Student Transportation of America (STA) was one of five agencies that helped the North Los Angeles County Regional Center (NLACRC) deliver over 1.4 million pieces of personal protective equipment (PPE) to individuals with developmental disabilities.

Since California has issued a stay at home order as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic, NLACRC staff partnered with the Department of Developmental Services (DDS), the Los Angeles County Department of Public Social Services (DPSS), R&D Transportation Services, Keolis Transit Services, and STA to coordinate the delivery of PPE to more than 4,900 consumers, their families, and service providers throughout the San Fernando, Santa Clarita, and Antelope Valleys, according to a news release from the NLARC. The NLACRC is a nonprofit private corporation that provides lifelong partnerships and planning to individuals with developmental disabilities.

“I am very proud of our role in securing and distributing PPE, as well as the volunteering of staff and community partners who contributed to our efforts to keep our community safe,” said Ruth Janka, NLACRC executive director. “The health and safety of our community, including consumers, family members, service providers, community-based organizations, and our staff, is a priority and essential for the work that we do.”

In addition to providing PPE, NLACRC and its partners continue to provide specialized transportation services to individuals with developmental disabilities during the pandemic in alternative ways, such as to deliver day program packets to individuals at their homes. The NLACRC is also researching methods for its specialized transportation providers to provide alternative service delivery at this time.

“R&D is grateful for the opportunity to assist NLACRC to distribute personal protective equipment to individuals in this region,” said Letty Leon, R&D Transportation Services vice president. “As a result of this collaboration between R&D, NLACRC, Keolis Transit, and Student Transportation, a very appreciative community received much-needed PPE — realized by NLACRC’s commitment to partner with providers to achieve positive outcomes for the people we serve.”