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Now there's RideConnect, a new transportation coordination center serving Washtenaw County residents. Sponsored by Western Washtenaw Area Value Express or WAVE, the Washtenaw Area Transportation Study or WATS; People's Express, Washtenaw County, and Ann Arbor Transportation Authority, RideConnect also coordinates services among existing public, private, and non-profit transportation as well as county human service agencies.

The Downtown Library has a new dedicated area of assistive technology devices that are available for anyone with a visual or learning disability, including a Kurzweil 1000 scanning station and JAWS text-to-speech software, a Braille embosser, a closed circuit reader and magnifiers at all public desks. Public computers at Malletts Creek, Traverwood, West and Downtown Youth have JAWS, and a function that enlarges type is on all public computers. Assistive technology trainer, Nick Wilcox, is ready to help walk-in patrons on the second floor at the Downtown Library from 2-6pm on Tuesdays or by requesting an appointment at WLBPD: 734-327-4224.

pottery

The University of Michigan School of Art and Design and the Ann Arbor Center for Independent Living are jointly offering a class on working with clay for people with disabilities September 21 through December 7. Classes take place Mondays from 2 to 4 pm at the Ann Arbor Center for Independent Living. The classes are free, and no tools or prior experience is necessary. Space is limited to 20 people who must make a firm commitment. To join, contact Carolyn Grawi at cgrawi@aacil.org or 734-971-0277 x. 16.

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Life can be tough out there if you are a parent under the age of 21 or a pregnant teenager. Add to that being homeless or aging out of (or still in) foster care and things can seem hopeless. Fortunately a new grant to serve this group of young people is available in our community. Services are available to resolve immediate needs as well as future planning.To refer a teen parent who is at risk, contact Catherine Kabira, Wraparound Facilitator at 734-929-6509 or ckabira@emich.edu.