Jill Louise Bezyak1, Scott Sabella2, Joy Hammel3, Katherine McDonald4, Robin Ann Jones3, Dana Barton5. 1. Rehabilitation Counseling and Sciences, University of Northern Colorado, Greeley, CO, USA. 2. Department of Counseling, School and Educational Psychology, University at Buffalo, Buffalo, NY, USA. 3. Department of Disability and Human Development, University of Illinois at Chicago, Chicago, IL, USA. 4. Burton Blatt Institute, Falk College, Syracuse University, Syracuse, NY, USA. 5. eMeeting the Challenge Inc., Colorado Springs, CO, USA.
Abstract
Background: Barriers to public transportation quickly impact the ability of people with disabilities to fully experience their community.Objective: A national survey of people with disabilities was conducted to understand the barriers and supports to accessing public transportation and the impact on community participation.Method: A total of 1748 respondents responded to a web-based survey investigating the accessibility of public transportation. Results present frequency of barriers to public transportation and group differences using Pearson's chi-square technique and Mann-Whitney U tests. Results: A majority of respondents experienced difficulties accessing public transportation, and community activities that do not occur on a regular schedule are more affected by problems with public transportation. Individuals with blindness or low vision, psychiatric disabilities, chronic health conditions, or multiple disabilities experienced more problems using public transportation for community participation, along with participants who were female, Hispanic, Latino/Latina, or Spanish origin.Limitations: Survey distribution was convenience-based, which may have affected participation of certain disability groups, cultural groups, and/or those without computer access, and interpretations cannot be made regarding predictive or casual relationships.Conclusions: Significant challenges face individuals with disabilities as they use public transportation, and certain disability groups are more severely impacted by these problems.Implications for RehabilitationCertain disability groups experience more severe problems with public transportation, as compared to other groups.Public policy advocacy and actions related to public transportation must prioritise individuals with disabilities who experience significantly more problems.Problems using public transportation for spontaneous activities pose increased problems for individuals with disabilities, and steps (i.e., extended hours or alternative transportation options) must be taken to overcome this barrier.
Background: Barriers to public transportation quickly impact the ability of people with disabilities to fully experience their community.Objective: A national survey of people with disabilities was conducted to understand the barriers and supports to accessing public transportation and the impact on community participation.Method: A total of 1748 respondents responded to a web-based survey investigating the accessibility of public transportation. Results present frequency of barriers to public transportation and group differences using Pearson's chi-square technique and Mann-Whitney U tests. Results: A majority of respondents experienced difficulties accessing public transportation, and community activities that do not occur on a regular schedule are more affected by problems with public transportation. Individuals with blindness or low vision, psychiatric disabilities, chronic health conditions, or multiple disabilities experienced more problems using public transportation for community participation, along with participants who were female, Hispanic, Latino/Latina, or Spanish origin.Limitations: Survey distribution was convenience-based, which may have affected participation of certain disability groups, cultural groups, and/or those without computer access, and interpretations cannot be made regarding predictive or casual relationships.Conclusions: Significant challenges face individuals with disabilities as they use public transportation, and certain disability groups are more severely impacted by these problems.Implications for RehabilitationCertain disability groups experience more severe problems with public transportation, as compared to other groups.Public policy advocacy and actions related to public transportation must prioritise individuals with disabilities who experience significantly more problems.Problems using public transportation for spontaneous activities pose increased problems for individuals with disabilities, and steps (i.e., extended hours or alternative transportation options) must be taken to overcome this barrier.
Entities:
Keywords:
Public transportation; accessibility; barriers; community participation; disability
Authors: Emre Umucu; Beatrice Lee; Helen M Genova; William J Chopik; Connie Sung; Mizuka Yasuoka; Ryan M Niemiec Journal: Front Psychiatry Date: 2022-02-25 Impact factor: 4.157
Authors: Shuliweeh Alenezi; Mohamad-Hani Temsah; Ahmed S Alyahya; Ahmad H Almadani; Afnan Almarshedi; Maha S Algazlan; Faisal Alnemary; Fahad A Bashiri; Samah Hazem Alkhawashki; Maram Hani Altuwariqi; Rafif Alsedrani; Aqeel Alkhiri; Mohammed Alarabi Journal: Front Public Health Date: 2022-09-27