Medicaid covers your doctor's appointment. We cover everything else. The Independence Project provides free, door-through-door recreational transportation for wheelchair-dependent, low-income individuals across Erie and Niagara Counties — because life doesn't happen only in waiting rooms.
"The day I went to the park, I cried. Not because I was sad — because I hadn't felt that free in years."
For many wheelchair-bound individuals with limited income, medical transport is the only time they leave their home. The system was designed to keep people alive — not to let them live.
The isolation that follows — from friends, from community, from simple everyday joy — takes a serious toll on mental health and overall wellbeing. Depression, anxiety, and loneliness are not side effects of disability. They are side effects of a system that forgot to care about quality of life.
The Independence Project was founded to change that, one ride at a time.
"Social isolation among people with disabilities is one of the most underreported public health crises we face."
— Disability Rights Advocacy CommunityChronic loneliness carries health risks equivalent to smoking 15 cigarettes a day.
— Public Health ResearchTransportation is the #1 barrier cited by wheelchair users when accessing recreational and social activities.
— Mobility Access StudiesThe Independence Project provides free, door-through-door recreational transportation to low-income, wheelchair-dependent individuals across Erie and Niagara Counties. From inside your home to your destination and back — completely free, round trip. Because joy, connection, and community are not luxuries — they are essential to mental health and human dignity. We believe everyone deserves to go somewhere just for the fun of it.
Join Our MissionEligible passengers — or their caregivers — submit a simple ride request. No insurance required. No income verification hoops. We confirm availability and schedule your trip.
This isn't curbside service. Our trained volunteers come inside your home, assist you to the vehicle, and stay with you through the full trip. At your destination, we walk you in. On the way home, we walk you back. Real assistance, start to finish.
A family event. A concert. A restaurant you've been wanting to try. A park on a sunny day. That's the whole point. Go somewhere. Enjoy it. We'll bring you home when you're ready.
Are you or someone you know a low-income, wheelchair-dependent individual in Erie or Niagara County? We provide free, round-trip, door-through-door service. No cost. No catch.
Apply Now →Be the reason someone gets to enjoy a day out. We train all volunteers and provide full support. All you need is a heart for service.
Become a Driver →Every dollar funds a ride. A ride funds a memory. Your donation directly covers vehicle costs, fuel, maintenance, and program operations.
Donate Today →