with modifications.

There are a few schools in Delaware that offer simulated driving. Please contact your school driver's education department to see if they offer this.

Who do I contact for assistance with paying for vehicle modifications?
If you have a Division of Vocational Rehabilitation (DVR) Counselor you can contact them to see if they have funding for this or if they can point you in the right direction. Currently DVR is working with Easter Seals and they have can assist with assistive technology for home, work, or vehicle modifications, with low interest loans. Counselors help guide you through the process. For more information, email resources@esdel.org or call (302) 221-2087 for the Easter Seals program. Also, if you buy a new vehicle sometimes the manufacture offers a stipend for the modifications.