The Transportation Needs of People with Developmental Disabilities

The United States Department of Health and Human Services, Administration on Development Disabilities estimates there are about 4.5 million persons with developmental disabilities in the United States (about 1.5 percent of the total population), which translates to about 17,000 residents of Hennepin County, Minnesota. This report examines the transportation needs of adults with developmental disabilities in Hennepin County through a survey of their existing travel behavior and their unmet needs. We were assisted in the design and distribution of these surveys with community partners (Partnership Resources, Rise, Opportunity Partners, AccessAbility, and Arc), and had respondents (or their guardian or caretaker) mail back their responses to this multipage survey. The survey had both demographic and attitude questions as well as a travel diary for recording actual trips and desired but untaken trips. Of more than 990 surveys distributed, 114 were returned, giving data on primarily mentally retarded individuals, with responses as well from individuals with cerebral palsy, autism spectrum disorder, and other, generally unspecified developmental disabilities. More than half of respondents were male. The responses covered a full range of adult ages from 18 to 60 and over. Almost all developmentally disabled adults surveyed do not live independently. More than half live in group homes, while about a quarter live with relatives. However, 40 percent agree or strongly agree that they are independent travelers, and 70 percent agree or strongly agree that it is their choice what mode of transportation to use. The report analyzes both travel behaviors and needs. About half of all trips were work related, with social/recreational, “other”, and shopping following in order. More than half of our population worked every day, while recreation occurred at least once a week for about two-thirds of the population, and more than half undertook social trips weekly. About 30 percent reported being unable to make trips they want to make and 46 percent unable to make trips they need to make. Only a few travelers reported specific trips they could not make; of those, shopping was the most common, with no one available to drive being the main reason that trip could not be taken. The modes of travel to work were walking (42 percent), transit (26 percent), social service providers (14 percent), and private car (4 percent), with the remainder reporting “other.” For shopping trips, a car was more important, serving 38 percent, with the other modes being very diverse. More of the developmentally disabled population required assistance for shopping trips than for work trips (which are more routine, and do not require spending money). Public transit poses difficulties for this population, both physically—about one-third had difficulty standing—and intellectually—almost half had difficulty reading transit schedules and one-third had difficulty understanding announcements. More than half were concerned that public transit doesn’t serve where they need to go, and half were concerned about becoming a victim of crime. Fewer than 30 percent ever use scheduled public transit services. A large number of comments were received, which add qualitative flavor to the analysis that was conducted. There were specific complaints about publicly provided paratransit services—in particular, the long lead times required for scheduling, the short windows available for pickup, and the long and unreliable travel times. Community service providers received praise.