Journal article

Publication year: 2013

Pages: 307-313

Journal: Journal of Policy and Practice in Intellectual Disabilities

Volume number: 10

Issue number: 4

ISSN: 1741-1122

DOI Link: https://doi.org/10.1111/jppi.12057

Publisher: Wiley

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 Germany with rural surroundings as
part of the Nordhorn Public Transportation Intervention Study 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.

Harvard Citation style: Tillmann, V., Haveman, M., Stöppler, R., Kvas, S. and Monninger, D. (2013) Public Bus Drivers and Social Inclusion: Evaluation of Their Knowledge and Attitudes Toward People With Intellectual Disabilities, Journal of Policy and Practice in Intellectual Disabilities, 10(4), pp. 307-313. https://doi.org/10.1111/jppi.12057

APA Citation style: Tillmann, V., Haveman, M., Stöppler, R., Kvas, S., & Monninger, D. (2013). Public Bus Drivers and Social Inclusion: Evaluation of Their Knowledge and Attitudes Toward People With Intellectual Disabilities. Journal of Policy and Practice in Intellectual Disabilities. 10(4), 307-313. https://doi.org/10.1111/jppi.12057