NADTC eNews: May 2023

News for NADTC, sub-heading "National Aging and Disability Transportation Center"

NADTC News

NADTC/USAging is seeking a Transportation Training and Technical Assistance Specialist who will be a key player on the transportation team! Click here for more information and how to apply.

cartoon hand holding a megaphone, saying "we're hiring"

Blog: Older Adults and People with Disabilities Access Transportation for Behavioral Health

One in four adults experiences some type of mental illness, such as depression, anxiety, or dementia, and the prevalence of mental illness among people with disabilities is 4.6 times higher than among people without disabilities. In observance of Mental Health Awareness Month in May, NADTC’s newest blog showcases three transportation programs that support behavioral health access, including substance use disorder treatment for older adults and people with disabilities.

New Publication Tracks Transportation Trends and Responses from the Field

NADTC publishes an annual Trends Report to highlight major topics in transportation. The newly released Trends Report 2022 presents the results of the NADTC survey of transportation providers, stakeholders and organizations that serve older adults, people with disabilities and caregivers on their top challenges, needs and their role in initiatives to support transportation coordination and address the needs of marginalized communities.

NADTC Resources

SWTA Hosts NADTC Webinar on Transportation DEI

NADTC led a webinar presentation for the Southwest Transit Association (SWTA) on Transportation Diversity, Equity and Inclusion, providing an overview of NADTC's initiative, survey results, and highlighting the DEI work of three transportation agencies. Click here to view the SWTA presentation and recording.

NADTC Learning Short: FTA Section 5310

NADTC just released the latest learning short, part of the "How To..." series on adapting online tools to help grow your human services transportation program. This 12 minute video highlights some of the basic requirements for FTA's Section 5310 "Enhanced Mobility for Seniors and Individuals with Disabilities" Program. Visit our Learning Center for more information and additional trainings.

Happening Next Month

NADTC Celebrates Pride Month!

Diversity is a fact. Equity is a choice. Inclusion is an action. Belonging is an outcome.

Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender, Queer (LGBTQ) Pride celebrates self-affirmation, dignity, equality and increased visibility of LGBTQ+ people. Every June, Pride Month commemorates the Stonewall Riots, that occurred on June 28, 1969 in New York City, and recognizes the impact and contributions of LGBTQ+ individuals around the world.

Pride Month provides an opportunity to shine a light on the work of SAGE, which advocates for LGBTQ+ elders to gain their basic human rights and freedoms. SAGE has been an active member of NADTC's Transportation diversity, equity and inclusion Committee, providing an important perspective to our discussions of transportation equity. Click here to learn more about NADTC's Transportation DEI Initiative.

FTA Updates

FTA issued a Dear Colleague Letter on May 11, 2023 to grant recipients prior to FEMA ending its disaster declarations associated with the COVID-19 pandemic. This letter informs grantees that they are no longer able to use Section 5307 and non-Tribal 5311 funding at a 100 percent federal share for capital expenditures related to COVID-19 response. For additional information on COVID-19 expenditures, Review the updated FAQs.

Partner Resources

a bus traveling a rural mountainous highway in Breckenridge Colorado

AARP released a report, "Innovations in Rural Public Transportation: Data Standards Undergird Equity" explaining how transportation systems built with open and universal data standards can allow residents to travel seamlessly. This report by AARP's Public Policy Institute serves as an informative introduction to Universal Mobility as a Service (MaaS) and data standards.

Funding Opportunities

Next50 Initiative's Advancing Innovation in Aging Grants are designed for rural and underserved communities to develop innovative projects that support older adults and address issues around aging, such as quality of life and longevity. Applications due June 21, 2023.

Community Care Corps recently announced a funding opportunity to develop a network of screened and trained volunteer chaperones to accompany older adults with disabilities to non-emergency medical appointments and outpatient procedures. Applications due

July 7, 2023.

Safe Streets and Roads for All (SS4A) Discretionary Grants support communities in the development and implementation of safety action plans to significantly reduce or eliminate roadway fatalities and serious injuries in rural and tribal communities. Click here for more information, or to view the informational webinar. Applications due July 10, 2023.

The Department of Veterans Affairs released a grant opportunity for Transportation of Veterans in Highly Rural Areas as a way to assist veterans with transportation to VA medical centers for the provision of medical care. Click here for more information on this opportunity and how to apply. Applications due July 30, 2023.

NADTC Information and Referral Services

NADTC Technical Assistance Specialists are here to assist you and answer your questions about a variety of topics related to transportation for older adults and people with disabilities, ADA-accessible services and related issues. Call us at 866.983.32220 or send us an email at [email protected] to start a conversation.

Click Here to Learn More

National Aging and Disability Transportation Center

Washington, DC

[email protected] | 866.983.3222

The National Aging and Disability Transportation Center is a program funded by the Federal Transit Administration and administered by USAging and Easterseals with guidance from the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, Administration for Community Living.