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THE CENTER FOR INDEPENDENT LIVING HIRES NEW PENNSYLVANIA TRANSPORTATION ALLIANCE COORDINATOR John Tassone will develop and support local efforts to improve transportation services for people with disabilities The goal of the Transportation Alliance is to develop and support local efforts to improve transportation services for people with developmental disabilities.   (Harrisburg, PA) - The Center for Independent Living of Central Pennsylvania (CILCP), a nonprofit, nonresidential organization established to advance the rights of people with disabilities through the elimination and prevention of barriers experienced by people with disabilities, recently announced the appointment of John Tassone as the Transportation Alliance Coordinator. Tassone, who previously served as the Independent Living Director at the Center for Independent Living of Reading, PA will replace former coordinator Ginny Rogers. "While she was working with us, Ginny played a key role in developing transportation programs in both Central Pennsylvania as well as the rest of the state," Theotis Brady, Executive Director of CILCP, said. "John brings talent and a dedication to our organizations mission. He and the rest of our staff will continue the excellent work Ginny started." The goal of the Transportation Alliance is to develop and support local efforts to improve transportation services for people with developmental disabilities throughout the state, and to coordinate local efforts with state initiatives and opportunities opened up by the Americans with Disabilities Act. As the Transportation Alliance Coordinator's Tassone's primary responsibility is to implement the goals and objectives of the Pennsylvania Developmental Disabilities Council (DDC) grant, the Administration on Developmental Disabilities (ADD) grant and the Transportation Traveler's Check Program. Some of his other responsibilities include: promoting community awareness of the Transportation Alliance and other issues relating to the project, collaborating with other transportation advocacy efforts in the state to maintain and increase the availability of accessible, affordable transportation for people with disabilities, and recruiting people with disabilities to use the rural transportation voucher program. Tassone says he appreciates the opportunity to advocate for people with disabilities in Central PA while improving their transportation options. "Ginny did a great job with the program while she was here. My goal is to build upon the foundation Ginny established by providing new ideas and approaches to enhance CILCP's transportation services," Tassone said. Rogers was working hard on advocating the recently introduced "Persons with Disabilities Shared Ride Program Act." This legislation will provide statewide funding for a program that provides an affordable and accessible transportation option for people with disabilities. The program that this bill supports, the Rural Transportation for Persons with Disabilities Program (PwD), has already significantly impacted the lives of Pennsylvania residents with disabilities. PwD currently 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. "The Transportation Alliance's major focus is on getting the shared ride bill passed," Tassone said. "Those currently using the program can independently contribute to their communities, where in the past they needed to rely on a friend or family member for transportation. We want all 67 counties in Pennsylvania to have accessible and affordable transportation for people with disabilities." Tassone worked in accounting and business for fifteen years before joining the independent living movement. He serves as a member of the National Council for Independent Living, president of the Self-Determination Housing Project, and on the board of the Pennsylvania Assisted Technology Foundation. Born in Schuylkill Haven, PA, Tassone still resides in the town with his wife. 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 visit www.cilcp.org or contact Nathan Pigott at 717-975-2148 or via email at npigott@hersheyphilbin.com. ### Back to the Newsroom