In 2002, Easter Seals West Alabama (ESWA) received an $850,000 transportation grant from the Federal Transit Administration. Senator Richard Shelby, (R) Alabama, was instrumental in helping ESWA obtain these funds. This unique program combines federal, state and local funding to expand transportation access to employment. The State of Alabama, Department of Human Resources, and the Alabama Department of Rehabilitation Services contributed matching funds bringing the total grant award to $1.6 million. Local partners include Tuscaloosa County Parking and Transit Authority and Shelton State Community College. In 2003, Senator Shelby’s office announced that the Federal Transit Administration has re-appropriated one million dollars to Easter Seals West Alabama to ensure that transportation needs are met for people in our area.
Rides to work or to job training are being provided to low-income individuals including those with disabilities. This grant money helps fill the needs related to employment for this population. ESWA collaborates with urban and rural transit and human service providers to establish the Rural-Urban Network for Employment Transportation (NET). A transportation center has been established at the Easter Seals facility in Tuscaloosa and is equipped to serve as a hub for the job access transportation network.
According to a recent study of people with disabilities, 29 percent reported that lack of transportation is a major barrier to employment. This grant will help ESWA fill a need for people who want to be in the workforce, but lack transportation, which is necessary to maintain employment. The transportation network is an integrated strategy using existing service providers.
To qualify for services, household income must fall in low-income criteria based on 150% poverty level. Transportation must be for job access, job training, or job-related activities.
Job-Related includes the following:
