TRANSPORT OF THE DISABLED IN THE ACT

This study was concerned with the relationship between disability and the social environment, and the effect of this on access to community facilities and opportunities for social interaction. In particular, it considered the extent to which the nature and availability of transport in Canberra mitigates or exacerbates accessibility problems experienced by disabled people. The study has involved three basic steps: an estimation of the demographic and socio economic characteristics of Canberra's disabled population; an assessment of the transport services available to this population; and, finally, an examination of the travel behaviour, problems and aspirations of a sample of disabled people. The methodological stance adopted in this study is based on the premise that assessment of the transport needs of the disabled should follow from a detailed analysis of present travel, the level of satisfaction achieved, and any preferred alternative arrangements. Since such information can only be obtained directly from the people concerned, the approach hinges upon a survey of disabled people. The survey uses a game- simulation interview technique which is designed to simplify the description of travel behaviour and the choice of transport options, and yet ensure that relevant constraints are also considered realistically.