2 weeks Ago By Violet Larson
In a positive stride towards inclusivity, the IMPACT Innovation program under the Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities (IDD) Education Center has been awarded a Section 5310 grant. As the University of Cincinnati reported, this grant will fund a new 12-seater transit van destined to facilitate transportation for adults with autism within the Greater Cincinnati/Northern Kentucky areas. The procurement of the van aims to bolster community engagement for those with intellectual and developmental disabilities, create better access to job sites, and amplify their educational experiences.
The Ohio-Kentucky-Indiana (OKI) Regional Council of Governments played a significant role in this development, providing guidance and support crucial to securing the grant. Their involvement in this effort underlines the council’s dedication to improvements in transportation accessibility. A representative from IMPACT Innovation expressed gratitude, via the UC News , for the collaboration that made the acquisition possible: " This exciting milestone would not have been possible without the collaborative efforts and support from key partners.
" The words echo the collective sentiment that it takes a community to effect tangible changes in the lives of those with different abilities. While the Section 5310 grant typically supports projects that enhance mobility for seniors and individuals with disabilities, focusing on a cohort that often faces significant barriers in transit is a notable approach by the IMPACT program..
