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
Recommended Citation
Seekins, Tom Ph.D.; Hartsell, Andrea; Spas, Diana; and Rural Institute, University of Montana, "Faith Based Organizations and Rural Transportation" (2006). Independent Living and Community Participation. 33.
https://scholarworks.umt.edu/ruralinst_independent_living_community_participation/33