are ots missing the bus? enothe conference 2007 john guite and kylie haslam sheffield hallam...
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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