Transportation Ambassador Program
The Transportation Ambassador Program (TAP) held the first meeting of 2024 on February 27, 2024. Presentations included updates from Valley Metro on public transit, and Section 5310 program updates from the City of Phoenix. The Maricopa Department of Public Health provided an overview of the programs they provide. The Agency Spotlight was provided by DUET. The City of Phoenix Office of Accountability and Transparency provided information on resources they offer, public outreach efforts, and how to engage with them. The TAP meeting presentation and materials are now available at the Event Page.
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The National Aging and Disability Transportation Center (NADTC) published the Coordination in Planning report in partnership with the Maricopa Association of Governments. The report is part of the NADTC Coordination Initiative that brought together state and local transportation stakeholders, as well as non-traditional community partners to discuss the planning they are required to do. The goal was to encourage cross-sector partnerships to identify existing plans and how they may intersect. For more details, visit the final report page.
The 37th Annual Statewide Transit Conference, sponsored by the Arizona Transit Association and Arizona Department of Transportation is scheduled for April 8 to 10, 2024. Early bird registration price ends on March 8. The conference will be held at the Mesa Convention Center. For more information on workshop topics and to register, visit the 37th Annual Statewide Transit Conference website.
The National Slam the Scam Day is March 7. To celebrate, the Social Security Administration (SSA) has developed tools to recognize Social Security-related scams and how to stop scammers from stealing money and personal information. The SSA reminds that educating loved ones about scammers is key, and they should not be embarrassed to report if they shared personal information or suffered a financial loss. The SSA also published a Scam Alert Fact Sheet to help educate others about how to protect themselves. For more details, visit the SSA Fact Sheet.
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The Arizona Developmental Disabilities Planning Council (ADDPC) is offering a new grant opportunity. The primary purpose of the grant is to support the dissemination of information relevant to individual people with intellectual/developmental disabilities. The grant is open to organizations to support the sponsorship of conferences, training, seminars, workshops, or other planned events in Arizona. Applicants can apply for a maximum amount of $7,500. Applications are due March 7 at 3p.m. (AZ). For more details, visit the ADDPC Grant website.
 The Administration for Community Living (ACL) announced new funding opportunities under the Disability and Rehabilitation Research Projects (DRRP) program for health and function research. The purpose is to plan and conduct research, demonstration projects, training, and related activities, including international activities. The two funding opportunities focus on projects that propose research or development projects aimed at improving health and function outcomes of people with disabilities. Proposals are due April 8. For more details visit the ACL Research and Development funding websites.
Itza Moving Target Workshop
Y-OPAS - Girls on the Bus
Once a month, Y-OPAS (Outreach Program for Aging Seniors) organizes a delightful group shopping experience, where clients are transported away from their homes by the YMCA bus service and taken to Supermarket for Senior Day. On a recent trip, the affectionately dubbed “Girls on the Bus” outing, consumers were warmly greeted by Store Manager, Matt Conkel, before taking advantage of the 10 percent senior discount offered on the first Wednesday of every month. Among the shoppers was Clara Martinez, who relocated from New York in 2010 seeking a change and proximity to her son.
Reflecting on the invaluable services Y-OPAS provides, Martinez, unable to drive anymore, expressed gratitude for the life-changing support. Y-OPAS extends a range of complimentary services to seniors aged 65 or older, regardless of YMCA membership, including transportation, social events, art classes, friendly visits, and shopping excursions. Another Y-OPAS consumer, Sara Jackson, who joined after receiving a heart transplant, lauds the program's assistance during her recovery. She has participated in art classes, been on bus trips, and attends community gatherings. Jackson, known as the "orchid whisperer," even conducted a popular orchid workshop for fellow consumers and volunteers.
Y-OPAS Director, Brenda Nichols, emphasizes the importance of fostering new friendships among consumers, echoing the sentiment that Y-OPAS's cost-free services are truly invaluable. Nichols also highlights the Care Plan service, which offers additional support to clients recently discharged from hospitals, including rehab and follow-up appointments, overseen by dedicated Case Manager Jennifer who provides weekly check-ins. To learn more about the program and services, visit the Y-OPAS website.
If you have a suggestion for a story, an announcement you would like to share, questions about transportation program best practices, or would like to provide feedback for the newsletter, contact Hezequias Rocha at HRocha@azmag.gov.
 Congratulations to Carol Crittenden for receiving the TAP February Years of Service Recognition for her 19 years working with the United Cerebral Palsy of Central Arizona. Carol has been a consistent employee, rarely taking a day off and has been described as having a heart of gold. She understands the importance of being there for the members as a consistent and reliable caregiver. Thank you, Carol, for all you do for our community.
 Congratulations to Linda and Ron Thornton for receiving the TAP Driver of the Quarter Recognition for their contribution to the YOPAS volunteer driver program. Linda and Ron have been volunteering for Y-OPAS for about 22 years. During these 22 years they received nothing but compliments from consumers for their great service. One of their passengers noted: "I usually only leave my home for medical appointments; Linda is an excellent driver; I always feel safe and secure. She makes sure I'm buckled in before we leave every time. She makes my day every time I see her smiling face." Thank you, Linda, and Ron, for all you do for our community.
The Transportation Ambassador Program (TAP) values the diligent work of drivers and staff at agencies providing transportation services to the community. Nominations are now available to recognize an Outstanding Driver or staff member Years of Service at your agency. Selected nominees will be recognized at TAP meetings. Nomination forms for Outstanding Drivers and Years of Service are available in our website and are due 2 weeks before the TAP meeting. We greatly appreciate the support you provide for our community members!
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