For people with developmental disabilities, getting to a medical appointment can involve more than simply finding a way to get from one place to another. Transportation can be a major barrier to accessing healthcare, maintaining independence and staying connected to essential services.
Quest, Inc., a Central Florida nonprofit serving individuals with developmental disabilities for more than 60 years, is working to address that challenge after being selected as a 2026 grant partner by AdventHealth.
The grant will allow Quest to expand its accessible transportation fleet with the purchase of two vehicles, giving the organization additional resources to help clients get to medical appointments and other critical healthcare services.
Expanding Access to Healthcare
Quest provides residential and community-based services and support to people with developmental disabilities throughout Central Florida. Reliable transportation is an important part of helping the individuals it serves maintain access to healthcare and other essential resources.
With the additional vehicles, Quest expects to be better equipped to provide transportation for clients who may otherwise face challenges getting to appointments.
“Transportation is more than a ride. It is a vital link to healthcare, independence, and quality of life,” said Lauren Nelson, Quest’s vice president of philanthropy. “We’re grateful to AdventHealth for investing in this important need and partnering with us to ensure that individuals with developmental disabilities have greater access to the care and services that help them thrive.”
The investment comes as transportation continues to be recognized as an important factor in community health. AdventHealth’s Community Health Needs Assessment identified transportation as a key issue affecting access to care and overall community well-being.
A Partnership Focused on Community Health
AdventHealth said its partnership with Quest reflects its broader efforts to address community health needs and help Central Florida residents overcome barriers to care.
“Everyone in our community deserves the opportunity to feel whole and to thrive,” said Sharon Line Clary, senior vice president of community impact and partnership engagement for AdventHealth Central Florida. “By investing in and collaborating with Quest, Inc., we’re helping create pathways to hope, stability, and better health for our neighbors. Together, we can build stronger, more resilient communities where everyone has the support they need to flourish.”
For Quest, expanding its transportation resources is about more than increasing the number of vehicles available. The organization says the additional capacity can help clients maintain consistent access to healthcare and other services that support their long-term health and wellness.
The two new vehicles will serve individuals participating in Quest’s residential and community-based programs, helping reduce transportation barriers and strengthen access to the services they depend on.
To learn more about Quest, Inc. and its programs and services, visit QuestInc.org.
