ARE OTs MISSING THE BUS?ENOTHE Conference 2007

JOHN GUITE and KYLIE HASLAM

SHEFFIELD HALLAM UNIVERSITY

We investigated the challenges of using public transport

Our Aims : To highlight the effects lack of accessibility has

on quality of life and social inclusion. To raise awareness of public transport issues To highlight all people have an equal right to

access public transport To recognise that every one has the right to

use public transport without feeling marginalised, or discriminated against.

To encourage Occupational Therapist to address these issues

RATIONALE

Background statistics 1 in 5 people of working age in UK considered

'disabled'

70% buses inaccessible to people with disabilities

50% consider transport as main concern

Disabled people travel a third less than general public as a whole

60% of the rail network is inaccessible to disabled people (Strategic Rail Authority)

The Government estimates that it will cost over £100 million to make all rolling stock accessible by 2025. The cost is likely to be significantly higher however as the compliance date has been brought forward to 2020 under the Disability Bill. (http://www.drc.org.uk)

Disability and Social Inclusion

Increased independence &

empowerment

Increased well being

Access to public transport

Access to education,

training or work opportunities

Increased social

inclusion

‘GOJO’ is a nationwide campaign aimed at increasing young people’s confidence using public transport

‘GOJO’ is aimed at the thousands of young people – aged between 16 and 25 - who have difficulties or fears using buses, trams and trains. (http://www.mygojo.co.uk)

Some of the issues….

Access

Good!

Poor…

“…and they don’t always arrive on time”

“It’s not always easy to find the time of your bus”

Consequences…Barriers to participating in daily life … Inability to gain/ maintain employment Inability to access education Inability to take part in social/ leisure activities Inability to keep important appointments

Effects… Financial consequences Unequal opportunities Increased social isolation Effects on mental wellbeing

What we did?

Investigated local bus companies initiatives Researched other local initiatives Meeting with local Passenger Transport Executive

Spoke to local students Plan Poster presentation Prepare for article publication Plan video diary + student presentation Set up wiki on the web

Recommendations

For Occupational Therapists to be:

more aware of public transport issues

active in sourcing out information and informing their clients

active in addressing transport difficulties as part of therapy process

more involved in working alongside public transport providers

advocates for change

The way forward

“We believe that Occupational Therapy students need

to recognise the importance of addressing transport

issues in future practice.

In doing so this will reduce the barriers faced by

individuals in using public transport and create a

culture of empowerment in which all individuals can

participate equally in daily life.”

ANY QUESTIONS?

THANKS FOR YOU LISTENING!

References

www.mygojo.co.uk http://www.socialinclusion.org.uk/home/index.php http://www.drc.org.uk/newsroom/

key_drc_facts_and_glossary/transport.aspx http://www.politics.co.uk/press-releases/public-services/

rail/rail/drc-gojo-aims-bridge-travel-gap-on-public-transport-$473259.htm

http://www.thestar.co.uk/viewarticle.aspx?sectionid=58&articleid=2872424

http://www.manchestereveningnews.co.uk/news/s/1007/1007005_all_aboard_for_laughter.html

http://ourotexperience.pbwiki.com