GENESEE COUNTY — Secretary of State Terri Lynn Land encourages motorists with disabilities to make their travels easier by remembering The Pump Guide.

The Pump Guide is an online directory of gas stations statewide that offer travelers with disabilities full service at self-service prices.

“Before you head out on the road, your first visit should be to The Pump Guide,” Land said. “You can map out your trip ahead of time with the assurance that full-service gas stations are ready to serve you along the way.”

To qualify for refueling assistance, drivers must display a state-issued disability license plate or placard.
The site was created by the Michigan Paralyzed Veterans of America. Executive director of the group, Michael Harris, a paraplegic, came up with the idea during 2001.

“I realized I wasn’t alone in needing assistance when stopping to refill my tank and that finding a full-service station was often hit or miss,” Harris said. “I thought The Pump Guide would make a great way to encourage independence while traveling and remedy a problem for drivers with permanent or temporary physical challenges.”

The online program allows drivers to search for stations by county, find stations near a specific location or ZIP code and plan a trip using driving directions with all of the participating stations along the way.
Approximately 800 stations statewide participate. In addition to listings of hours and locations of stations, the site lists stations that include car washes, ATMs, accessible restrooms and other amenities.
The Michigan Paralyzed Veterans of America has provided advocacy and assistance for veterans with spinal cord injuries or diseases for nearly 50 years.

For information about the organization, visit www. michiganpva.org. To use The Pump Guide, log on to www.thepumpguide.com. — Annie Stodola

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