WESTFIELD-For Ned Pavlak, the new PVTA station on Elm Street is a godsend.
“I rely on the bus to be independent,” said Pavlak as he sat with Sherry Elander, M.Ed., special education teacher and transition specialist with the Westfield Public Schools, earlier this week inside the station.
Pavlak, 21, who currently is in a “supported living environment” in the city, is dependent on basic services including taking the bus to ensure he can navigate his way to classes at Holyoke Community College, be on time for work assignments, and attend to everyday living needs.
“When I heard that the PVTA was considering making changes to its routes due to budget cuts, I was concerned,” he said, adding, “it can be hard on those of us who are dependent on the bus.”
Ned Pavlak of Westfield credits the PVTA fixed route system for allowing him to navigate seamlessly to his classes at Holyoke Community College. Pavlak is seen with Sherry Elander, M.Ed., transition specialist with the Westfield Public Schools, who has been working with him on his transition to being independent.
In a July 19 meeting of the PVTA advisory board, FY18 service changes posted on its website will reflect a new funding level due to an adjusted deficit that increased more than $500k from $1.2 million to $1.789 million. For Pavlak’s route from Westfield to Holyoke, Route B23, it is proposed at press time to eliminate Saturday service with no change to the weekday service. That report is good news for Pavlak.
“Ned loves Westfield and wants to be a voice on how those with disabilities can navigate through the city and use the PVTA fixed route system in particular,” said Elander, adding that as part of his transition goals he would like to work with the local business community and the schools on this issue.
While finding transportation can be one challenge for Pavlak, that doesn’t deter him from the big picture – to truly be “independent” one day soon.
Pavlak’s feeling of independence has steadily grown since he has been involved with federal and state programs over the past several years locally, and was a key component to being accepted as a delegate earlier this month at the Youth Leadership Forum (YLF) at Bridgewater State University. The three-day conference for youth and young adults with disabilities helps participants build leadership skills which will lead to future employment, higher education, and independent living.
Each Youth Leadership Forum participant received a binder of all of the workshop materials needed for the three-day conference at Bridgewater State University. Ned Pavlak served as a delegate at the conference.
“I was really excited when I learned I was chosen to be a delegate,” said Pavlak. “This was another step for helping me learn to be more independent as well as to make new friends.”
Over the course of three days, YLF participants stayed in the college dorms to experience life in a college setting, and participated in small and large group discussions and workshops on topics including self-advocacy, disability pride, assistive technology, independent living, employment skills, career exploration, higher education, legislative advocacy, the Disability Rights Movement, and community participation.
“The workshops gave me some new tools, especially on assistive technology, to use as I continue to work on my transition of being independent,” said Pavlak.
Ned Pavlak had an opportunity to participate in workshops as well as fun activities including an open mic night. He enjoyed singing Neil Diamond’s “America” and Heatwave’s “Always and Forever.” (Submitted photo)
Susan Nicastro, Ph.D., deputy director for Partners for Youth with Disabilities, host of the conference in partnership with the Massachusetts Rehabilitation Commission and collaborators across the state, echoed those sentiments in a statement.
“Ned joined 48 other YLF delegates and peer leaders selected from across Massachusetts to represent their communities and build their skills and knowledge related to leadership, employment, disability rights, transition to adulthood, and much more,” said Nicastro. “Ned fulfilled his role as a YLF delegate by fully participating in the many workshops and activities that took place at the forum. We congratulate Ned on his achievements as a YLF delegate and commend him on the steps he is taking to realize his goals.”
Ned Pavlak of Westfield was among the delegates and peer leaders chosen for the annual Youth Fellowship Forum July 11-13 at Bridgewater State University. (Submitted photo)
For Pavlak, his “passion” is communications and hopes one day after completing his degree at Holyoke Community College, to secure a job that allows him to hone his computer and creativity skills. He finished Westfield Technical Academy in 2016 with a major in business technology.
“I have high expectations for Ned,” said Elander, noting in particular the projects assigned to him during the summer YouthWorks programs in 2015 and 2016. Pavlak worked closely with consumers with disabilities at Sunshine Village in the city in 2015 and worked on office projects for Elander last summer. He has also been involved with the May Institute in West Springfield, which provides educational, rehabilitative, and behavioral health care services to individuals with developmental disabilities and special needs.
“Working with Pre-ETS (Pre-Employment Transition Services) has been good for me and has helped me to determine what I like to do,” said Pavlak. In 2014, changes to federal vocational rehabilitation law (the Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act), added pre-employment transition services for disabled students with disabilities with an Individualized Education Program (IEP).
In the coming months, Pavlak will be working with Elander and her team at the East Mountain Road site on a variety of areas as part of his IEP, including helping him to set attainable goals for his future.
When Pavlak turns 22 next year, he will be leaving Elander’s transition program with a newfound sense of self.
“I am working toward a seamless transition with the adult services organizations that are helping me,” said Pavlak, noting at the top of his list is to move to a shared living arrangement before venturing out and living on his own one day.
“I am also grateful for the PVTA bus system which will help me when I find a job in an office where I can combine my skills in computers and communications,” said Pavlak.
No doubt … with Pavlak’s determination and skill level … that day is coming.
