Document Type

Research Progress Report

Publisher

University of Montana Rural Institute

Publication Date

1-2006

Disciplines

Demography, Population, and Ecology | Social and Behavioral Sciences | Sociology

Abstract

Advocates and service providers frequently cite inadequate transportation as one of the major problems facing people with disabilities, especially those living in rural communities. Many approaches have been tried to address this problem. People with disabilities and community service providers frequently suggest that local faith-based organizations (FBOs) such as churches, synagogues, temples, mosques, and other organizations might be involved in improving transportation. In 2004, RTC: Rural conducted a national survey of recipients of Section 5310 Formula Grants for Special Needs of Elderly Individuals and Individuals with Disabilities. Ten percent of respondents reported being faith-based organizations, which suggests that nationally as many as 484 FBOs may provide Section 5310-funded transportation services. Consistent with suggestions in the literature (e.g., Crawford, 1996; Sider & Unruh, 2004), significantly more FBOs providing transportation tended to be located in urban rather than rural communities (Seekins, Enders, Pepper, & Sticka, 2005). Still, the fact that many FBOs and communities of faith are in rural areas promises new options for community transportation. In response to consumer suggestions and these findings, RTC: Rural is conducting a series of studies to explore how FBOs might help address the problem of inadequate transportation for rural Americans with disabilities.

Keywords

community participation and independent living, transportation, rural, disability

Rights

© RTC: Rural, 2006

Granting Agency

National Institute on Disability and Rehabilitation Research

Acknowledgement

Our research is supported by grant #H133B030501 from the National Institute on Disability and Rehabilitation Research, U.S. Department of Education

Project Number

H133B030501

Share

COinS