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Universal design for people with psychosocial disabilities – The effect of COVID-19

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  • Nielsen, Anja Fleten

Abstract

We have examined how COVID-19 impacted travel behaviour for people with psychosocial disabilities, identified key barriers when using public transport, and examined how a broad understanding of universal design can be used to improve travel for people with psychosocial disabilities. During and after the pandemic, most informants travelled less and/or used their car more than before. Some stopped using public transport due to fear of contamination, while others found it easier to travel during the pandemic due to less crowding. Use of facial masks were perceived by some as an additional problem increasing anxiety, while others found it more problematic with fellow passengers not wearing masks. In general, findings support prior studies in terms of barriers related to crowding, lack of seamlessness, financial issues, problems with staff, lack of access in rural areas, and low knowledge of support systems. Additionally, lack of toilet facilities, negative experiences with other passengers, sensory overload, travel-induced fatigue, and problems related to planning are considered problematic. Station areas may pose a barrier for people with former drug addictions. Hence, universal design should include the social and organisation environments, in addition to physical design, in terms of making the transport system accessible to everyone.

Suggested Citation

  • Nielsen, Anja Fleten, 2023. "Universal design for people with psychosocial disabilities – The effect of COVID-19," Research in Transportation Economics, Elsevier, vol. 98(C).
    • Handle: RePEc:eee:retrec:v:98:y:2023:i:c:s0739885923000203
    DOI: 10.1016/j.retrec.2023.101280
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    1. Mackett, Roger L., 2021. "Policy interventions to facilitate travel by people with mental health conditions," Transport Policy, Elsevier, vol. 110(C), pages 306-313.
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    Cited by:

    1. Yuko Arai & Yukari Niwa & Takahiko Kusakabe & Kentaro Honma, 2023. "How has the Covid-19 pandemic affected wheelchair users? Time-series analysis of the number of railway passengers in Tokyo," Palgrave Communications, Palgrave Macmillan, vol. 10(1), pages 1-13, December.

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    More about this item

    Keywords

    Universal design; Accessibility; Mental health; Psychosocial disability; Transport; COVID-19; Transport barriers; Health; Welfare; Public transport; Disabilities; Disability; Impairments;
    All these keywords.

    JEL classification:

    • I10 - Health, Education, and Welfare - - Health - - - General
    • R0 - Urban, Rural, Regional, Real Estate, and Transportation Economics - - General
    • I14 - Health, Education, and Welfare - - Health - - - Health and Inequality

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