The COVID-19 pandemic has rapidly changed how we live, work, and connect with our communities and family. The pandemic has tremendously altered how transit and human services transportation programs provide services and support their communities. As I struggled to think of an interesting way to express what human services transportation providers and public transit gained through the pandemic, I was struck with thoughts of what we have learned and continue to learn that makes each organization stronger.
We learned…
that human services transportation programs and transit are flexible. When COVID restrictions were put into place by federal and local health guidance, day programs closed down and participants were advised to stay at home. But agencies did provide alternative services to ensure needs were being met. Vehicles were being deployed as mobile vaccine sites so that older adults and people with disabilities could get vaccinated closer to where they lived. Some programs used agency vans as shuttles to get critical staff to program sites when other transportation was not available.
We learned…
that case management and healthcare appointments can be done, remotely. Drivers delivered laptops and tablets to people’s homes. Staff helped with on-line connections and equipment set-up to make virtual visits possible.
We learned…
that real isolation can be a result of orders to shelter in place. However, human services agencies delivered meals, or groceries to people, and ensured people had food they need. Transit providers used their buses and vans to carry food to distribution points or directly to homes.
We learned…
that critical medication and medical supplies can be provided to older adults and people with disabilities by having them delivered to residences using agency staff and drivers. These visits may also provide a wellness check to see if residents need any additional support or assistance.
We learned…
better ways to provide supportive and safe rides to COVID vaccine clinics and testing sites for people, including those who were COVID positive. Many towns had large vaccination sites in sports arenas or large buildings that could be intimidating to access or difficult to navigate with long lines or complicated instructions.
We learned…
better ways of working with our community partners such as health departments and emergency management officials. Early in the pandemic, getting personal protective equipment (PPE) and cleaning supplies required working with other agencies for bulk purchasing and distribution. Transit vehicles were important for moving these materials and supplies to locations within a community.
We learned…
that it is possible to have a plan for social distancing on a vehicle by marking-off seats or to have a passenger ride in the right rear seat in a sedan. Where social distancing is needed, a larger vehicle allowed for more space between riders. In some situations, it was prudent to provide solo rides in wheelchair accessible vans or in cars for ambulatory riders.
We learned…
about developing a communication strategy to express the requirement for face coverings, not riding or participating if feeling ill, about service reductions or the importance of social distancing. Human service agencies and transit created messaging that could reach people at their homes using social media, such as Facebook, Twitter or YouTube. Emphasis is placed on making this messaging accessible and usable for people with various disabilities including people who use screen-readers and audio files. Programs worked with their deaf community to create video messages using American Sign Language (ASL) to promote information on service changes. Programs have also developed messaging using pictograms and photos to assist in communicating to people with limited English proficiency about COVID related requirements such as social distancing masking.
We learned…
about developing plans to coordinate actions that transitioned staff and participants to in-person activities as the rates of COVID dropped or when deemed safe by health officials. Programs developed detailed plans for phasing-in a return to service through a gradual process. Transit agencies also used a multi-phased process to increase service levels and routes.
Thus far, we have learned a lot and we are still learning.
With the COVID pandemic, the sudden shutdown of services and requirement for staying at home was difficult. However, the following two years have challenged us to adapt and provide services in different ways. Nationally, human services programs virtually met together to share practice ideas and plans for dealing with the pandemic. Transit providers communicated plans of service changes, gradual return to service, and safety procedures. We all learned together and from each other.
As we learn and adapt, what stands out is our capacity to change and evolve. Transportation may not revert to the pre-pandemic routine or service levels and will possibly look very different. Transportation will bounce back, however, as we have created new and innovative approaches by learning new perspectives. This experience gives our programs the tools to proactively address needs during a crisis in a way that is responsive and meaningful to our communities. By reimagining how services are provided, including transportation, we are developing skills, values, and plans that make all of us competent in ensuring our programs are resilient and stronger for now and the future.
What have you learned from the pandemic?
My list of what we have learned is not intended to be all inclusive or expansive. It is a sampling that could be placed in a blog and get us thinking about what the pandemic is teaching us. I want to hear about your stories about what you have learned or are learning from the COVID pandemic. Feel free to contact me, through email, kthompson@easterseals.com. An interesting story or “learning” could be featured in a future NADTC blog.
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