1. Making the Community Accessible for All
MOBILITY SERVICES
Making the Community Accessible for All CM

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: CM

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 CM

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 CM

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 CM

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 VG

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
x 244

25. Northwest CT Mobility Manager
April Chaplin

26. Northcentral CT Mobility Manager
Marlene Schempp

27. Eastern CT Mobility Manager
Laurie McElwee

28. Southcentral CT Mobility Manager
John Wardzala

29. Thank you!
Robert Carlucci x 265 Ariel Ciofalo x 258