Transportation Accessibility: Exploring the Input of Individuals Who are Blind to Create an In-Service Training for Bus Drivers

Abstract

The interactions, attitudes, and knowledge of bus drivers are factors that can affect service delivery for consumers who use public transportation. For consumers who are blind, these factors play a vital role in accessibility to public transportation. While experts in the field of orientation and mobility (O&M) can collaborate with transit systems to provide blindness training to vehicle operators and other transit personnel, specifics from blind passengers of what should be included in this training are not traditionally addressed within training programs. In an effort to develop a training module that informs bus drivers of the needs of passengers who are blind, this research investigates the opinions of blind consumers on topics they feel are important for transportation workers to know when interacting with and assisting these individuals on public buses. Based on results, consumers want bus drivers to recognize: (a) individuals who are blind will use alternative techniques for travel purposes; (b) they are able to speak for themselves, using a normal conversational tone; and (c) passengers who are blind will not always need additional assistance when using public transportation. In addition to looking at the attitudes, experiences, and knowledge of drivers in creating in-service training programs, the inclusion of feedback from consumers who are blind within this process empowers these individuals to share personal insights that inform topics and impact training outcomes.