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APHA Scientific Session and Event Listing

Michael McCarthy, MSW, Anna Long, PhD, Dean H. Westwood, MSW, and Carla Cully, MPH. Oregon Institute on Disability and Development, Oregon Health and Science University, P.O. Box 574, Portland, OR 97207-0574, 503-494-3882, culleyc@ohsu.edu

Persons with disabilities represent a significant and growing share of the population of intercity travelers. Safe and dignified transportation is not simply a means to access other services but a quality of life issue in itself and a key component of health. Despite this, complaints by passengers with disabilities about inadequate and/or unsafe services occur frequently. As a component of the NIDRR-funded RERC on Accessible Inter-City Transportation, Oregon Health and Science University's Center on Self-Determination is conducting focus groups with air carriers and subcontracting organizations to investigate: 1) the current level of skill and sensitivity among personnel in assisting passengers with disabilities, 2) the potential need for additional training, and 3) organizational commitment to safe, dignified assistance. Eight focus groups have thus far been conducted in three regions of the U.S. Preliminary analysis has uncovered four primary domains transportation personnel identify as impacting their ability to assist passengers with disabilities safely and with dignity. These domains are: 1) characteristics of transportation personnel, 2) characteristics of passengers, 3) characteristics of staff trainings, and 4) characteristics of the job/system. All data collection and analysis will be completed by September 2006. Findings from this study will be paired with results from its affiliated RERC projects including: 1) a qualitative study of the experiences of travelers with disabilities, 2) two national surveys of travelers with disabilities, and 3) biomechanics research around safe dependent transfer techniques. All information will be combined to create a comprehensive, evidence-based Passenger Assistance Training curriculum for intercity transportation personnel.

Learning Objectives: At the conclusion of this session, the participant will be able to

• appreciate the unique issues faced by intercity travelers with disabilities,
• articulate the current level of intercity transportation staff preparedness to serve these passengers safely and with dignity, and
• describe the Center on Self-Determination’s Passenger Assistance Training curriculum for airline and subcontractor personnel.

Keywords: Disability, Access and Services

Presenting author's disclosure statement:

Not Answered