Central Valley PACE Transportation Loading and Unloading Procedures
1. Introduction: This protocol outlines procedures for safely loading and unloading PACE (Programs of All-Inclusive Care for the Elderly) participants from transportation vans, adhering to the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) guidelines. It ensures individuals with disabilities receive equal access to PACE transportation services.
2. Compliance with ADA: All procedures must comply with the ADA Accessibility Guidelines for Transportation Vehicles.
3. Staff Training:
a. Staff involved in loading and unloading must undergo training in ADA requirements, proper lifting techniques, and effective communication skills.
b. Training shall be part of the driver’s competency check and signed off on before performing this skill unsupervised.
4. Pre-boarding Preparation:
**At NO time during Pre-boarding of PACE participants are they unsupervised. It is required the driver will use two hands while conducting Pre-boarding Preparation**
Park the van in a designated, accessible area with space for loading/unloading.
Deploy and secure the van’s wheelchair lift or ramp.
Adjust seats and securements for mobility aids.
Ensure the electric ramp lift is not left unattended; the participant must be safe and
securely locked before attending to others.
5. Loading Procedure:
a. Place safety cones around the van before loading to alert approaching vehicles.
b. Approach participant in friendly and respectful manner, taking cultural diversity into account
c. Assist participants with mobility aids onto the lift or ramp, if necessary.
d. Use appropriate restraints for the participant and their mobility aid.
e. Give clear boarding instructions and ensure participant comfort and security.
6. Unloading Procedure:
**At NO time during Unloading are PACE participants to be left unsupervised. It is required the driver will use two hands while conducting the Unloading Procedures**
Park in a designated unloading area.
Place safety cones around the van before loading to alert approaching vehicles.
Safely lower the lift or ramp.
Assist the participant in exiting, providing support and guidance.
Ensure mobility aids are properly positioned.
Hand off the participant to another PACE employee before attending to others.
7. Communication:
a. Maintain open communication throughout the process.
b. Respect participant autonomy and preferences, assisting as needed.
c. Use clear and simple language to understand.
8. Safety Measures:
a. Regularly inspect and maintain the wheelchair lift or ramp.
b. Follow proper lifting techniques.
c. Adhere to PACE program and regulatory agency safety protocols.
9. Documentation:
a. Record each loading/unloading procedure, including assistance provided and issues encountered, maintaining HIPAA compliance.
10. Continuous Improvement:
a. Regularly update protocols based on staff and participant feedback.
b. Provide ongoing training too staff.
This protocol aims to ensure the safe and dignified transportation of PACE participants while upholding their rights to accessibility and equal treatment under the ADA.
Confidentiality Notice: This communication is intended only for the person or entity to which it is addressed and may contain information that is privileged, confidential or otherwise protected from disclosure. Dissemination, distribution or copying of this communication or the information herein by anyone other than the intended
