LOV Inc.’s Bridge Builder for Youth Project works with teens with disabilities at a pivotal moment in their lives. Like many teenagers, youth with disabilities are navigating what comes next as they transition out of school and into young adulthood.
At the same time, they may need to address additional challenges and barriers, such as accessibility or connecting with their community outside of the school setting. That’s where the Bridge Builder for Youth Project comes in. Working one-on-one with Bridge Builder staff, participants – known as Bridge Builder members – identify their own goals and work together to create a plan, build skills, and move toward a supported and fulfilled life.
Bridge Builder staff work with the member and their ally – often a parent or primary caregiver – to identify and support member goals.
For one Bridge Builder member, Lauren, an important goal was independently using paratransit. As a wheelchair user, Lauren previously had to rely on her parents or support staff for transportation, creating a gap in her ability to be independent as she enters young adulthood. While paratransit is available in the Madison area, obstacles and limitations can make it daunting to use, something that has only worsened with driver shortages and accessible transportation issues in recent years.
Transportation challenges are an issue that Rowan, the Bridge Builder staff, was well aware of. Together with Lauren and her family, they discussed what transportation was available through the Children’s Long-Term Support Program and how it could meet her needs. Knowing that Lauren’s concerns were valid, yet often minimized, Rowan organized for Lauren to meet with other paratransit users who had faced similar transportation issues. They shared their experiences, how to address challenges, and also their joy in independently navigating the community. Lauren learned what to expect, the challenges others experienced, and also what made it worth trying. This gave Lauren the confidence to try paratransit services.
Through more experience and practice, Lauren is growing comfortable with using paratransit and is now less concerned about the “what-ifs” and more focused on the joy she gets from attending events and participating in community life. Gaining confidence in using paratransit opens up many opportunities for Lauren. This is just one example of how the Bridge Builder for Youth can work alongside an individual and support their individual goals while developing skills and building confidence.