There are different options available to access your local community such as driving your own vehicle, accessing taxis, public transport and using wheeled devices such as scooters and wheelchairs. Many people with physical disabilities use a combination of private and public options. Occupational therapists and social workers can assist people with physical disabilities find the best way to access their community.

Taxi Vouchers

If you have a severe permanent disability which prevents you from using public transport services or standard on-demand transport, you may be eligible for the Taxi User’s Subsidy Scheme which provides taxi vouchers to reduce the cost of using taxis. To find out whether you are eligible and for other public transport information for people with physical disabilities, visit the Government of Western Australian Department of Transport website.

Online: https://www.transport.wa.gov.au

Public Transport

Some people will be eligible for concession rates on public transport in the metropolitan area and in regional areas. Parents and carers may also be eligible for support. Visit the Concessions WA website.

Online: http://www.concessions.wa.gov.au

Transperth’s website has useful information about using public transport if you have a disability.

Online: www.transperth.wa.gov.au/

Wheeled devices

If you do not have a driver’s licence or vehicle, you can still access your local community using a wheeled device – this can be either a manual wheelchair (with or without power assist), a powered wheelchair or a scooter. If you are accessing therapy services, you can ask your therapist to assess you for this equipment.

There are also options to hire equipment at several businesses. Visit the Independent Living Centre website for a list of local hire businesses. Shopping centres often have wheelchairs or scooters to hire, contact their information desks prior to attending to find out what is available.

Online: www.ilcaustralia.org.au

ACROD Parking Permit

If you travel using your own vehicle or your carer’s vehicle and have a severe walking restriction, you may be eligible for an ACROD Parking Permit. Visit the Concessions WA or ACROD website.

Online: https://www.acrod.org.au/

Vehicle License Fees

If you own your own car, you may be eligible for vehicle license fee exemption or reduction. Visit the Concessions WA website.

If you are a senior and have a driver’s license, you may be eligible for a fee exemption or reduction. Visit the Concessions WA website.

Online: http://www.concessions.wa.gov.au

Patient Assisted Travel Scheme (PATS)

If you live in regional areas you may be eligible for a subsidy towards the cost of travel and accommodation when travelling long distances to seek certain categories of specialist medical services.

Online: http://www.wacountry.health.wa.gov.au

Mobility Allowance

A regular payment to help with essential travel costs if you have a medical condition that means you cannot use public transport.

Online: https://www.humanservices.gov.au

Driver’s Licenses

For many people, getting your driver’s licence is a right of passage in their late teens / early adult years. For people with physical disabilities, sometimes because of your abilities, getting your driver’s license may be out of reach. For others though, there are various options that you can explore to learn to drive and to have modifications made to your vehicle, some of which are funded.

There are currently two operators who can assist with getting Driver’s Licenses in Western Australia. For more information, visit their websites.

Independent Living Centre Occupational Therapy Driver Assessment Service

Online: https://ilc.com.au/services/occupational-therapy-driver-assessment/

OT Services Group

Online: http://www.otservicesgroup.com

Declaring your disability

Did you know that if you have any driving impairment, you must declare this when getting your license and if there are any changes? See the Department of Transport website for more information.

Online: https://www.transport.wa.gov.au/licensing/report-a-medical-condition.asp

Vehicle Modifications

If you have difficulty accessing or driving your vehicle, there are options that include conversion of vehicles for wheelchair access, specialist lifters/carriers or trailers for a wheelchair or scooter, modified driving controls and specialised wheelchair ramps or constraints. Some of these are funded. For more information on what is available and what you are eligible for, visit the Independent Living Centre’s website.

Online: www.ilcaustralia.org.au

Travelling by air

When travelling by aeroplane, there are many extra things to think about if you have extra equipment and need assistance with your walking and transfers. It is always a good idea to contact the airline you are flying with well in advance of purchasing your tickets and then again before you fly to check everything that needs to be done.

Visit the Disability Services website for information on flying by air.

Online: http://www.disability.wa.gov.au