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Bus Drivers, Customers, & Canes: Exploring Accessibility to Public Transportation for Travelers with Vision Loss

Fast, Danene K
http://orcid.org/0000-0003-1711-3944
http://rave.ohiolink.edu/etdc/view?acc_num=osu1529780547432842

Abstract Details

2018, Doctor of Philosophy, Ohio State University, EDU Teaching and Learning.
This study addressed a lack of research within the field of orientation and mobility (O&M) regarding accessibility to public transportation, while exploring the effects of in-service training that addressed the role of bus drivers in serving consumers with visual impairments. The purpose of this mixed-methods research study was to explore the transportation needs of people with visual impairments, with a specific focus on the driver’s role in assisting with these accessibility needs. Data was collected using (a) qualitative interviews with consumers, transit administrators, and bus drivers and (b) pre- and post-survey assessments to gauge effects of in-service training efforts. Analysis was completed using cross-references among qualitative interviews and pre- and post-survey data results, using a constant comparison model to analyze common themes and trends. Qualitative research outcomes indicated that transportation administrators are aware of ADA laws, that they have high expectations of their drivers, and take an active role in programs that support accessibility training. Consumers shared that public transportation has both positive and negative aspects, with recommendations for improvement that include (a) informing drivers that there are ways they can assist with accessibility, (b) interacting to make travel less stressful, and (c) providing in-service training that teaches drivers about the impact of vision loss on accessibility to public transportation. Drivers indicated that customer service is a top priority. Quantitative data collected through pre- and post-training surveys indicated, while driver attitudes as measured by the SRBS (Bell & Silverman, 2011) did not change significantly as a result of training, post-training survey data of driver knowledge and role in assisting passengers with vision loss differed from pre-survey data. There were benefits associated with the implementation of a driver in-service training that addressed the needs of consumers with visual impairments who ride public transportation. In an analysis of all data collected, themes established from this data interrelate with one another. Consumers with visual impairments want public transportation to be accessible. Drivers are committed to providing customer service for their passengers and benefited from in-service training related to the provision of quality service for consumers with vision loss. Administrators are committed to providing in-service training that can teach drivers about the unique needs of all passengers, including those with visual impairments, in an effort to improve overall customer service for all consumers who use public transportation.
Tiffany Wild (Advisor)
Ann Allen (Committee Member)
Melinda Rhoades (Committee Member)
187 p.
Inservice Training; Rehabilitation; Special Education; Transportation
Blindness; Visual Impairment; Transportation; Orientation and Mobility; In-Service Training; Drivers

Recommended Citations

Citations

  • Fast, D. K. (2018). Bus Drivers, Customers, & Canes: Exploring Accessibility to Public Transportation for Travelers with Vision Loss [Doctoral dissertation, Ohio State University]. OhioLINK Electronic Theses and Dissertations Center. http://rave.ohiolink.edu/etdc/view?acc_num=osu1529780547432842

    APA Style (7th edition)

  • Fast, Danene. Bus Drivers, Customers, & Canes: Exploring Accessibility to Public Transportation for Travelers with Vision Loss . 2018. Ohio State University, Doctoral dissertation. OhioLINK Electronic Theses and Dissertations Center, http://rave.ohiolink.edu/etdc/view?acc_num=osu1529780547432842.

    MLA Style (8th edition)

  • Fast, Danene. "Bus Drivers, Customers, & Canes: Exploring Accessibility to Public Transportation for Travelers with Vision Loss ." Doctoral dissertation, Ohio State University, 2018. http://rave.ohiolink.edu/etdc/view?acc_num=osu1529780547432842

    Chicago Manual of Style (17th edition)

osu1529780547432842
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This open access ETD is published by The Ohio State University and OhioLINK.