1. Transportation and transition
Oregon Youth Transition Conference
February 19, 2015
Hood River, Oregon

2. Why transportation and transition
Focus on independence and post-school life Once students are out of school, they absolutely will have places to go and planning for transportation as part of the transition process is of the utmost importance Connecting students with their local transportation options, and promoting the use of these options independently sets the student up for success

3. Barriers Potential barriers to independent travel:
Parents and caregivers
Mindset
Transit Access and Environmental Factors

4. Importance of independent travel
Tremendous benefits to:
Individual
Family and Support Network
Community Overall

5. What does independent travel mean?
May mean a using any mode of transportation alone
Successfully arranging/planning for their transportation and taking that trip independently
It could mean successfully riding public transportation on a route they have been taught by parents, teachers, travel trainers
Independent travel may mean looking up a trip plan, and executing a trip with no intervention from supports whatsoever

6. Transportation options
Dependent on where you live May mean you have more options than you know what to do with, just enough to get your needs met, or not enough

7. Types of transportation
Walking Cycling Transit Paratransit

8. Walking A great option for traveling within your community
Often the first opportunity for independent travel
Great for short trips, and being a pedestrian is a requisite skill for taking public transportation
Building good pedestrian skills

9. Walking Pros and Cons Health benefits Saves money
See all kinds of things you wouldn’t see otherwise
Need safe, accessible routes with well marked street crossings
Weather
Distance

10. Cycling Safer in some communities than others
Great option for short trips, or trips to pick up and drop off a few things

11. Cycling Pros and cons PROS CONS Great health benefits
Most people have a bike lying around, and if you don’t, they are fairly easy to come by
Appropriate mode for trips that it may be too far to walk
Requires “gear” – helmet, light, bike
Not the most accessible mode
Bike lanes and safe bike riding skills are absolutely necessary

12. Transit
A good fit for most people and many trips

13. Transit Pros and cons Low cost Spontaniety Great people watching
Service area – can get you almost anywhere (if you live in a well served community)
Weather
Walking distance and accessibility of route to the stop
Homework: you have to plan ahead
Service availability

14. Travel training
One-to-one short term instruction provided to an individual who has previously traveled in dependently and needs additional training or support to use a different mode of travel, a different route, mode of transit, or travel to a new destination; or
One-to-one comprehensive, specially designed instruction in the skills and behaviors necessary for independent travel on public transportation provided to an individual who does not have independent travel concepts or skills to go from point of origin of trip to destination and back.
Definition from the Association of Travel Instruction

15. What this means More freedom and independence for your students
Less time providing transportation
Lower transportation costs
Inclusive
Lower transportation costs
Freedom
Independence
Spontaneity

16. Complimentary ADA Paratransit
Provided by local public transportation agencies
Federally mandated
Designed to be the “safety net”

17. Common paratransit myths
“Automatic Eligibility”
Some people believe that certain types of disabilities will automatically qualify someone
It’s like a taxi service
Paratransit is not a same day service
Individual ride
Paratransit is still public transportation
Inexpensive
Actual cost to the area is closer to $31
In terms of transit, this is the most expensive ride a consumer can buy

18. Who qualifies?
The Americans with Disabilities Act states that paratransit is available to those who, because of disability, can’t independently board, disembark, or navigate the fixed-route system for some or all of their trips. In short, it’s reserved for use by people who lack the functional ability to ride the bus or rail systems…

19. Eligibility process Application with professional verification
Sometimes In-person interview
Sometimes a functional assessment with the possibility of a cognitive assessment
21 day window in which to determine eligibility

20. Paratransit pros and cons
Guaranteed ride
No transfers
Cheaper for the rider than a taxi
May be the only option left
Length of trip
Limited service hours, depending on where you live
Lost the ability to choose/change your mind
Pick-up window
Highest cost to regional transit system

21. Things to consider
Check and see if there is a Mobility Manager in your area who is already facilitating the coordination and interconnection of local and regional transportation options
Setting the students up for successful independent travel while they are in your program allows for them to come and go as they please once they have made their transition to post-school life

22. Resources for follow-up
Area Commissions on Transportation Association of Travel Instruction Northwest ADA Center

23. Resources Oregon Walks http://oregonwalks.org/resources/who-contact
Oregon Bike Manual
Public Transit in Oregon

24. Resources Smart Trips – City of Portland
Statewide Public Transportation Services
United States Access Board

25. Contact Christina Cooper RideWise Outreach Specialist 503.528.1748