AUGUST 4, 2005

In this era of self-service, pumping gas can present a real challenge for motorists with disabilities.

To help remedy the problem, Secretary of State Terri Lynn Land today announced that the Department of State has partnered with the Michigan Paralyzed Veterans of America to promote an online guide of gas stations statewide that offer disabled travelers full service at self-service prices.

"The Pump Guide" bookmark, which provides the Web address to the online, gas-station guide, will be included with every disability license plate and placard issued by the department. To qualify for refueling assistance, drivers are required to display a state-issued disability license plate or placard.

"Our goal at the Department of State is to provide quality customer service, and our partnership with the Michigan Paralyzed Veterans is another demonstration of that commitment," Land said. "Self-service stations can present overwhelming difficulties to disabled motorists who cannot pump gas because of physical limitations or structural barriers. They often may have to drive miles out of their way to find service.

"By providing disabled residents with information about facilities that can accommodate their needs, they are better able to plan trips and gain a greater sense of independence and freedom on the road."

Designed to be a quick and handy reference tool, the bookmark also displays the link to the Secretary of State Web site with its many online services.

The Pump Guide is the creation of Michael Harris, deputy executive director of the Michigan Paralyzed Veterans of America. Harris, who is a paraplegic, came up with the idea during a 2001 business trip.

"All of us at Michigan Paralyzed Veterans of America are delighted by this new partnership with the Michigan Secretary of State," said Harris. "As disabled motorists learn about The Pump Guide, they can plan safe, efficient trips that will save drivers both time and money when they learn where they can get the assistance at the pump they need."

The online program allows users to:

• Search for stations by county
• Identify stations near a specific location or by ZIP code
• Plan a trip using driving directions with all of the participating stations along their route

In addition to station locations and hours, The Pump Guide also lists those stations that include car washes, ATM machines, accessible restrooms and other amenities.

About 500 gas stations participate in The Pump Guide program. The Michigan Paralyzed Veterans of America and Associated Petroleum Industries of Michigan administer the program.

Michigan Paralyzed Veterans of America is a nonprofit organization providing programs, advocacy and assistance for veterans in Michigan who have spinal cord injuries or diseases.

To learn more about The Pump Guide, visit www.thepumpguide.com. Information about the Michigan Paralyzed Veterans of America may be obtained by calling 1-800-638-MPVA (6782) or visiting www.michiganpva.org.

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