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DSS onCall

The safeRIDE DSS onCall service is a reservation-based transport for members of the Brown community who have disabilities and need assistance getting around campus.

The service is available Monday through Friday from 8:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m. EDT or 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. EST when classes are in session and on an express morning and afternoon schedule during session breaks. Please refer to the SafeRIDE Services Schedule . RISD community members who need assistance should call RISD Public Safety at 401-454-6376.

Who May Use DSS onCall?

Any enrolled student, faculty, or staff member of Brown University with a permanent or temporary disability may request this service.

How to use DSS onCall

Registering

  • DSS onCall riders must register with the Disability Support Services office and provide documentation of their disability and need for the service.
  • Registration forms (an Information and Release Form and a DSS onCall Service Request Form) and detailed information about documenting a disability are available in the DSS office located at 20 Benevolent Street or on the DSS web site.
  • All paperwork must be completed and approved by the DSS Director before service use begins, however the onset of a disability can be unpredictable and may necessitate using the service on a provisional basis while paperwork is completed. In this event, registration materials can be provided by the driver when the initial ride is requested and faxed to DSS or returned to the driver when completed.

Scheduling Rides

  • Once registered with DSS and approved to use the service, a potential rider must complete a DSS onCall Schedule Form. The majority of the riders using the service will need rides on a regular basis and will have a set schedule for each day of the week. Schedules will be updated per rider request.
  • The DSS Dispatcher will e-mail students weekly to remind them to notify onCall if there are any schedule changes. Riders are asked to provide 24-hour notice of any schedule change.
  • Changes are usually submitted to the DSS Dispatcher by email (dss@brown.edu) or by phone (401-863-9588). Riders may contact the DSS onCall driver directly through the DSS cell phone for same-day changes in the event they must miss, cancel, or add a ride. Rides may be rescheduled if the driver believes there will be time in the regular schedule to accommodate the change.

Pick-up and drop-off points

  • Riders arrange specific, on-campus pick-up and drop-off points based on their needs.
  • The timing for pick-up and drop-off may require some flexibility and patience while other riders are collected.
  • Riders frequently use the shuttle to get to class, to move between classes, and to reach dining halls, the library, and the athletic center.
  • Riders cannot be picked up or dropped off at off-campus locations.

Policies

  • Riders are expected to be on time and to provide notice if they will be late or need to cancel a ride.
  • Schedule changes and any change in disability-related needs must be reported to the DSS Dispatcher immediately.
  • If the University closes and cancels classes due to inclement weather, DSS onCall will not operate.
  • If the University remains open, DSS onCall will operate unless road conditions become hazardous.
  • If DSS onCall service must be cancelled and the University has not closed, the DSS Dispatcher will contact riders to alert them that the service has stopped for the day.
  • Once service is cancelled for the day, it will not resume until the next day that the University is open.
  • In the event of an accident or emergency, the DSS onCall driver will contact the DSS office as soon as circumstances permit.
  • Complaints should be directed to the DSS Dispatcher at 401-863-9588 or directly to University Shuttle, the DSS onCall provider, at 401-228-8588.

Contact Information

DSS Dispatcher
Erin Karalekas
401-863-9588

DSS Director
Cathie Axe
401-863-9588

Email: dss@brown.edu