Transportation Accessibility Institute
The Community Transportation Association of America (CTAA) is seeking teams to participate in a Transportation Accessibility Institute in Oklahoma City, OK May 22, 2023. The day-long Institute will enable participants to discuss barriers that older adults and persons with disabilities encounter in accessing public transportation services and facilities, gain knowledge about solutions, and broaden partnerships to develop and/or implement solutions to overcome those barriers. Teams will be comprised of a representative from each of the following groups:
- Persons with Disabilities,
- Older Adults,
- Caregivers,
- Organizations that serve people with disabilities and/or older adults (CILs, AAAs, UCEDDs, ADRCs, Assistive Technology Act Programs, CCH’s),
- Health Care Providers or Plans,
- Public Transportation, and
- Local Government/Planning Agencies.
Communities seeking to participate must assemble representative teams and submit the application (see below) by April 12. Teams will be selected competitively and notified by April 21, 2023.
The Transportation Accessibility Institute is funded through the Transit Planning 4 All Program, which is supported by the Administration for Community Living of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services.
Transportation Accessibility Institute team members will receive reimbursement for transportation expenses to and from Oklahoma City, two nights lodging, and meals not provided during the Institute. Breakfast, lunch and dinner will be provided for all participants during the Institute on May 22nd.
Topics to be covered during the Institute:
- Inclusion in mobility planning activities.
- Barriers to using or accessing transportation systems and facilities.
- Barriers external to transportation systems and facilities, e.g.: sidewalks, ramps, etc.
- Solutions to facilitate accessibility.
- Funding sources to address barriers.
In late summer, the National Transportation Accessibility Center (NTAC) will be issuing a request for proposal for a Community of Practice (CoP) that will seek to increase the availability and use of accessible transportation in historically underserved communities.
The CoP will be focused on mutual learning and problem-solving among group members to meet needs specific to their communities and populations, utilizing their understanding and expertise regarding their community needs to address transportation access and utilization. The CoP will include peer-to-peer learning opportunities and opportunities to work with other communities and populations of need to address common transportation problems. CoPs will receive subgrants to cover costs such as stipends for participation, accommodations, ASL interpretation, language interpretation and development of materials.