The BAT Special Events!

March 2024: PEAC Transportation Training

A little bit about PEAC

In 2004, PEAC launched a bike program called Programs to Educate all Cyclists (hence, PEAC). At that time, they became an independent nonprofit dedicated to enhancing the lives of individuals with disabilities by championing cycling as transportation, integrated recreation, fitness, and therapy.  In 2010, PEAC established the "School Active Transportation Program" with SMART’s support. Their motto of "Everyone Can Ride" took on a broader meaning to include riding transit. Now, PEAC is teaching students with disabilities how to independently travel around their communities by biking, taking public transit, and walking.

Details of ATP's transportation training

Introduction day!  Presentation on Pedestrian Skills & Safety, discussion of SMART bus, and walk to the bus stop!

Bus trip to Ferndale Foods, 600 W Nine Mile, Ferndale

Bus trip to Dunkin Donuts, 23113 Greenfield Rd, Southfield

Bus trip to CVS, 900 W Nine Mile, Ferndale

January 2024: Michigan State Police VIP Event 

In Michigan, laws MCL 722.774 & MCL 28.274 allow an individual with special needs, (or a parent/legal guardian or power of attorney) to voluntarily provide fingerprints and a photograph for inclusion in a State of Michigan repository that can be used to assist in identification should the person with special needs become lost or find him/herself in a situation in which he/she cannot identify him/herself. 

Fingerprints are captured electronically using a system known as Live Scan.  The person's fingerprints & photo are stored along with additional demographic information, including home/email address & phone number for  emergency contacts.

Once enrolled in the VIP program, law enforcement can utilize a Live Scan device to quickly identify a "VIP" who may have trouble identifying him/herself. The goal of the VIP program is to return individuals to familiar, safe environments, while maintaining their dignity. 

We were fortunate to have our own  VIP event on January 18th!  Fourteen students participated.  Michael Ransom from the Michigan State Police, along with a couple of volunteers, brought the Live Scan device to us and entered the student's information, fingerprints, and photographs into their system.  We want to thank the Michigan State Police and Mike Ransom for providing this opportunity to our students!  We feel safer because of it!