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DAUPHIN COUNTY DISABLED TRANSPORTATION PROGRAM OFF TO FAST START "People with disabilities can get to work and medical care because of the program." Dauphin County provides affordable transportation to people with disabilities through the PwD program.   (Harrisburg, PA) - Although the program is less than a year old, the Rural Transportation for Persons with Disabilities Program (PwD) has already significantly impacted on the lives of Dauphin County's disabled citizens. The program provides affordable transportation to people with disabilities in 24 counties throughout Pennsylvania. It offers effective, efficient and safe transportation so those who qualify can access employment and services as well as participate in community activities. Capital Area Transit (CAT), Dauphin County's shared-ride service provider, implemented the program in 2003 after an advisory group, which included officials from the Center for Independent Living of Central Pennsylvania (CILCP), recommended that the county apply for the program. "It is good to have a service such as this for people with disabilities. By taking care of this one basic need --something so many of us take for granted -- these deserving people can contribute more easily and readily to the work force, go to the doctor's, and take part in community events. When they are empowered to contribute to society, we all benefit," Dauphin County Commissioner Jeffery Haste said. CAT now has more than 300 trips per month, which is a significant amount for the program's first year. A poll taken in October 2003 shows that 54 percent of CAT's PwD trips were work related. Another 38 percent of riders used the program for medical reasons. "People with disabilities can now independently contribute to their communities, where in the past they needed to rely on a friend or family member for transportation," said Ginny Rogers, Director of the Transportation Alliance for the CILCP. CAT reports that the program has been a success. "It's working well in Harrisburg, but it's really making an impact in Northern Dauphin County," said Lester Albright, CAT's Program Manager of the Shared-Ride Service. "We have people calling with all kinds of stories about how this has filled a void in their lives." According to Mr. Albright, prior to PwD, the county's shared-ride service for people with disabilities could only be used for medical purposes. With PwD, disabled residents can schedule rides for almost any reason. "It's an excellent service and I think it could really benefit every region in the state. We will continue to provide the service in Dauphin County," Albright said. Currently the CILCP is asking for support from Pennsylvania Legislators to spread this much needed program statewide. The Center for Independent Living of Central Pennsylvania is a nonprofit, nonresidential organization established for and by people with disabilities and serves Cumberland, Dauphin, Perry, Mifflin and Juniata counties. CILCP's vision is to empower people with disabilities to fully participate in all aspects of society. For more information on the CILCP and the Rural Transportation for Persons with Disabilities Program contact Nathan Pigott at 717-975-2148 or via email at npigott@hersheyphilbin.com. ### Back to the Newsroom