Post-COVID Innovations in Paratransit Eligibility
Webinar Recording & Materials
Webinar Overview
Wondering how you can safely resume your agency’s paratransit eligibility assessment process? As transit agencies nationwide face the challenge of balancing COVID-19 safety guidelines with the need to ensure Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) paratransit services are used appropriately, we have solutions to help you cautiously enter this uncertain era of transit. Challenging times motivate us to look at non-traditional solutions, and MTM—the nation’s leader in mobility management—and our panelists guide you in our latest webinar!
Individuals with disabilities and older adults—the populations your agency assesses for ADA paratransit eligibility—are often at a higher risk to contract COVID-19. Their safety is our number one priority. Across the country, we’re collaborating with our transit agency partners, gathering real-life best practices from the nation’s largest transit systems to introduce new standards in safely delivering eligibility assessments. From obvious precautions like requiring masks and carrying hand sanitizer, to hybrid models that incorporate phone-based pre-assessments, to fully virtual assessments through video conferencing platforms like Zoom, the possibilities are endless.
Click play in the recording above to hear our panel discuss best practices and precautions to help applicants and Mobility Assessment Evaluators feel safe, while simultaneously balancing budgetary concerns.
Meet Our Panelists
Michael Davis
Senior Director, Mobility Management, MTM
Michael has more than 15 years of experience working with public transit systems and has an in-depth understanding of paratransit operations, travel instruction, assessments, and the ADA. Before joining MTM, he served as the Assistant Director of Customer Service and Paratransit for the Akron, Ohio METRO RTA, where he managed the agency’s 65 vehicle paratransit fleet, created a new paratransit eligibility determination process, and developed a nationally recognized travel training program. Michael is also active in several industry organizations, serving as the chair of the Ohio Public Transit Association’s Paratransit Peers Group and as President Elect of the Association of Travel Instruction. Michael has more than 15 years of experience working with public transit systems and has an in-depth understanding of paratransit operations, travel instruction, assessments, and the ADA. Before joining MTM, he served as the Assistant Director of Customer Service and Paratransit for the Akron, Ohio METRO RTA, where he managed the agency’s 65 vehicle paratransit fleet, created a new paratransit eligibility determination process, and developed a nationally recognized travel training program. Michael is also active in several industry organizations, serving as the chair of the Ohio Public Transit Association’s Paratransit Peers Group and as President Elect of the Association of Travel Instruction.
Amy Parker
ADA Coordinator, St. Louis Metro
Amy is the ADA Coordinator for Metro Transit, the St. Louis metropolitan region’s public transportation system. Since joining Metro in 2007, she has served Metro as a Transit Service Manager for Metro Call-A-Ride and as an ADA Eligibility Specialist. Prior to joining Metro, Parker worked as an Occupational Therapist.
Roosevelt Stripling
Mobility Program Manager, Customer Services, Metropolitan Atlanta Rapid Transit Authority (MARTA)
Roosevelt is the Mobility Support Service Program Manager for MARTA, where he leads the agency’s paratransit eligibility certification, paratransit reservations, and travel training programs. He also previously lead the agency’s half-fare certification and discount fare card distribution programs. Additionally, his experience includes leading cross-functional project teams for the agency, including customer outreach initiatives during the implementation of an automated fare collection system and during three start-up phases of bus service expansion. Roosevelt also has a passion for community involvement. He is a recent graduate of the Fulton County Citizens University program and serves as vice president of the historic Collier Heights Community Association. Roosevelt holds an undergraduate degree in economics from Georgia State University and a Master of Science in administration from Central Michigan University.
DaVette Taylor-Harris
Program Manager, MARTA Eligibility Assessment Services, MTM
DaVette joined MTM in 2016 as Program Director for our ADA eligibility assessment operations with MARTA in Atlanta, Georgia. Before joining MTM, she served as Senior Program Specialist at the Atlanta Regional Commission in the Aging Division. DaVette is a published author with her work appearing in the Journal of Gerontological Social Work. She received her master’s degree from Georgia State University.
