New Transportation Services Offers for Vets, Seniors and People with Disabilities

The Kennedy Center Expands Mobility Services and Travel Training Programs in the Northeast  

Transportation is a major issue for municipalities throughout the Northeast. The Kennedy Center, a nationally accredited, non-profit, community-based rehabilitation organization in Trumbull, has created new groundbreaking programs to streamline transportation options that will benefit many people.            

Over a year ago, The Kennedy Center’s Mobility Services Department received a two-year federal New Freedoms Initiative grant and hired Karin Christley, Regional Mobility Manager, to oversee this program. The funds are being used to create a regional mobility management program, which aims to coordinate all transportation options in Southwest CT for people with disabilities, seniors and veterans. The program also examines the existing transportation infrastructure in the region. Christley has conducted numerous focus groups to identify gaps and barriers in service and to develop creative solutions.           

As a result, this New Freedoms Initiative grant will fund a soon-to-be-launched Mobility Management website and a printed resource travel guide for CT residents who use public transit.  For current updates, access information on Facebook at KnowHowToGoSouthwestCT or on Twitter@KnowHowToGo.           

According to Martin D. Schwartz, President and CEO of The Kennedy Center, “I am very proud of the accomplishments our talented Mobility Services staff has achieved over the past 20 years as a statewide and national leader in this field.  We are honored to receive federal funding for this important regional project that will improve transportation options for seniors, people with disabilities and veterans in Southwestern Connecticut.”          

As a travel training expert in the country, The Kennedy Center has been contracted by the Pioneer Valley Transit Authority in Springfield, Massachusetts to develop and customize a Travel Training program for them. This three-month consulting project will begin early in 2012.           

The Kennedy Center was one of the first agencies in the country to offer travel training and mobility services.   Both transit districts and human service agencies regularly consult with The Kennedy Center prior to starting new programs.             

Jonathan Rubell, Mobility Services Director at The Kennedy Center, noted, “We have operated a highly regarded travel training program, which has grown tremendously. Since the program’s inception, over 3,500 individuals, aged 14-95, in Connecticut, Massachusetts and New York, have accessed local bus and rail routes for work, school, worship and leisure activities with the assistance of travel training. We now have a staff of 10 that helps these individuals meet their transportation goals.”            

The Kennedy Center currently serves over 2,000 individuals annually. The agency actively responds to the needs of the community by offering innovative, comprehensive service options to persons with disabilities and special needs, from birth to senior years. The Kennedy Center operates 21 community experience programs, 16 group homes, an industries program composed of six businesses, supported and competitive employment and job placement services, a family support and respite service, travel training, and a variety of children’s programs.  For more information, visit www.thekennedycenterinc.org or contact Jonathan Rubell, Mobility Services Director at jrubell@kennedyctr.org or 203-365-8522, ext. 265.