Bus Drivers, Customers, & Canes:Exploring Accessibility to Public Transportation for Travelers with Vision Loss
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| Language: | English |
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The Ohio State University / OhioLINK
2018
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| Online Access: | http://rave.ohiolink.edu/etdc/view?acc_num=osu1529780547432842 |
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ndltd-OhioLink-oai-etd.ohiolink.edu-osu15297805474328422021-08-03T07:07:20Z Bus Drivers, Customers, & Canes:Exploring Accessibility to Public Transportation for Travelers with Vision Loss Fast, Danene K. Inservice Training Rehabilitation Special Education Transportation Blindness Visual Impairment Transportation Orientation and Mobility In-Service Training Drivers 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. 2018-12-18 English text The Ohio State University / OhioLINK http://rave.ohiolink.edu/etdc/view?acc_num=osu1529780547432842 http://rave.ohiolink.edu/etdc/view?acc_num=osu1529780547432842 unrestricted This thesis or dissertation is protected by copyright: all rights reserved. It may not be copied or redistributed beyond the terms of applicable copyright laws. |
| collection |
NDLTD |
| language |
English |
| sources |
NDLTD |
| topic |
Inservice Training Rehabilitation Special Education Transportation Blindness Visual Impairment Transportation Orientation and Mobility In-Service Training Drivers |
| spellingShingle |
Inservice Training Rehabilitation Special Education Transportation Blindness Visual Impairment Transportation Orientation and Mobility In-Service Training Drivers Fast, Danene K. Bus Drivers, Customers, & Canes:Exploring Accessibility to Public Transportation for Travelers with Vision Loss |
| author |
Fast, Danene K. |
| author_facet |
Fast, Danene K. |
| author_sort |
Fast, Danene K. |
| title |
Bus Drivers, Customers, & Canes:Exploring Accessibility to Public Transportation for Travelers with Vision Loss |
| title_short |
Bus Drivers, Customers, & Canes:Exploring Accessibility to Public Transportation for Travelers with Vision Loss |
| title_full |
Bus Drivers, Customers, & Canes:Exploring Accessibility to Public Transportation for Travelers with Vision Loss |
| title_fullStr |
Bus Drivers, Customers, & Canes:Exploring Accessibility to Public Transportation for Travelers with Vision Loss |
| title_full_unstemmed |
Bus Drivers, Customers, & Canes:Exploring Accessibility to Public Transportation for Travelers with Vision Loss |
| title_sort |
bus drivers, customers, & canes:exploring accessibility to public transportation for travelers with vision loss |
| publisher |
The Ohio State University / OhioLINK |
| publishDate |
2018 |
| url |
http://rave.ohiolink.edu/etdc/view?acc_num=osu1529780547432842 |
| work_keys_str_mv |
AT fastdanenek busdriverscustomerscanesexploringaccessibilitytopublictransportationfortravelerswithvisionloss |
| _version_ |
1719454057811148800 |