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MOBILITY SERVICES

Established in 1991, Mobility Services offers travel training and regional mobility management for individuals with disabilities and seniors. With a focus on providing independence and confidence, the program has trained over 4,500 individuals to use public transportation independently. Services include consultation, driver sensitivity training, and customized schedules. Testimonials highlight the crucial role of travel training in improving quality of life and promoting independence. The program is supported by a dedicated team of 13 staff members and serves clients across Connecticut.

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MOBILITY SERVICES

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  1. MOBILITY SERVICES Making the Community Accessible for All

  2. Department History • Founded in 1991 with a grant from Project ACTION Easter Seals funding a new service for The Kennedy Center: Travel Training • Primary funding source:

  3. Organizational Structure • Mobility Services is housed within the Therapeutic Services Department and supported by 13 staff: • Therapeutic Services Administrator • Director of Mobility Services • Travel Trainers (6) • Regional Mobility Managers (3) • ADA Assessment & Training Coordinator (1) • Admin Assistant (1)

  4. Programs and Services • Travel Training • Regional Mobility Management • Consultation Services • Driver Sensitivity Trainings

  5. Travel Training • 6 travel trainers • Each trainer covers a specific service area of the state • Two trainers float/cover the entire state of Connecticut • Training available 12 months a year on any bus or rail system in Connecticut

  6. What would you need to teach someone to cross this 4-way intersection?

  7. COMPARE YOUR LIST • Recognizing and reading street signs • Stopping in a safe place and position at the corner • Scanning all directions for traffic before crossing • Deciding a safe time to cross • Responding appropriately to visual and audio traffic stimuli • Continuing to scan when crossing • Maintaining appropriate speed when crossing • Awareness when walking through driveways • Directional terms (left, right, etc.)rms left and right

  8. Who We Serve • Individuals with any type of disability (high school age and above) & seniors 65+ • Referrals for travel training come from many sources including: • Transit Providers • Paratransit Assessors • Social Service Agencies • Teachers • Senior Centers • Family Members • Self

  9. Since 1991… • The program has trained more that 4,500 people to use public transportation independently. • The program graduates approximately 200 individuals every year.

  10. Expectations… • Independent Travel

  11. The Value of Travel Training • Independence and confidence • Affordability • Increases ridership • Opportunity to live, work and play in the community

  12. Focus Points of Travel Training • Map and schedule reading • Trip preparation • Accessibility features of transit system • Street crossing techniques • Bus/train etiquette • Self advocacy

  13. Examples of Schedule Modifications Highlighters/Rulers Customized Schedules Write Letters Tech/Alarms Support Networks Notecards Translating Pictures Enlarge Maps/Schedules

  14. Examples

  15. Examples

  16. Examples

  17. Items for a Successful Training • Create a materials checklist (audio or visual format): • Exact fare or bus pass/train ticket • Photo ID • Cell phone and charger • Backpack/purse/wallet • Watch (could be replaced by cell phone) • Emergency contact information • Hydration/food needs • Medication • Appropriate clothing and shoes for weather conditions • Bus schedule/Train schedule/Transit System App • Headphones/Earbuds

  18. Testaments… “This has been a fantastic experience. I didn’t know a program like this existed and now I don’t know how anyone could manage without it. All the anxiety from learning the bus has been removed and now I feel liberated.” – Leona T.

  19. Testaments… “Having access to public transportation has helped increase my quality of life. Public transportation has made it possible to accomplish daily tasks such as getting to and from my job, appointments, and other activities that would otherwise be impossible for me.” - Michelle B.

  20. Testaments… “Being able to take the bus has helped me gain independence. I am able to travel by myself to work three days a week. Without Travel Training, it would be a challenge to get back and forth. I have been able to learn new routes on my own with the skills I’ve learned from my travel trainer.” -Carlo T.

  21. Regional Mobility Management • “One Stop Shop” for individuals with disabilities, seniors, & veterans needing transportation service to access their communities when public transit may not be available • Mobility Managers conduct extensive outreach programs to: • Senior Centers • Human Service Agencies • Transition Fairs • Resource Expos • Food Banks

  22. Regional Mobility Management Mobility Managers find other creative ways to fill gaps in transportation such as: • Producing and distributing transportation guidebooks • Maintaining website and social media presence • Identifying funding opportunities to enhance public transit for people w/ disabilities, seniors, and veterans

  23. Regional Mobility Management There are five Mobility Managers that cover the entire state of Connecticut.

  24. Southwest CT Mobility Manager Rick Davis 203-365-8522 x 244 rdavis@kennedyctr.org

  25. Northwest CT Mobility Manager April Chaplin 475-298-3103 achaplin@kennedyctr.org

  26. Northcentral CT Mobility Manager Marlene Schempp 860-667-6207 mschempp@waytogoct.org

  27. Eastern CT Mobility Manager Laurie McElwee 860-848-5911 ectcmobility@yahoo.com

  28. Southcentral CT Mobility Manager John Wardzala 203-389-6760 jwardzala@kennedyctr.org

  29. Thank you! Robert Carlucci 203-365-8522 x 265 rcarlucci@kennedyctr.org Ariel Ciofalo 203-332-4535 x 258 aciofalo@kennedyctr.org

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