Access Tech attended a lovely fundraising event last week for Ride Connection, a Portland nonprofit supplementing public transit systems by providing individual and group transportation to our most socially isolated and at-risk neighbors.

A Personal Connection to the Mission

Having coordinated meal delivery services for Meals On Wheels People, I’m passionate about addressing the difficulties our elderly and disabled community members face when it comes to accessing transportation services. At Access Tech, I get to apply that knowledge and passion to our ongoing technical support for several local public-transit agencies like Yamhill County and Sandy Metro Agencies.  

Technology and Transit: Access Tech’s Role

Income restrictions, debilitating health conditions, and communication challenges are a few of the many issues people face when trying to access food, connect socially, and maintain healthcare. The transit agencies we partner with work diligently to provide comprehensive and effective services to the larger public. Access Tech shares their commitment to ensuring technology not only supports current agency efforts but can also evolve as agencies extend and improve services. Understanding how organizations like Ride Connection fill gaps in existing transportation services broadens our understanding of community needs and helps us make useful recommendations to our clients. 

Celebrating Community and Connection

We were lucky enough to share a table at the event with one of Ride Connection’s clients, Adele, and her favorite volunteer driver Jay (Adele and Jay’s Ride Connection story). With their help, Adele can stay in her own home, maintaining her autonomy as well as social connections. The genuine affection that’s grown between those two was authentic and inspiring to witness. And I won a pair to tickets to see Terell Alvin McCraney’s play “The Brothers Size” at Portland Center Stage! Thank you, Ride Connection, for providing such meaningful services and a wonderful event that celebrated Portland arts and culture. We look forward to supporting your work in the future! 

Looking Ahead: Continuing Our Support

Check back for more updates on how Access Tech supports public transit and works to ensure the latest technology continues to improve services provided to our communities.