In a modular classroom on campus at the University of South Florida St. Petersburg, a group of students discuss their goals. Those include getting a job, being involved on campus and leaning to ride the bus.
The discussion is part of the program called Project 10 STING RAY. It's designed to assist intellectually disabled students become fully independent, and a big part of independence is using public transit, according to program coordinator Annie Johnson.
"It's essential because our program is focused on promoting employment and so, being able to get a job is essential and to get to our school is essential," she said.
Chris Cochran, a senior planner with the Pinellas Suncoast Transit Authority, learned of the project through one of its students, Demetrius Sullivan. Sullivan applied for a position on the PSTA's Transit Rider Advisory Committee.
"And so, we came down and we did a training program for them, brought a bus down, taught them how to ride the bus," he said.
Sullivan is a wonderful example of the program's success.
"This year, I'm fixing to find my own apartment and teach other students around Florida and just help them get on the bus and help them find their route," Sullivan said.
According to Johnson, that is the program's goal: to be as fully independent as possible.
For more information about Project 10 Stingray, visit its web page.