Disaboom is concerned about state government spending cuts in accessible transportation services which directly impacts seniors and persons with disabilities. While the cuts save governments millions, the outcome will confine many of our aging population and persons in the disability community to nursing homes. Studies have shown that mobility is a primary factor in determining whether an individual can stay in their own homes and live independently. Ironically, state governments, which are already under fiscal scrutiny, save millions in long-term care the longer people can remain independent.
However, more states are focusing on short-term fiscal benefits and cutting these transportation services – even as the senior and disability population continues to grow. In Minneapolis alone, more than ten programs serving over 157,760 seniors have closed in the past year. New York is expected to cut its Access-A-Ride service by 26,000 trips, leaving 60,000 customers without service in 2011. In addition, Washington D.C. will double its rates for paratransit service and begin rigorous customer screenings.
In an effort to offset this growing trend, Allianz Life has announced a $100,000 donation to PRISM, a Minneapolis non-profit that provides accessible transportation. Laura Juergens, Senior Community Relations Manager at Allianz Life said, "PRISM has been one of our community partners for years. They have a huge food, toys and clothing drive every year called the Spirit of Giving campaign, and for 11 years we’ve supported them in that effort.” Ms. Juergens continued, “PRISM has been a grant recipient for 15 years, and during our senior services grant round this year PRISM came with a proposal for a transportation program, PRISM EXPRESS. Once we read more about it we realized that 150,000 rides had been eliminated in the Twin Cities for seniors and PRISM was actually absorbing that transportation program. We decided to give the money so that they could buy more vehicles to help streamline their services. We realize that transportation is going to be a huge need for them in years to come, and we will continue to offer our support.”
Allianz Life’s donation of $100,000 will provide 20 trips a day in the Minneapolis market alone, and is just one example of how corporations can contribute to the greater good.
