Independent travel and people with learning disabilities: the views of a sample of service providers on whether this nee is being met

Abstract

This paper describes part of a larger study that involved interviewing clients, carers and service providers to investigate barriers to independent travel for people with severe learning disabilities. The initial part of the study, reported here, involved interviewing service providers. A purposive sample of 2I service providers involved in promotion of independent travel for people with learning disabilities in the South East of one of the major cities in Northern Ireland were interviewed. Aims were to identify the number of clients on travel programmes, perceived barriers and suggestions to promote independent travel. Analysis involved mainly quantitative methods, with a small qualitative input. Findings indicated that although independent travel was viewed as a valuable skill for people with learning disabilities to possess, there were relatively few who practised this. In a population of 890 people, 187 (21 %) were reported as being able to travel independently. In the remaining 703 people, 65 (9%) were involved in programmes to promote independent travel. This data was obtained from the respondents who collated the figures from notes and records in the establishments in which they were based. The most significant obstacles to independent travel were suggested to be clients' cognitive abilities, and the wishes of carers, who according to the study, often did not wish the client to be involved due to perceived risks. Recommendations are made regarding practices to promote independent travel.