Transportation services need to remain available and accessible during emergency situations for all, including persons with disabilities and older adults. Many challenges arose during the COVID-19 pandemic including impacts to available service capacity, scheduling trip reservations, service eligibility assessment, use of wheelchair lifts, boarding assistance, and wheelchair securement. TRB hosted a webinar on Tuesday, January 30, 2024 from 2:00 PM to 3:30 PM Eastern that provided actionable strategies for transportation organizations to use in emergency situations to ensure continuity of service for persons with disabilities and older adults. Presenters discussed lessons learned from the COVID-19 pandemic and approaches to safely maintain services during a future emergency.

This webinar was based on TCRP Research Report 243: Transportation for People with Disabilities and Older Adults During COVID-19: Lessons for Emergency Response (Pre-Publication).

This webinar was sponsored by TRB’s Transit Cooperative Research Program.

The slides and recording are available. 
 
Webinar agenda and presenters

• Transportation needs of persons with disabilities and older adults – Todd Hansen, Texas A&M Transportation Institute
• Emergency management transportation keys during COVID-19 – Patricia Bye, consultant
• Actions and strategies for accessible emergency transportation – Zachary Elgart, Texas A&M Transportation Institute
• Question and answer session moderated by Ross Silvers, Pinellas Suncoast Transit Authority

The first 60 minutes of the webinar were for presentations and the final 30 minutes were reserved for audience questions.
 
Learning Objectives
At the end of this webinar, participants can:

• Incorporate lessons learned on providing service for people with disabilities and older adults during emergencies
• Consider strategies that may address gaps in their service capabilities and more effectively respond to future hazards or pandemics

 
American Institute of Certified Planners Certification Maintenance Credits
This webinar was approved by the American Planning Association (APA) for 1.5 Certification Maintenance (CM) Credits. CM credits provide continuing education opportunities for AICP Certified Planners to continue their professional skills and knowledge. To receive CM credits, Certified Planners should visit the TRB event webpage on American Planning Association and register their participation. If you have problems reporting your CM credits or have general questions about the CM program, please contact the APA.