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Public Bus Drivers and Social Inclusion: Evaluation of Their Knowledge and Attitudes Toward People With Intellectual Disabilities

2013; Wiley; Volume: 10; Issue: 4 Linguagem: Inglês

10.1111/jppi.12057

1741-1130

Vera Tillmann, Meindert Haveman, Reinhilde Stöppler, Štefan Kvas, Daniel Monninger,

Disability Education and Employment

Abstract Public bus drivers are a relevant part of the social network supporting people with intellectual disability ( ID ) in the independent use of public transport as their support can increase self‐determination and social inclusion. A study was undertaken that focused on (1) bus drivers' experiences with people with ID ; (2) their knowledge about ID in general; and (3) their attitudes toward people with ID . Assessment of experiences, knowledge, and attitudes are important for the detection of potential psychological and social barriers for community inclusion. Experiences, knowledge, and attitudes were evaluated with a standardized questionnaire for a representative sample of 139 local bus drivers. The survey was conducted in a town in G ermany with rural surroundings as part of the N ordhorn P ublic T ransportation I ntervention S tudy aiming to increase the independent use of public buses for people with ID . The authors found that some 19% of the bus drivers had experiences with people with ID in their private lives. Also, that knowledge about ID was rather moderate, differing widely according to specific items. Some drivers saw people with disabilities as passengers who are difficult and who needed more attention. Authors concluded that bus drivers are an essential part of the social support system of persons with ID and that assessment of bus drivers' attitudes, experiences, and knowledge is necessary to develop specific training programs. Valid information, communication, and social interaction skills training should be integrated in the regular training of bus drivers. Assessment and training of bus drivers could enhance the chances of persons with ID significantly to be mobile citizens in an inclusive society.