NJTIP at Rutgers

We’re proud to share that Jeffrey Dennis, Senior Travel Instructor at NJTIP @ Rutgers (VTC), recently co-presented “Partners in Independence: Engaging Families, Guardians, and Educators” with Judy Shanley, Easterseals to over 100 attendees nationwide in a webinar hosted by the Association of Travel Instruction (ATI) and Easterseals 👏

During the session, they highlighted the critical role that family engagement, school collaboration, and strong support systems play in supporting individuals with disabilities to achieve independent travel goals.

The presentation emphasized a key takeaway:
💡 Independent travel is built through collaboration.

👨‍👩‍👧 Families and Schools🏫 influence opportunity and consistency
🧭 Trainers influence skill development

Together, they create a pathway toward long-term independence 🚀

Through real-world success stories and practical tools, attendees gained insight into how communication 🤝, trust 🔑, and partnership can strengthen travel training outcomes and expand community mobility.

A big thank you to ATI and Easterseals, along with Meagan Greathouse (ATI) and Kristi McLaughlin (Easterseals), for hosting and organizing this impactful session 🙌

We are proud of the work being done by our NJTIP team to advance mobility, independence, and opportunity for people with disabilities and older adults.

Empowering Mobility: The NJTIP Passaic STEP Paterson Success Story

The NJTIP Passaic STEP (Senior Transportation and Engagement Program) continues to make a meaningful difference in the lives of our neighbors. Most recently, we had the pleasure of collaborating with the vibrant community at the Riverside Vets Recreation Center in Paterson. Funded by the NJ Department of Human Services – Division on Aging, this initiative is dedicated to helping older adults navigate mobility challenges with ease. By providing the tools and confidence needed to use public transit, NJTIP empowers our Seniors to reclaim their independence—ensuring they can visit friends, attend appointments, and stay active in their communities on their own terms.

Our recent "Transit 101" session truly highlighted the community's enthusiasm for learning, with 35 engaged participants joining us to master the fundamentals of safe travel. We then took that knowledge on the road with a guided bus trip to Glen Rock. While we initially planned 10 participants, we were thrilled to welcome 13 seniors who were eager to put their skills into practice! From navigating boarding procedures to managing real-world logistics, these travelers moved beyond the classroom and into the world of confident transit. We are grateful to the Division on Aging for covering fares and providing a lunch stipend, which turned the day into a wonderful social and learning experience.

The heart of NJTIP @ Rutgers lies in our ability to bridge the gap between complex transit systems and the people who rely on them most. As part of the Voorhees Transportation Center at Rutgers University, we provide much more than simple directions; we offer a specialized, supportive approach that honors the unique experiences of every senior. Looking ahead, NJTIP @ Rutgers will remain a steadfast resource for the Paterson older adult community, ensuring that Seniors have a partner to help guide them toward a safer, more independent, and more connected future.