Empowering Students with Special Needs Through Accessible Student Transportation Services
Education is a fundamental right and a critical aspect of personal development and empowerment. Yet, students with disabilities are less likely to graduate from high school and college than those without any disabilities.
From 2019 to 2020, around 21% of undergraduate students and 11% of postbaccalaureate students reported having a disability. Not a small number, but much lower than their non-disabled peers. This is most likely influenced by the numerous challenges unique to disabled students. They frequently have to exert more effort and work twice as hard to achieve the same educational outcomes. It can be exhausting for them and their loved ones, leading to student burnout and disinterest, so it’s unsurprising when it results in the discontinuation of their studies.
One of their most significant hurdles is finding the right student transportation services — a vital component of the academic journey often taken for granted by others.
Overcoming Transportation Barriers to Education
For students with special needs, everyday student transportation services aren’t just a convenience; they are a lifeline that connects them with the broader world of education and personal growth. The journey to and from school and after school programs can be fraught with difficulties, from inaccessible public transport to unreliable services that do not cater to their specific needs.
This is where specialized non-emergency medical transportation (NEMT) services come into play, providing safe and reliable wheelchair accessible transport solutions. NEMT isn’t just for rides to and from the doctor’s office. Parents, school districts and administrators book BriteLift’s NEMT services to get to school and other educational activities.
Broadening Horizons Beyond Academics
Education extends beyond the classroom walls. For disabled students, engaging in hobbies and recreational activities is crucial to their well-being. Whether it’s visiting a library to satiate their love for reading, working with their tutors or occupational therapist, buying supplies for their craft projects or attending school events like concerts or visiting museums, planetariums and aquariums — each activity enriches their lives and enhances their education.
Moreover, these services can also be utilized to ensure students make it to their medical appointments, which are crucial for maintaining their health and enabling them to perform optimally in their studies.
Student Transportation Services for a Better Society Catering to Diverse Needs
Recognizing the unique transportation needs of students with disabilities, BriteLift’s NEMT services provide a bridge towards achieving their academic and personal goals. These services reduce travel uncertainty, allowing students to schedule and attend important educational activities and appointments confidently. Transportation is now convenient, fast, safe, and reliable with BriteLift. Students can focus on their studies and school activities without the added stress of figuring out how to get there. By removing these barriers, NEMT services empower disabled students to pursue a full and enriching educational experience.
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Empowered Community Equals a Brighter Future
BriteLift is proud to be the leading accessible transportation broker in Chicagoland and Southeast Wisconsin. We have partnered with a network of qualified transportation service providers to provide ride services catered to the needs of disabled individuals — especially students — easy access to reaching their destinations.
At BriteLift, we believe that every student, regardless of their physical abilities, deserves access to the best educational opportunities. We are fully committed to disability inclusion and empowerment.
Students, caregivers, and educational institutions address transportation challenges by working with BriteLift, optimizing students’ potential to thrive and be the best they can be academically. Our NEMT services are more than just transportation; they are a crucial tool for enabling students with special needs with the tools for success.
Download the BriteLift app now and follow this video for a short tutorial on booking your ride. If you need assistance, you can always reach us via phone (847-792-1212) or email (reservations@britelift.com). You can also book online!
For students with special needs in Chicago and Southeast Wisconsin school districts, BriteLift is always here to support every ride, every dream, and every opportunity to learn and grow.
BriteLift takes you where you want, when you want. Our mobile app lets you easily reserve rides with ease.
