MAG Human Services Transportation Newsletter - October 2024

This Month in
Human Services Transportation

Human Services Transportation Newsletter | October 2024

Transportation Ambassador Program

 

Cactus

Photo courtesy of Maricopa Association of Governments

ANNOUNCEMENTS

Transportation Ambassador Program (TAP)
Save the date for the next TAP Meeting for November 19, 2024, from 1 p.m. – 3:30 p.m. This meeting will be held virtually via Zoom, registration is free. The purpose of the meeting is to provide information and resources regarding human services transportation for older adults and persons with disabilities. Presentations will include updates from Valley Metro, the City of Phoenix, and an Agency Spotlight.  You can register for the TAP meeting now with the registration link.


FEATURED STORIES

road with cars

Photo courtesy of Maricopa Association of Governments

The Maricopa Association of Governments will be holding a public meeting to review and gather feedback on proposed improvements to the Interstate 10 (I-10) Freeway Corridor. The focus of the study is to develop improvements to improve safety while optimizing freeway capacity. The study is the first phase in a multi-step process to improve travel on the I-10. The in-person meeting will be held on Thursday, October 10, 2024, 5:00 - 6:30 p.m., at Burton Barr Library – Pulliam Auditorium (1st floor) 1221 N. Central Ave., Phoenix 85004. If you are unable to attend the in-person meeting, visit the Interstate 10 Freeway Corridor Study webpage to view presentation materials and share your input on the proposed study improvements by November 8, 2024.

 

three people sitting together

Photo courtesy of National Aging and Disability Transportation Center

The East Valley Senior Home Sharing Program helps to match older adults with roommates who can share living expenses, making housing more affordable for both. The program offers roommate screening, home visits, access to meals, help navigating community resources, benefits assistance, and more. Learn more about the program by following this link.

 

Two people by a car

Photo courtesy of National Aging and Disability Center

Free, Accessible At-Home COVID tests are now available through a partnership between the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services Administration for Strategic Preparedness and Response (ASPR) and the United States Postal Service (USPS). One of the available options is the Orasure InteliSwab test, which is more accessible for people who are blind or have low vision, as well as people who have low manual dexterity. For more information, including ordering instructions, visit ACL.gov/AccessibleTests.

 

Two people by a car

Photo courtesy of National Aging and Disability Transportation Center

The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) released a progress report on their national strategy to support caregivers. The strategy presents a vision, establishes goals, and provides recommendations for ensuring that family caregivers have the support and resources they need. The progress report can be read on the Administration for Community Living website.


FUNDING OPPORTUNITIES

Two people by a car

Photo courtesy of National Aging and Disability Transportation Center

The Administration for Community Living (ACL) has announced a funding opportunity to expand outreach and professional training in behavioral health for aging networks. The training, resources, and technical assistance provided through this grant will help recipients develop new, practical skills to support older adults with behavioral health conditions and improve coordination among local aging and behavioral health service providers. The deadline for applications is 11:59 p.m. Eastern Time on May 31, 2024. More information about this funding opportunity can be found at this link.


TRAINING OPPORTUNITIES

a group of people sitting at a bus stop with their dogs

Photo coutresy of National Aging and Disability Transportation Center

The Disability Employment Technical Assistance Center is hosting a webinar to recognize the American Job Center (AJC) network’s efforts to provide access to all job seekers, including individuals with disabilities. This webinar will spotlight four AJCs participants who will share insights on services provided, how to access services, and other resources to help job seekers with disabilities. The webinar will be held on October 8, 2024, at 3:00 p.m. Eastern Time. Registration for the webinar can be completed by following this link.

 

Two people looking at a computer

Photo courtesy of National Aging and Disability Transportation Center

The National Center on Law and Elder rights is hosting a free webinar on HUD homeless assistance programs and permanent supportive housing. The webinar will include the basics of HUD’s homeless assistance programs, how aging advocates can refer clients for assistance, and participate in improving their community’s homeless response system. Including addressing the importance of permanent supportive housing for older adults and people with disabilities. The webinar will be held on October 2, 2024, at 3:00 p.m. Eastern Time. Registration can be completed by following this link.


TAP Recognition Nominations

Nominations are now open to recognize an Outstanding Driver or staff member Years of Service at your agency. Selected nominees will be recognized at the TAP meeting in August. Nomination forms for Outstanding Drivers and Years of Service are also available on our website. Nominations are due November 11, 2024. We greatly appreciate the support you provide for our community members!


MAG HOSTED WORKSHOPS AND TRAININGS

MAG offers monthly human services transportation provider trainings and workshops facilitated by subregional mobility managers. The trainings and workshops cover topics such as drivers’ safety, fleet management, and include an opportunity to discuss current service providers topics.

October Workshops
Driver Safety

November Workshops
De-Escalation

Fleet Management and Data Reporting

Lemme Outta This Box

Workshop Wrap-Up
Workshops facilitated by subregional mobility managers provide valuable information about a wide variety of topics. Below are a few key takeaways provided by subregional mobility managers who facilitated the previous month’s workshops.

Preventative Maintenance Tip
Now that monsoon season is over replace air filters in engine and in cabin.

Provided by Justin MacGregor, Subregional Mobility Manager – West Valley

Itza Moving Target Tip
Vehicle disposals- If you have vehicles that you might want to dispose of, start by doing the disposal request and wait for it to come back, then you can decide to dispose or not because there is no obligation, only opportunity.

Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion- Change your e-mail signature to include your preferred pronouns-You’ll be making a statement about your support of DEI.  It’s easy, it’s fair, and it’s brave.  

Provided by Billy Parker, Subregional Mobility Manager – East Valley

Recordings and materials of previous workshops hosted by MAG can be viewed on the Human Services Transportation Workshops webpage.


SUBREGIONAL MOBILITY MANAGERS CORNER

man and logo

Photo courtesy of The Center for Habilitation

Meet the new staff member at The Center for Habilitation (TCH)! Dan Smoller is the new Fleet and Facility Manager at TCH.  Dan graduated from UMASS Amherst majoring in Operations Management and has been working in the facilities industry for over 15 years.  He is a seasoned professional with a wealth of experience in overseeing operations and maintenance.  With a strong background in ensuring optimal functionality and safety, Dan brings an enthusiastic and optimistic vision to fleet and facilities management.  He looks forward to making TCH a safe and enjoyable place to work for all staff and supported individuals as the subregional mobility manager for the South-Central Valley.

Provided by Dan Smoller, Fleet and Facility Manager and Dawn Hawking, Director of Development


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 Lauren Read at LRead@azmag.gov.


RESOURCES


MAG fully complies with Title VI of the Civil Rights Act of 1964 and related authorities and regulations in all programs and activities. For more information on rights afforded under Title VI, relevant activities at MAG, or if you feel these rights have been violated, please visit the agency website at www.azmag.gov or call 602-254-6300.

MAG, para todos sus programas y actividades, cumple totalmente con el Título VI de la Ley de Derechos Civiles de 1964 y con las relacionadas autoridades y regulaciones. Para obtener más información sobre los derechos reconocidos en el Título VI, las actividades pertinentes de MAG, o si siente que sus derechos han sido violados, por favor visite el sitio web de la agencia en www.azmag.gov o llame al 602-254-6300.