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Catching a ride

New program makes public transportation easier for developmentally disabled

MARSHALL – A half dozen residents and their chaperones rode the Marshall Area Transit (M.A.T.) bus earlier this week to a special meeting at Mike’s Cafe. The meeting was sponsored by Ride The Bus We Will Show You the Way.

Coordinator Pat Brooks helped each participant make bus ride arrangements and conducted the meeting that was held to acquaint participants with the bus riding rules and other regulations regarding the three-month program. The program will provide peer mentors for those with developmental challenges who are open to expanding their access to the community by riding public transportation.

The bus arrived at approximately 5:15 p.m. and delivered participants to the door of Mike’s Cafe. They followed along as Brooks guided them in listing activities for future outings, which included going to the movies, visiting each other or a relative who lives in the area, going to the public library, having a picnic lunch and walking around a park, attending People First meetings and visiting the YMCA.

Brooks volunteered to make picture cards that will assist the participants in their bus riding adventures, and getting on and off the bus at the right stops. She also reminded them to bring their information folders and their bus ticket every time they ride the bus.

Peer mentors Ron Murphy and Kristina Tollefson shared their knowledge of the rules as well. They were not allowed to give unrelated advice to the participants and couldn’t tell them what to do. Also, as friendly and helpful as the bus drivers are, they are not allowed to help participants with shopping bags or other packages. If the participant needs help with anything, including getting on and off the bus, they would need to have a chaperone or travel companion along to assist them. Such companions ride the bus for free in this program.

“My role is overseer,” Brooks said. “I make sure everyone’s having fun and to answer questions.” She is also the safety monitor. “You have to go through me, not call each other directly to set up an outing. I have to keep track of all the trips for the report.” She added that a manilla envelope with safety instructions would go with them on every trip, along with instructions in case they missed the return bus.

The Ride The Bus We Will Show You The Way is an Olmstead Act program that will require a report to be given in December to Judge Donovan Frank as to the effectiveness and participation in the program.

Also at this meeting, the peer mentors shared their telephone numbers with the participants in case they had any questions.

“A two-week notice prior to any outing is required, as I have to put in a check request to cover the activity,” Brooks said. “Do not wait until the day of the event to call for the bus ride. There’s no guarantee the bus will be available.”

Introducing bus rules, Brooks said: “Use good manners. remember everyone has their own space.”

They set up rules as follows:

1. Respect others

2. Remember personal space

3. Shake hands and say, ‘Hello’; no hugs

4. Teamwork

5. Appropriate language

7. No smoking

8. Listening

9. Be open-minded

10. Respect others’ opinions

Their theme would be, “It’s not about ‘me,’ it’s about ‘we.'” There would be a bus rider’s guide in their folders to cover other things such as bringing a beverage on the bus (it should be in a closed container, not like an open coffee cup), no flammable liquids and no batteries.

Participants were told that the buses will only wait three minutes. If they missed the bus, especially a route bus, they would have to wait an hour until the next one came by. When on the bus, they have to wear their seat belts.

The program runs through October. Brooks said if it goes over well, she will be looking for ways to extend the program.

She added that there is room for one or two more participants. For further information, call Brooks at 507-336-3065.

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