It is clear that by virtue of being better informed the general public, employers, HHS agencies, etc., will access services and become a part of the coordination solution. The goal is to use this demonstration project to educate rural communities on the services available in the 12-county region of the Coastal Bend. As rural transit properties have become more focused on the operational needs of their services, the spotlight has moved away from informational materials – that provide insight on the services available. This is confirmed as current information materials for the services offered by rural providers are often not available, not easily understood, not current, or not distributed to the general public. It is understandable that this shift has occurred as priority is given to operational issues. Even so, citizens and agencies need to know transportation in their areas is more than service for the elderly and disabled. 

Part of the planning process for this project includes conducting public meetings in rural communities – to identify needs, knowledge, and determine interest in the services being offered. Once this baseline is established, we will be better equipped to produce collateral materials that outline and reestablish a critical aspect of service delivery – service awareness. Public meetings will also springboard our outreach effort with HHS agencies as preliminary discussions with HHS staff have revealed an interest to partner with transit providers.  

The intent is to first educate HHS staff by providing them with transportation information/service orientation. Once HHS staff is aware and knowledgeable, they will educate HHS consumers of the transportation service options available in their communities. The region is slated to benefit from this pilot program as they become better informed on the family of transportation services that can be or are being offered in their areas.  

The education of HHS staff and consumers together with collateral materials and the use of internet capabilities will serve as informational tools for all to use and stay informed. (To view more information click on GRANTS, then TxDOT).
 

Driver Training:

Currently, the practice of employing individuals with disabilities to provide first hand training on a variety of life functions – of particular interest to us is accessing and using public transportation – has proven effective and successful. The local urban transportation provider partnered with Coastal Bend Center for Independent Living (CBCIL) to train bus operators on passenger assistance for persons with disabilities.

The training educated drivers on the needs of the disabled passenger while providing disabled citizens the opportunity to exercise their independence and contribute to their community. First hand sensitivity training and instruction from trainers with disabilities will create an opportunity for drivers and representatives of HHS agencies to better understand and experience the perspective of what it entails to travel when dealing with a disability. Disability advocates that have witnessed the training curriculum have been enthusiastic and supportive of the educational value being provided. It is anticipated that the disabled trainer and support staff member will visit each of the rural providers for a series (3) of training sessions. Drivers will be educated on the principals of safe and respectful passenger assistance from a transit provider perspective and from a disabled passenger perspective. It is our intent to develop and create a campaign that assists with instilling the practice of a respectful life-style between drivers and passengers. (To view more information click on GRANTS, then TxDOT).

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