NYS Developmental Disabilities Planning Council Announces Funding to Address Transportation Barriers

ALBANY, NY (09/21/2007)(readMedia)-- New York State Developmental Disabilities Planning Council (DDPC) announces funding to address transportation barriers to employment for people with developmental disabilities.

George E. Fertal, Sr., Chairperson, today announced that the New York State Developmental Disabilities Planning Council (DDPC) awarded funds to the Developmental Disabilities Alliance of Western New York ($46,000), Franklin County Public Transportation ($60,000), and Oswego County Opportunities ($60,000). The purpose of the grants is to identify and address transportation related barriers to employment.

“The focus of these grants is to aid those who provide transportation and employment services to people with developmental disabilities to develop a partnership and share resources. The approach of collaboration rather then working in isolation, will provide better access and address other barriers more efficiently.” Stated DDPC Chairperson George E. Fertal, Sr.

According to Wendy McCarthy, Developmental Disabilities Alliance of Western New York (DDAWNYS), Project Director, “Transportation is the number one challenge for individuals with developmental disabilities seeking employment in Western New York. Through this grant our community has been able to bring to the table nonprofit agencies, governmental organizations and transportation providers, to collaborate in identifying and meeting transportation needs for these individuals. The transportation clearinghouse developed through the DDPC grant will expand the opportunities for individual with developmental disabilities to obtain and continue with competitive employment in Western New York.”

Michael Scaries Project Director of Oswego County Opportunities, Inc., states, “ The DDPC grant will contribute to increased awareness of public transportation services available to people in Oswego County, particularly those with developmental disabilities, thereby enhancing their ability to travel independently to places that were previously unavailable to them without relying on the kindness of someone to give them rides to places such as work, health care, shopping, educational and recreational programs.

The DDPC is a federally funded state agency dedicated to designing and implementing new programs that serve New Yorkers with developmental disabilities and their families in the most effective way possible. Sixty percent of the Governor-appointed membership of the DDPC is parents and people with developmental disabilities. For more information on the DDPC, go to: www.ddpc.state.ny.us.