Operation Uplift offers independence
Updated: October 2, 2012
DECATUR -- A transportation program is expanding, giving the disabled independence they never thought they'd have. WCIA-3's Megan Brilley finds out about Operation Uplift.
It's been around since the 90's giving discounted rides to those with a handicap. But now, local taxi compnaies are stepping in making the program even better and more accessible than ever before.
"Everything went dark."
Jim Hoffert has been completely blind for 8-years. He was diagnosed with an eye disease since he was 16-years old.
"I was losing it a little bit at a time."
Not long afterwards, everything went black.
"I know it's scary for people to go blind. If you want to go independent, there are a lot of agencies out there that will allow you to be as independent as you want to be."
Hoffert's wife works during the day, so he gives Operation Uplift a call.
"I have had nothing but excellent, excellent service. They're here when they're supposed to be here."
Sarah Green turned to Operation Uplift when she had a stroke 5-years ago.
"I can't see this hand right now. I can't see anything from here over."
She hasn't driven since. It was a hard time in her life, but she gets by day-to-day with the help of Alpha & Omega Taxi Service.
"I dearly love them. They're wonderful people. It opened the door for me."
Monday night, the city council gave the A-OK Travel Network the green light to be part of the program. Now, every taxi company offers discounted rides.
"It gives me my independence back."
Operation Uplift provides rides to people for just $2.00, all over town.
http://www.ci.decatur.il.us/transit/operationuplift.html
It's been around since the 90's giving discounted rides to those with a handicap. But now, local taxi compnaies are stepping in making the program even better and more accessible than ever before.
"Everything went dark."
Jim Hoffert has been completely blind for 8-years. He was diagnosed with an eye disease since he was 16-years old.
"I was losing it a little bit at a time."
Not long afterwards, everything went black.
"I know it's scary for people to go blind. If you want to go independent, there are a lot of agencies out there that will allow you to be as independent as you want to be."
Hoffert's wife works during the day, so he gives Operation Uplift a call.
"I have had nothing but excellent, excellent service. They're here when they're supposed to be here."
Sarah Green turned to Operation Uplift when she had a stroke 5-years ago.
"I can't see this hand right now. I can't see anything from here over."
She hasn't driven since. It was a hard time in her life, but she gets by day-to-day with the help of Alpha & Omega Taxi Service.
"I dearly love them. They're wonderful people. It opened the door for me."
Monday night, the city council gave the A-OK Travel Network the green light to be part of the program. Now, every taxi company offers discounted rides.
"It gives me my independence back."
Operation Uplift provides rides to people for just $2.00, all over town.
http://www.ci.decatur.il.us/transit/operationuplift.html
