Washington, April 28, 2022
Media Contact:
Carrie Diamond, NADTC Co-Director, Easterseals
cdiamond@easterseals.com
(312) 405-2248
Virginia Dize, NADTC Co-Director, USAging
vdize@usaging.org
(202) 872-0888
The National Aging and Disability Transportation Center (NADTC) has announced a new round of funding to support the development of program innovations and new models for equitable and accessible transportation to meet the needs of vulnerable and underserved populations, especially older adults and people with disabilities from diverse communities. NADTC has awarded $173,495 in competitive grants to 9 communities in eight states—CO, CT, IA, NM, NY, OH, OR, and RI.
The 9 grantees will each receive grants of up to $20,000 to engage in inclusive planning with community representatives from historically marginalized populations and local aging, disability, and transportation organizations, and develop a written plan of action that addresses transportation equity and accessibility.
“The COVID-19 pandemic has highlighted the critical role of public transit in communities across the country, yet even where public transit is readily available, it may not fully meet the unique mobility needs of older adults and people with disabilities,” said Sandy Markwood, CEO of USAging. “Responses to a 2021 NADTC national equity, diversity and inclusion transportation survey indicate that trip costs, safety issues, lengthy wait times and a lack of mobility options are some of the most significant barriers faced by both older adults and younger adults with disabilities from historically marginalized populations. To begin to address equity and accessibility challenges in transportation, older adults and people with disabilities representing populations with unique needs must be invited to the transportation planning table so their needs are recognized, and their voices are heard.”
“According to the Easterseals’ recent COVID-19 study, the pandemic has increased the inequities affecting people with disabilities,” said Kendra Davenport, President and CEO of Easterseals, Inc. “Our research also found that isolation is the most reported cause of stress during COVID-19. Older adults face barriers to transportation and often, physical challenges related to aging that make it harder for them to access and use public transportation. The freedom and mobility public transit provides helps people with disabilities, older adults, and caregivers remain involved in and connected to their communities. These grants will ensure their voices are heard in the planning process and help communities establish new, viable solutions to address the inequity and social isolation that a lack access to transportation can create.”
The Innovations in Mobility grantees are:
About the National Aging and Disability Transportation Center
The National Aging and Disability Transportation Center (NADTC) is funded through a cooperative agreement of Easterseals, USAging and the U.S. Department of Transportation, Federal Transit Administration, with guidance from the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, Administration for Community Living. NADTC’s mission is to increase accessible transportation options for older adults, people with disabilities and caregivers nationwide.
About USAging
USAging is the national association representing and supporting the network of Area Agencies on Aging and advocating for the Title VI Native American Aging Programs. Our members help older adults and people with disabilities throughout the United States live with optimal health, well-being, independence and dignity in their homes and communities.
About Easterseals
Easterseals is leading the way to full equity, inclusion, and access through lifechanging disability and community services. For more than 100 years, Easterseals has worked tirelessly with partners to enhance quality of life and expand local access to healthcare, education, and employment opportunities. Through the national network of Affiliates, Easterseals provides essential services and on-theground supports to more than 1.5 million people each year – from early childhood programs for the critical first five years, to autism services, to medical rehabilitation and employment programs, to veterans’ services, and more. Easterseals public education, policy, and advocacy initiatives positively shape perceptions and address the urgent and evolving needs of the one in four Americans living with disabilities today. Together, we’re empowering people with disabilities, families, and communities to be full and equal participants in society.
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