Definition of "Disabled": Entitlement to Identification Card

Federal and state authorities have established the following criteria for the purpose of defining individuals who are entitled to reduced transit fares on the basis of disability.

A Reduced Fare Transit Photo ID will be issued to an individual who meets one or more of the following criteria:

Vision Impairment

If the person has a central visual acuity of 20/200 or less in the better eye with the use of a correcting lens. An eye which is accompanied by limitation in the field of vision such that the widest diameter of the visual field subtends an angle no greater than 20 degrees shall be considered as having central visual acuity of 20/200 or less.

Hearing Impairment

If there is no air or bone conduction whatsoever in both ears; or if hearing is so impaired that not withstanding the use of hearing aids the person is incapable of hearing sound below 80 decibels at 2,000 cycles per sound, as verified by audiometric testing.

Ambulatory

(1) If from whatever cause, the person is unable to move about without a “walker,” a wheelchair, crutch(es) or a cane, and if the condition is expected to continue for more than one year from the date of application. The word “unable” is used in its literal sense. The fact that one of these mechanical aids facilitates movement is not sufficient. The applicant must be incapable of moving about, except for extremely short distances, without use of the aid.

Or (2) If the person has an obvious and serious disorder of gait which substantially interferes with the use of mass transportation.

Loss of Arms or Hands

If by reason of amputation or anatomical deformity the person lacks two arms or two hands.

Other

If the person has any other disability which would fall within the following Federal Transit Administration definition: Elderly and handicapped persons means those individuals who, by reason of illness, injury, age, congenital malfunction, or other permanent or temporary incapacity or disability, including those who are nonambulatory wheelchair-bound and those with semi-ambulatory capabilities, are unable without special facilities or special planning or design to utilize mass transportation facilities and services as effectively as persons who are not so affected.

Temporary

A mobility impairment lasting at least three months.

The determination of whether a person is “disabled” with the meaning of the foregoing definition will be made on the basis of submitted evidence.

Certification by a physician is essential to the application if other listed forms of eligibility are not provided. Applicants will have to arrange for the physician’s services at their own expense. We reserve the right to require proof of disability in addition to the physician’s opinion.

A Service of the State of Connecticut