Start Here: RideNoCo
If you’re not sure where to begin, RideNoCo is the best first call. Run by the North Front Range Metropolitan Planning Organization, RideNoCo is a free “one-call/one-click” service that connects residents in Larimer and Weld counties to public transit, paratransit, and volunteer driver programs, all through a single point of contact.
RideNoCo’s 2026 mid-year data shows just how much this kind of centralized help is needed. In the first half of the year, the program logged 261 direct calls and more than 5,000 website visits, with many of those reaching out being older adults, people with disabilities, and residents needing rides to medical appointments, exactly the community Ensight serves every day.
Regional and Statewide Resources
- Aging and Disability Resources (ARCH / DRMAC): The Denver Regional Mobility and Access Council offers a “Getting There Guide” and trip-planning tools for the greater metro area. Visit DRMAC.
- AgeWise Colorado: A statewide directory of senior transit, medical ride, and driving resources. Browse the AgeWise Colorado Directory.
Local and Specialized Providers
- Via Mobility Services: Accessible, door-to-door paratransit serving older adults and individuals with disabilities across multiple counties. Learn more at Via Mobility Services.
- SAINT Volunteer Transportation: Free, door-to-door volunteer rides for seniors (60+) and adults with disabilities in Fort Collins and Loveland. Details at SAINT Volunteer Transportation.
- Transfort Dial-A-Ride: ADA-certified paratransit service within Fort Collins. Learn more at Transfort Dial-A-Ride.
- Medicaid Non-Emergency Medical Transportation (NEMT): Health First Colorado (Medicaid) members can arrange rides to medical appointments through IntelliRide at 855-489-4999.
You Don’t Have to Figure It Out Alone
Losing the ability to drive can feel like losing a piece of your independence, but it doesn’t have to mean losing your ability to get around. Between RideNoCo’s personalized guidance and the network of local providers above, there’s support built for exactly this need. If you or someone you love is navigating vision loss and unsure where to start, Ensight is here to help you connect the dots.
To stay connected and up to date on the latest opportunities and success stories, we encourage you to follow Ensight across all our social media platforms. Visit Ensight Skill Center’s Homepage for a comprehensive overview of our programs, sign up for our Newsletter, and connect with us on Facebook, LinkedIn, and Instagram to gain access to valuable resources, inspiring stories, and updates on all of our upcoming events.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQS)
What is low vision?
Low vision is a significant visual impairment that cannot be fully corrected with glasses, contact lenses, medication, or surgery. It’s not the same as blindness, people with low vision have some remaining sight, but it’s not sufficient for everyday tasks without assistance or adaptive strategies.
What causes low vision?
Low vision can result from various eye conditions and diseases, including:
- Macular degeneration
- Glaucoma
- Diabetic retinopathy
- Cataracts
- Retinitis pigmentosa
- Eye injuries or trauma
- Other hereditary or age-related conditions
How common is low vision?
Low vision affects millions of people worldwide. The risk increases with age, making it particularly prevalent among older adults, though people of all ages can experience low vision.
What makes a space accessible for people with low vision?
Accessible spaces for people with low vision include:
- Proper and adequate lighting
- High-contrast signage with large, clear fonts
- Tactile markers and indicators
- Clear, unobstructed pathways
- Well-defined edges and boundaries
- Minimal glare from windows and lighting fixtures
What types of assistive technology are available?
Common assistive technologies for low vision include:
- Screen magnification software
- Text-to-speech applications
- Electronic magnifiers
- Specialized lighting systems
- Large-print materials
- High-contrast keyboards
- Video magnifiers
- Smart glasses and wearable devices
What does Ensight Skills Center do?
Ensight Skills Center provides vital services, training, and resources to individuals with low vision and blindness. The organization is dedicated to empowering people with vision loss to achieve their goals and live fulfilling, independent lives through skills training, support services, and advocacy.
How can I support low vision awareness and research?
You can support low vision awareness by:
- Educating yourself and sharing information with others
- Donating to organizations like Ensight Skills Center
- Volunteering your time and skills
- Participating in fundraising events
- Supporting research initiatives
- Advocating for accessibility in your community
- Promoting assistive technology and resources on social media
Can people with low vision work and live independently?
Yes! With appropriate training, assistive technology, and accessible environments, many people with low vision lead independent, productive lives. They work in various professions, pursue education, maintain homes, and participate fully in their communities.
Where can I learn more about low vision?
You can learn more by:
- Contacting organizations like Ensight Skills Center
- Visiting reputable vision health websites
- Consulting with eye care professionals
- Attending Low Vision Awareness Month events in February
- Connecting with local support groups and advocacy organizations
I don’t drive anymore because of my vision. Where’s the best place to start looking for transportation help? Start with RideNoCo. It’s a free one-call/one-click service that connects Larimer and Weld county residents to public transit, paratransit, and volunteer driver programs. One call can help you sort through your options instead of researching each program on your own. Visit RideNoCo or call to speak with someone directly.
What’s the difference between RideNoCo, DRMAC, and AgeWise Colorado? Think of them as different doors into the same network. RideNoCo focuses specifically on Larimer and Weld counties. DRMAC’s “Getting There Guide” serves the greater Denver metro area. AgeWise Colorado is a statewide directory, useful if you’re looking beyond Northern Colorado or comparing options in another part of the state.
Is there a free option for getting to doctor’s appointments? Yes. SAINT Volunteer Transportation offers free, door-to-door volunteer rides for seniors (60+) and adults with disabilities in Fort Collins and Loveland. If you’re on Health First Colorado (Medicaid), you may also qualify for non-emergency medical transportation (NEMT) through IntelliRide at 855-489-4999.
I live in Fort Collins. What local options do I have? A few good ones: Transfort Dial-A-Ride offers ADA-certified paratransit within Fort Collins, SAINT Volunteer Transportation covers Fort Collins and Loveland, and Via Mobility Services provides door-to-door paratransit across multiple counties.
Do I need a diagnosis or documentation to qualify for these services? It varies by program. ADA paratransit services like Transfort Dial-A-Ride typically require an eligibility application. Volunteer-based programs like SAINT are often more flexible, based on age and/or disability status. The easiest way to find out what applies to you is to call RideNoCo, they can point you to the right program and application process.
What if I need a ride outside of Larimer or Weld County? RideNoCo can still help you get oriented, but for regional or statewide options, AgeWise Colorado’s directory or DRMAC’s tools (for the Denver metro area) are good next steps.
Are any of these services available on short notice, or do I need to plan ahead? Most volunteer and paratransit programs require advance scheduling, often at least a day or two ahead, sometimes more for first-time riders completing an intake process. It’s worth calling early, even before you have an appointment locked in, to understand each program’s lead time.
I’m a caregiver helping a family member; can I call on their behalf? Yes. RideNoCo, SAINT, and most of the other programs listed are set up to work with caregivers, family members, or care providers coordinating rides for someone else.
Where can I find more help navigating low vision resources beyond transportation? That’s exactly what Ensight Skills Center is here for. Reach out to us; we can help connect you to transportation resources and the broader network of support available to people with low vision.
For more information about vision loss support services, rehabilitation, and community resources, contact the Ensight Skills Center or consult with your eye care professional.