On 3/5/25, Janel Vrieze, Work-Based Learning Coordinator for ISD 917’s TESA program, presented at the Mobility Matters event in Burnsville, MN, hosted by Minnesota Valley Transit Authority (MVTA), the National League of Cities (NLC), the City of Burnsville, and Enterprise Mobility.
Janel’s presentation highlighted the:
- Importance of public transportation in the lives of young adults with disabilities as they seek independence, meaningful employment, and post-secondary learning opportunities
- Incredible partnership between ISD 917 and the MVTA that has led to four years of successful transportation training for more than seventy 18-21 year-olds in the ISD 917 TESA program
- Positive impacts of transportation training for Dakota County students and families
She also expressed her deep gratitude for the support and advocacy of the MVTA staff and board who have worked collaboratively with ISD 917 to provide essential hands-on learning experiences for students.
The Mobility Matters event provided a critical platform for discussing the importance of collaboration at the federal, state, and local levels to address the mobility gaps that affect children and adults throughout our communities. Speakers included:
- Steve Patterson - President of the National League of Cities
- Elizabeth Kautz - Mayor of the City of Burnsville, Former Chair of the MVTA Board of Commissioners
- Angie Craig - U.S. House Representative, Minnesota’s 2nd District
-
Luther Wynder - MVTA Chief Executive Officer (CEO)
ISD 917 is thankful to Janel Vrieze and all those who embed our core values of empathy, personalization, equity, and innovation in their work to reduce barriers and increase access to transportation for students and adults with disabilities.