Indiana Mobility Summit aimed to improve transportation, mobility for all Hoosiers

A virtual event from Health by Design and the Governor’s Council for People with Disabilities addressed inequities in Indiana’s transportation systems and how they can be solved through collaboration

Health by Design, in partnership with the Indiana Governor’s Council for People with Disabilities, hosted the inaugural Indiana Mobility Summit on November 16 and 17, 2021. This action-oriented, virtual event set out to bring together advocates, riders, service providers, and public agencies to explore current transportation and mobility systems and the related challenges facing Hoosiers. The Summit worked to identify next steps to improve these systems for Hoosiers of all ages, abilities, income levels, and backgrounds.

For the past few years, coalition partners have been exploring the need for a Mobility Management Network in Indiana to ensure equitable, accessible, and dependable transportation throughout the state. Through research and conversations with both partner organizations and individuals, Health by Design has identified significant gaps in meeting transportation and mobility needs for Hoosiers. Currently, people who rely on public transit or are non-drivers are at the mercy of the existing systems and suffer from consequences that harm their health, impede their right to self-determination, and impact their quality of life. How we move matters, and for Hoosiers who are aging, have disabilities, earn low income, or lack access to transportation options, this creates additional barriers to access basic needs. The Indiana Mobility Summit explored these challenges and identify ways for advocates from different backgrounds to be involved in enhancing these systems for inclusion and equity.

“Reliable transportation is one of the most significant barriers that people with disabilities face as they strive to exercise their autonomy, live independently, and participate fully in their communities,” said Jessica Trimble, interim executive director of the Governor’s Council. “We’re excited to work with Health by Design to advance the conversation about mobility management in Indiana and to encourage stakeholders, advocates, and our colleagues in public service toward meaningful action and realistic solutions.”

The Indiana Mobility Summit took place on Tuesday, Nov. 16, from 10 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. ET. Day two, Wednesday, Nov. 17, ran from 10 a.m. to 12 p.m. ET. Tuesday morning, speakers working in effective mobility management programs from around the U.S. shared their strategies for success and address common challenges in bringing together multiple agencies to ensure no riders are left behind. The afternoon sessions included presentations from disability and independent living advocates and organizations, transit providers, and public agencies. Wednesday featured a presentation from Joseph Pinnell, the Deputy Chief of Workforce Engagement in the Indiana Office of the Chief Equity, Inclusion, and Opportunity Officer, and include ways for attendees to participate in transportation and mobility advocacy moving forward.

For more information, visit: http://www.healthbydesignonline.org/indianamobilitysummit/

About Health by Design

Health by Design is a coalition of partners working at the intersection of the built environment and public health, collaborating across sectors and disciplines to ensure Indiana communities have neighborhoods, public spaces and transportation infrastructure that promote active living for all. Health by Design promotes equitable, safe, accessible, convenient, and connected options for walking, biking and public transit.

About the Indiana Governor’s Council for People with Disabilities

The Indiana Governor’s Council is an independent state agency that facilitates change. Its mission is to advance the independence, productivity, and inclusion of people with disabilities in all aspects of society. This mission is accomplished through planning, evaluation, collaboration, education, research, and advocacy.