Characteristics of individuals with disabilities receiving transportation services in vocational rehabilitation

BACKGROUND: Adequate, accessible public transportation is essential to fully address social and economic disparities that exist among individuals with disabilities. Despite removal of many physical barriers within transportation systems, significant barriers to public transportation for people with disabilities are still widespread. OBJECTIVE: Transportation is commonly cited as an obstacle to employment for individuals with disabilities, and as a result, a thorough analysis of specific factors influencing the use of public transportation by individuals with disabilities is necessary to fully understand patterns of use. METHOD: The current study used a national sample of individuals with disabilities in pursuit of employment to investigate characteristics that predict the receipt of transportation services by vocational rehabilitation personnel. RESULTS: Results indicate individuals who were not employed, who were receiving welfare and/or TANF, who were homeless, who were living in rehabilitation facilities, and/or who were living in substance abuse treatment centers were more likely to receive transit services from vocational rehabilitation programs. Also, individuals with substance use problems, mental health disorders, HIV/AIDS or other immune deficiency disorders, and/or people from racial or ethnic minority backgrounds were more likely to receive transit service support from vocational rehabilitation programs. CONCLUSION: Improvement in transportation services for individuals with disabilities is needed on a systems and individual level. State rehabilitation counselors can evaluate the extent high-risk clients identified in this study can benefit from transit services as well as other wrap around services that can improve their engagement in VR services leading to better employment outcomes.