8 research outputs found
Exploring the propensity to travel by demand responsive transport in the rural area of Lincolnshire in England
Local transport systems in rural areas worldwide are facing significant challenges. In particular, increased car ownership and usage as well as broader socio-economic trends such as ageing populations and cuts in public spending are combining to threaten the bus – the traditional means by which people without cars have accessed the services that they need. Consequently, Demand Responsive Transport (DRT) systems have emerged in a bid to combine the benefits of bus-based and taxi-based services, to deliver a relatively cheap yet comprehensive level of public transport in low demand environments. Unfortunately, while attractive in principle, several barriers conspire to limit the effectiveness of such services in practice.
This paper therefore investigates how individual level factors influence the use of DRT systems in rural Lincolnshire in England by applying an ordered logit model to a survey of DRT users in the county. The analysis shows that those who are disabled, travelling for work, or live in less densely populated areas are likely to travel more frequently by DRT. Men are found to travel less frequently than women when they are below pension age. However there are no significant gender differences once they reach retirement age. This highlights an emerging market potential from the retired male market segment. The implications for policy include recommendations that DRT systems should be designed to cater for such market segments through both traditional channels and through further engagement with employers
The 'Choice and Autonomy Framework' : implications for occupational therapy practice
Introduction
This paper presents findings from a PhD study exploring
autonomy of adults with physical disability. The plethora
of descriptions of autonomy in psychological, occupational
therapy and rehabilitation literature (e.g. Ryan and Deci 2000,
Rogers 1982, Cardol et al 2002) detracts from the centrality
of autonomy and results in difficulty incorporating it into
occupational therapy practice. This paper presents a framework
providing an integrated, clinically useful approach to autonomy.
Methods
Sixteen people were recruited, based on age, gender,
impairment and living circumstances (community/residential
settings). All have significant physical disability, use a wheelchair
and require personal assistance for some/all self-care activities.
Qualitative methods were used for data collection, including
life-history narrative, diary information and extensive interview.
An integrated method of analysis was used, including content
analysis and bracketing.
Results
The ‘Choice and Autonomy Framework’ consists of five strands,
including:
• the meaning of autonomy
• whether or not autonomy is a goal or value
• the experience of autonomy
• personality factors that impact autonomy
• environmental features that enhance or negate autonomy.
This paper will describe each strand, as derived from the
research. The results suggest that, contrary to common wisdom (Hmel and Pincus 2002), autonomy is not necessarily a universal
goal for people with physical disability; an understanding of the
person’s own perspective will enhance person-centred practice
and enable therapists to further recognise individuality of clients.
It will argue that the concept of autonomy needs to be further
understood and incorporated into occupational therapy practice