| Citation: |
Ipsen, C., Colling, K., & Goe., R. (2012). Transportation: A barrier to successful employment outcomes among rural VR clients.
RTC:Rural,
|
| Title: |
Transportation: A barrier to successful employment outcomes among rural VR clients |
| Authors: |
Ipsen, C., Colling, K., & Goe., R. |
| Year: |
2012 |
|
Journal/Publication:
|
RTC:Rural |
| Publisher: |
The University of Montana |
| Full text: |
https://scholarworks.umt.edu/cgi/viewcontent.cgi?article=1014&conte...
|
PDF
|
| Peer-reviewed? |
No
|
| NIDILRR-funded? |
Yes
|
| Background: |
The lack of available, accessible, and affordable transportation continues to be a persistent problem for individuals with disabilities. The challenges are even greater in rural communities. |
|
Purpose:
|
This study focused on not only assessing the lack of transportation in rural communities and how health care, employment, and community participation are affected, but also offer several potential options to assuage the problem. |
|
Study sample: |
Participants were from 17 general, 12 blind/low-vision, and 19 combined VR agencies. From these agencies, 21 counselors, 4 supervisors, 37 area managers, and 20 administrators were interviewed. |
|
Data collection and analysis:
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Semi-structured interviews were conducted by two researchers, and individual interview notes were coded using QSR NVIVO 2.0 qualitative analysis software. |
|
Findings:
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Responses from 41 agencies indicate that public transportation options within their service area in either limited or non-existent. Although some public transportation was available in some areas served by 17 of the agencies interviewed, bus schedules were too limited. Another 21 agencies represented indicated that there were no public transportation options available in certain regions served. |
|
Conclusions:
|
Transportation remains a critical barrier to VR service provision. Although there are no widespread solutions, transportation counseling, expansion of bus routes, support for client sponsored transportation businesses, and voucher models offer options to increase VR and community accessibility for individuals with disabilities in rural America. |
