Extended Taxi Service

Purpose

The Health Service underwrites extended medical transport services for students with temporary physical disabilities that directly interfere with their capacity to attend required, scheduled, academic activities at Northwestern University. Students are expected to use the Campus Shuttle Service or other means of transportation if available, appropriate, and safe. Extended medical transport is dependent on fund availability; it may be suspended at any time if sufficient monies are not available.

Examples:

• A student living on-campus breaks her ankle and is in a cast. She is taking a 9:00 class on North Campus and a 10:00 class on South Campus. The Campus Shuttle schedule will not allow her to attend her second class on time and neither class has other sections to which she can switched.
• A student living off-campus but in the walking zone breaks her ankle. She is unable to travel between classes and her apartment using crutches.
• In contrast, extended medical transport is not available for non-academic activities such as extracurricular activities, medical appointments, or physical therapy. Similarly, extended medical transport is not to be used in lieu of the Northwestern's SafeRide service.

Locations Served

This service is available to on-campus or off-campus students who live within the Walking Zone of the Evanston Campus, as defined by the University.

• Northern boundary: Central Street in Evanston
• Southern boundary: Lake Avenue in Evanston
• Western boundary: Ridge Avenue south from Central Street to the Metra railroad tracks and then south along the tracks to Lake Avenue

Duration

The extended medical transport service is typically available for no more than 6 weeks per illness or injury. Under exceptional circumstances one extension for up to 6 additional weeks may be approved.

Procedure

1. A student must submit or have evidence in his/her NUHS medical record of the following, as assessed by the managing physician:

   a) nature of disability -- mobility limitations and
   b) expected duration of mobility limitations.
   

2. Using the “Extended Medical Transport Trip Schedule,” the student must submit a class schedule and specific needs for transport which cannot be reasonably accommodated by the University shuttle system. The submitted schedule must include specific dates, times, and pick-up/drop-off locations. For locations, the schedule will need specific street addresses of campus buildings.
3. The above information should be submitted to the Administrative Assistant in Health Service Administration, 633 Emerson Street, Room 1.118 (847 491-2132).
4. Medical documentation of disability is first reviewed by the Health Service Medical Director. Once approved, the student must read and sign the Taxi Service Contract which explains the rules and regulations of the service, and submit a class schedule to the Administrative Assistant in Health Service Administration.
5. Once approval for the service has been received, the student will be instructed to schedule cabs to classes on the submitted list.
6. The student will call American Taxi (847 255-9614) 20 to 30 minutes before each trip. More time should be allowed during inclement weather and/or rush hours.
7. The student will pay for each ride. A tip of no more than 15% may be included.
8. The student will keep all dated, timed receipts and will submit the originals of all documentation on a weekly basis to the Administrative Assistant in Health Service Administration for reimbursement.
9. Receipts will be reconciled with the student's submitted class schedule.
10. Once approved, reimbursement may take 3-4 weeks.

Notes

Disapproved or inappropriate use of the extended medical transport service may result in termination of service, with or without reimbursement. In addition, students who misuse the service may be referred to UHAS (University Hearing and Appeals System) for judicial proceedings.

The Office of Services for Students with Disabilities (SSD) is the University entity responsible for assessing and providing accommodations for students with a permanent condition that affects a major life activity. Thus, students with permanent, rather than temporary, disabilities should seek assistance from SSD. However, SSD provides no transportation services.

Questions about this policy may be directed to Health Service Administration: 847 491-2132.