Exploring Innovative Travel Training Methods for Young Adults with Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities at UF

By Jill Pease

Public transit serves as a crucial mechanism for encouraging self-sufficiency and complete involvement in the community for young adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities, often referred to as IDD. However, access to travel training for this demographic is frequently insufficient.

In a $7.5 million research, a consortium of investigators from the University of Florida, Temple University, the University of Minnesota, and the University of New Hampshire will assess the effectiveness of two distinct travel training methodologies for individuals with IDD. One method will involve peer supporters with intellectual and developmental disabilities as trainers, while the second will feature a professional staff member as the instructor.

Dr. Jessica Kramer, OTR/L, an associate professor within the UF College of Public Health and Health Professions’ occupational therapy department, is serving as the co-principal investigator of the study. Kramer and her associates possess a well-established background in collaborating with individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities, including preliminary efforts that preceded the award and project preparation.

“These partnerships improve both the processes and outcomes of this initiative,” Kramer stated. “Collaborating with young adults who have intellectual and developmental disabilities, in conjunction with other stakeholders in designing our study, enhances the accessibility, safety, and practicality of our research methodology. Additionally, the breadth of perspectives and experiences incorporated into our team increases the likelihood that the findings will be relevant and impactful in participants’ daily lives.”

In this study, eight community service organizations spread across the United States will facilitate travel training for 300 young adults aged 18-27 with intellectual and developmental disabilities, guided by either peer supporters or staff members. The eight-week program, called Chance to Ride, instructs participants on how to navigate public transportation safely and autonomously. They will gain knowledge about signage, safety, social interactions within the community, trip preparation, and managing unforeseen circumstances. Following this, they will practice using public transportation with guidance from the Chance to Ride provider until they are able to travel independently.

Researchers will utilize participant feedback collected through surveys after completing the program and four months post-training to evaluate outcomes such as loneliness, satisfaction with social engagements, and travel competency. Additionally, the study will examine participants’ employment status, healthcare access, and quality of life pertaining to health.

Kramer will work closely with the Center for Independent Living of North Central Florida and the UF Center for Autism and Related Disabilities located in Gainesville, Florida, as well as the Arc of Jacksonville in Jacksonville, Florida, to deliver the training.

A 20-member advisory council reflecting the lived experiences of IDD, alongside family members, providers, clinicians, funders/payers, policymakers, advocacy entities, and content experts, will contribute insights regarding the execution and findings of the study to maximize its reach and impact.

“This research is thrilling for a multitude of reasons,” remarked Beth Pfeiffer, Ph.D., the principal investigator of the study and a professor at Temple University specializing in health and rehabilitation sciences. “Mobility within the community is a significant hurdle for this specific group entering adulthood. Additionally, there are numerous workforce challenges facing this population. Identifying an effective approach utilizing peer support is crucial.”

“We aspire for this research to help alleviate these barriers, enabling individuals to access independent transportation options, leading to a more self-sufficient lifestyle and greater community engagement.”

This study receives funding through a grant awarded to Temple University by the Patient-Centered Outcomes Research Institute (PCORI), an autonomous non-profit organization established by Congress, dedicated to financing patient-centered comparative clinical effectiveness research. The grant has been approved pending the completion of PCORI’s operational and programmatic assessments and the issuance of a formal contract.