Support Person Pass
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The collection of the City's accessiblity policies and guidelines.
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Download the application and policy for the Support Person Pass.
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QUESTIONS:
What is the general policy statement?
What is the eligibility criteria?
Which health practitioners may certify an application for a Support Person Pass?
What types of permits are issued?
How can I obtain an application for a Support Person Pass?
How do I complete the application for a Support Person Pass?
How do I submit an application for a Support Person Pass?
How do I renew a temporary permit?
Where can I find additional information?
Answers:
What is the general policy statement?
A: The Support Person Pass (SPP) is a free Kingston Transit bus pass issued to eligible individuals who need to be accompanied by a support person or companion. The individual to whom the permit is issued will only receive a Support Person Pass in conjunction with using another regular fare media (i.e. monthly pass, multi-ride card, etc.). A passenger is only considered a 'support person' if accompanying the individual requiring support.
What is the eligibility criteria?
A: To qualify for a Support Person Pass the individual must be certified by a recognized health practitioner as meeting the criteria outlined below. This definition includes disabilities of different severity, visible as well as non-visible, and disabilities the effects of which may come and go.
The definition of "disability" under the Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act, 2005 (AODA) is as follows:
- any degree of physical disability, that is caused by bodily injury, birth defect or illness and, without limiting the generality of the foregoing, includes diabetes mellitus, epilepsy, a brain injury, any degree of paralysis, amputation, lack of physical coordination, blindness or visual impediment, deafness or hearing impediment, muteness or speech impediment, or physical reliance on a guide dog or other animal or on a wheelchair or other remedial appliance or devise
- A condition of mental impairment or a developmental disability
- A learning disability or a dysfunction in one or more of the processes involved in understanding or using symbols or spoken language
- A mental disorder, or
- An injury or disability for which benefits were claimed or received under the insurance plan established under the Workplace Safety and Insurance Act, 1997.
The definition of a "support person" under the Guide to the Accessibility Standards for Customer Service, Ontario Regulation 429/07 is as follows:
- (8) "support person" means, in relation to a person with a disability, another person who accompanies him or her in order to help with communication, mobility, personal care or medical needs or with access to goods or services.
Which health practitioners may certify an application for a Support Person Pass?
A: A licensed physician, chiropractor, registered nurse practitioner (extended class), physiotherapist or occupational therapist, chiropodist and podiatrist may certify the applicant's condition on the permit application.
What types of permits are issued?
A: Permanent Permit - If an applicant's health practitioner has certified that the applicant has a permanent disability, Kingston Transit will not require any future recertification. If certified as having a disability that may improve (subject to change), recertification will be required every five years as a condition of renewal. If the condition necessitating a Support Person Pass improves, or if anyone comes into the possession of a valid permit issued in the name of a deceased person, the permit must be returned to Kingston Transit.
Temporary Permit - Temporary permits are issued when the disability is expected to last more than two months to a maximum of 12 months, but is not considered a permanent disability. This permit is not renewable.
How can I obtain an application for a Support Person Pass?
A: The applicant may choose to:
- Download and print the Application for Support Person Pass [PDF: 152KB]
-
Pick up an application or request that an application be mailed from:
Kingston Transit
1181 John Counter Blvd
Kingston, ON K7K 6C7
How do I complete the application for a Support Person Pass?
A: The entire form must be completed in order to be processed.
- The applicant completes Part A - Applicant Information section on the front of the Application for Support Person Pass.
- A recognized health practitioner completes Part B - Health Information, Sections 1, 2 and 3.
How do I submit an application for a Support Person Pass?
A: Completed applications (with Part B - Health Information duly completed by a recognized health practitioner) can be taken or mailed to:
Kingston Transit
1181 John Counter Blvd.
Kingston, ON K7K 6C7
How do I renew a temporary permit?
A: Holders of temporary permits must reapply for a permit if a permit is still required because of their continued disability. To ensure they are still eligible for the Support Person Pass, they must have an application form recertified by a recognized health practitioner
(Top)A: This policy is effective December 1, 2009.
Where can I find additional information?
A: This policy is in support of the City of Kingston's Accessible Customer Service Policy (Section 5f), which was approved by Council on September 1, 2009. The City's Accessible Customer Service Policy is available on this website.
If you require additional information or have any questions or concerns with the above policy, please contact the Municipal Call Centre at 613-546-0000 or contactus@cityofkingston.ca.
