Opening More than Car Doors
The Independent Transportation Network® does more than just provide rides for older people and the visually impaired. It helps to solve a huge social need. Because of ITNBluegrass, seniors in our area now have an alternative to driving that both preserves their independence ensures the safety of our roads and the health of our communities.
ITNBluegrass helps many aspects of the individual, the family, and the community. Among these are:
- It helps families and friendships endure;
- It allows adult children minimize their absenteeism from work;
- It helps local businesses remain profitable;
- It allows seniors to begin a chapter in their lives that no longer includes loneliness, dependence, burden or immobility.
ITNBluegrass does not rely on taxpayer support for operating expenses. In fact, unlike many public programs, ITN actually supports the local economy and build community. The average impact of an ITN affiliate on the local business community is between $300,000 and $500,000 per year.
Senior transportation is a complex issue that touches every family in America. In order to adequately address this issue, we must alter how we think about it. We must think of senior transportation as a lifelong need for which we must proactively plan, just as we plan for retirement or long-term care needs.