Transportation Experiences of College Students With Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities: A Photovoice Study

Abstract

Transition-age adults with disabilities largely desire the same community employment and community participation outcomes as young adults without disabilities. One common barrier to the manifestation of these desires is the lack of reliable and accessible transportation in their communities. This study used the participatory action research method of photovoice to investigate the experiences of college students with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDDs) accessing various transportation options within their community. Utilizing a critical constructivist theoretical framework, researchers worked with participants to co-construct situated knowledge. The overall aim of this study was to contribute to the extant literature on transportation barriers and facilitators for this population and to give emerging adults enrolled in an inclusive postsecondary education program an opportunity to share their lived experiences and raise critical consciousness related to their transportation experiences. Limitations and implications for future research, and practice are included.