Transportation Challenges

Transcription

1 Transportation Challenges ASERT Pennsylvania State Policy Summit March 22, 2016 Cecilia Feeley, Ph.D. Transportation Autism Project Manager, Rutgers University Center for Advanced Infrastructure and Transportation

2 Why Transportation is Important >> Access to transportation is vital - it directly impacts one s quality of life One needs to know how to travel to get anywhere We train for employment, but overlook how to access an actual job We train for independence but overlook how to access shopping/errands, medical care, recreational activities, visiting family & friends Individuals with disabilities are considered a Transportation Disadvantaged Population

3 Why Transportation is Important? >> Adults with developmental disabilities such as an autism spectrum disorder (ASD) need the same basics we all do: Employment opportunities Social & recreational opportunities friends/family Access to diverse services healthcare, shopping & learning opportunities TRANSPORTATION is the essential link that ties these needs together, BUT is too oten overlooked.

4 Background of Rutgers CAIT Research >> Transportation research and data have been limited for adults with ASD. Travel data is collected for persons with disabilities not persons with ASD Gain info about travel patterns, needs, and barriers of persons with ASD Goal: Gain insight about the transportation barriers experiences by adult ASD population Goal: Identify characteristics and traits found in adults with ASD & their impact on transportation choices

5 Rutgers CAIT Research Objectives >> Identify mobility needs and barriers of adults with ASD so efforts can be made to meet unmet transportation & mobility needs Examine all types of mobility needs and transportation barriers for all modes Educate agencies and officials assisting persons with ASD

6 Areas to Explore >> Trips including those not taken Traveling to Employment Walking Driving Passenger Public Transit Paratransit

7 About 2 Year Rutgers Research Study >> Key Informant Interviews with 25 Stakeholders Statewide survey of 703 adults with ASD and/or their family members regarding transportation barriers 6 focus groups 4 with adults with ASD 2 with parents/guardians Final Report: Detour to the Right Place 7 Key Findings 15 Recommendations

8 Key Findings from Detour to the Right Place >> Very little research about transportation issues encountered by adults with ASD Availability of accessible public transportation is crucial Adults with ASD mostly travel as passengers in cars driver by their parents or family members Adults with ASD see driving as independence but very few of them drive or obtain driver s licenses Many adults with ASD do not possess basic safe walking skills such as crossing roads (53.5%) and judging distances to oncoming vehicles (45%) Post transition from school is the most difficult time Travel education, orientation and training during school years is minimal to nonexistent and should be included in IEPs Improved societal awareness of adults with ASD is needed

9 Detour to the Right Place Recommendations Include >> Establish Transportation Autism and Developmental Disabilities Research Center Develop Statewide Steering Committee Develop and include in IEPs transportation educational training programs for students Educate families and communities on transportation and mobility options for adults with ASD Research the relationship between employment and transportation for adults on the autism spectrum Conduct review of infrastructure design practices Develop and implement targeted vehicle operator and front-line staff training on ASD Conduct nationwide and global studies inquiry on Best Practices to ameliorate transportation barriers for persons with ASD Discuss possibilities for transportation service expansion Improve awareness among general population about ASD characteristics

10 Contact Information >> Cecilia Feeley Ph.D. Transportation Autism Project Manager