Learning disabled people : the forgotten passengers ?

This paper describes research sponsored by a consortium of voluntary and statutory agencies in Belfast into "The blocks and barriers which stop people with learning disability accessing public transport". This study would appear to be unique in Europe. A large number of professionals had an input to the research, plus parents and, perhaps uniquely, people with learning disabilities. Data collection techniques included postal questionnaires, extensive interviews, follow-up questionnaires, and focus groups. The paper concentrates on outcomes, e.g. the main transport barriers to travel, the Disability Discrimination Act and access to terminals, the role of operators, planners and providers, commercial ramifications, and improving present services.