In June 2024, the Oklahoma Mobility Management Program took part in this summer’s Oklahoma Youth Leadership Forum’s “Game of YLife” event at the University of Science and Arts of Oklahoma campus in Chickasha, OK. This event was designed to help individuals with developmental disabilities learn more about managing daily life and finances. Students were given a fixed amount of game money to allocate across housing, medical, employment, education, leisure activities, and transportation. Youth Leadership Forum (YLF) is an intense educational and motivational week held every summer on a university campus. Students work in small and large groups, create their own personal leadership plans and work to identify resources that can help them achieve their goals. Learn more by visiting the YLF website.
Oklahoma Youth Leadership Forum
The game allowed students to make financial decisions in a hands-on way, emphasizing how critical transportation is for independence. If a student wanted to do activities such as get a job or go to the casino, they needed transportation points. All activities tied together in the game of life. As a result, participants gained valuable financial skills, understanding the importance of transportation, and building stronger community connections. The event successfully showcased the Mobility Management Program’s dedication to helping individuals with developmental disabilities achieve greater independence and mobility. Olivia Hook, Oklahoma Mobility Management Director and Cristi Williams, a Mobility Navigator in the SW Region helped individuals connect to a diverse range of resources through exploring a variety of mobility options to aid one in being independent.
Participants were laughing and having a great time even when transportation was a barrier during the game. But, as we all know, struggles to get transportation is no laughing matter especially when critical care depends on transportation availability. The Section 5310 program, also known as the Enhanced Mobility of Seniors and Individuals with Disabilities Program, plays a crucial role in empowering youth with disabilities by providing essential transportation services. Through funding paratransit options, the program ensures that these young individuals can access school, work, medical appointments, and social activities, all of which are vital for their growth and independence. With reliable transportation, individuals can fully participate in community life, gain confidence, and develop the skills needed for a fulfilling future. The Section 5310 program does not just provide transportation; it opens doors to education, employment, and personal development, allowing youth with disabilities to thrive and contribute to their communities.
Mobility Management is a transportation program that focuses on meeting community needs through the coordinated use of a variety of transportation providers. It aims to enhance transportation for veterans, older adults, people with disabilities, individuals with lower incomes, and so many others improving access to healthy living resources through various transportation coordination activities. Learn more about mobility management by visiting the FTA webpage on Mobility Management.
Guest bloggers Olivia Hook, the Oklahoma Mobility Management Director, and Cristi Williams, a Mobility Navigator in Southwest Oklahoma, work closely with individuals with disabilities, seniors, low-income families, veterans, and the general public. Both are dedicated advocates focused on enhancing transportation solutions in rural communities.
Learn more about Oklahoma Mobility Management by visiting https://okmm.multiscreensite.com