Mobility and access to transport issues as experienced by people with vision impairment living in urban and rural Ireland.
OBJECTIVE
The loss of vision is associated with the impairment of functional ability, including a reduced ability to move around and to utilise all forms of transport. Walking in unfamiliar environments is challenging and driving becomes a legal prohibition. This article explores mobility and access to transport issues of urban and rural dwelling people with vision impairment in Ireland.


METHODS
Fourteen focus groups took place consisting of 121 people with vision impairment resident in both urban and rural Ireland. Participant selection was representative of the vision impaired community. Data were recorded, transcribed and analysed using thematic analysis.


RESULTS
Poor access to public transport and a perceived absence of public awareness about vision impairment are evident from this study. Customised disability awareness training is deemed essential for both the public and transport staff. Difficulties with access issues within the physical environment are highlighted.


CONCLUSIONS
The lack of availability of accessible transport creates an increased dependency on friends and family, and restricts access to medical, social and rehabilitative services. This study highlights issues concerning inequality of access to appropriate transport for rural vision impaired persons. These issues need to be brought to the attention of social planners and local government.
Gallagher
Bláithín A M
BA
Department of Research and Projects, National Council for the Blind of Ireland, Dublin, Ireland. blaithin.gallagher@ncbi.ie
Hart
Patricia M
PM
O'Brien
Colm
C
Stevenson
Michael R
MR
Jackson
Andrew J
AJ
D000203:Activities of Daily Living; D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D000369:Aged, 80 and over; D001107:Architectural Accessibility / Q000592:standards*; D001291:Attitude of Health Personnel; D005260:Female; D017144:Focus Groups; D006297:Health Services Accessibility / Q000592:standards*; D006801:Humans; D007494:Ireland / Q000453:epidemiology; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D051346:Mobility Limitation; D018579:Patient Selection; D012424:Rural Population / Q000706:statistics & numerical data; D012720:Severity of Illness Index; D012959:Socioeconomic Factors; D014186:Transportation / Q000592:standards*; D014505:Urban Population / Q000706:statistics & numerical data; D014786:Vision Disorders / Q000453:epidemiology / Q000503:physiopathology / Q000534:rehabilitation*; D014792:Visual Acuity; D019987:Persons with Visual Disabilities / Q000534:rehabilitation*