Considerations for People with Disabilities

In rural areas, people with disabilities may experience transportation barriers. Common challenges unique to rural communities that may affect access to transportation include lack of adequate sidewalks and paved roads, limited public transportation options, farther distance to travel, and limited organizational resources to support accessibility compliance, such as wheelchair lifts and ramps and accessible vehicles. These challenges can make it difficult for people with disabilities to access and use various modes of transportation, which can impact health and quality of life. Research shows that non-drivers with disabilities in rural areas take fewer trips for health, social, and occupational reasons compared to non-drivers in urban areas.

In addition, people with disabilities in rural areas may lack information about different transportation options available to them. Programs like Transit Planning 4 All aim to eliminate this disparity and increase access to transportation for those living with disabilities. Transportation programs will need to consider how to best implement appropriate accessibility requirements and disseminate information about these programs for different populations.

The National Aging and Disability Transportation Center offers resources to support both older adults and people with disabilities in transportation planning. For example, when planning medical visits, people with disabilities may need to consider whether their health has changed in a way which will impact their use of different types of transportation. In addition, healthcare providers and staff may need to help plan or arrange transportation to healthcare appointments. Family, friends, and caregivers can also be an important source of information and support for transportation needs.

For some rural residents who have a disability and health insurance through Medicaid, non-emergency transportation for healthcare services can be paid for through Medicaid. This is an important benefit in many areas where people may otherwise go without care.

Resources to Learn More

Research and Training Center on Disability in Rural Communities
Website
Highlights research articles, fact sheets, toolkits, data, maps and websites on disability issues for people in rural communities. Focus areas cover independent living, transportation, employment, vocational rehabilitation, and access to healthcare.
Organization(s): University of Montana Research & Training Center on Disability in Rural Communities

Transportation Voucher Toolkit
Website
Describes how to develop and operate a voucher-based transportation service for populations living with disabilities by offering resources, tools, and examples for program planners to review.
Organization(s): University of Montana, Rural Institute for Inclusive Communities