Work-based learning opportunities like youth apprenticeship programs in rural areas might require apprentices to travel long distances to and from job and training sites such as VR agencies, training centers, community colleges, and technical high schools. Traveling long distances daily without consistent public transportation can result in a major barrier to the participation and retention of youth in apprenticeship programs. In addition, given the young age of the youth participating in rural youth apprenticeship programs or the nature of their disability, the option of driving or owning a vehicle might not exist. Even when youth own a vehicle, the high cost of services and expenses associated with the use of a vehicle, become an additional economic barrier to participating in apprenticeships. The accumulation of transportation barriers adds to the already systemic and structural challenges faced by youth with disabilities who pursue apprenticeship opportunities in rural areas. Furthermore, the combination of family commitments and obligations related to traveling, learning, and working in rural areas can all be points of distress and anxiety for completing an academically demanding apprenticeship program.
Innovative Case Practice Example: Vermont Agency of Transportation Open Trip Planner
In response to rural unemployment and under-employment due to a lack of transportation options, the Vermont Agency of Transportation (VTrans) developed their OpenTripPlanner (OTP).
- This mobile-based platform is designed to provide efficient, flexible transit systems that help rural workers secure jobs and meet the staffing needs of employers.
- While targeting all residents of Vermont, VTrans recognized the enormous potential importance of the trip planner for rural residents, residents with disabilities, and older adults.
The Federal Transit Administration (FTA) produced a demonstration project of the OTP as an example of the benefits of integrated flexible transit and evaluated its effectiveness.
- While the overall results of the project were mixed, the goals specifically related to the OTP showed positive results in providing more flexible trip options.
- The OTP reduced time spent trip planning and was especially effective with caseworkers providing transportation information over the phone.
- Most importantly, "interviews highlighted VTrans partnerships with employment services and vocational rehabilitation to leverage the trip planner for improving access to jobs, training, and healthcare for carless and car-lite households."
The key to this initiative is that VTrans recognized the relationship between transportation and workforce development and collaborated with the Vermont Center for Independent Living and Creative Workforce Solutions in developing the OTP. This partnership between the statewide agencies provided the ability to meet the real needs of residents with transportation difficulties and has laid the groundwork for replicable approaches to rural transportation options to improve employment outcomes. Read the full report from the FTA for more information on this valuable project.
Vocational Rehabilitation Strategies: Transportation
Informal and formal strategies exist for VR to help increase or improve rural transportation opportunities for youth with disabilities. Informal strategies are often directed at problem-solving and creating solutions for a specific individual or community, whereas formal strategies are those designed to address transportation barriers at a more systemic level.
The goal of informal strategies is getting transportation to the people who need it using what resources you have, and several options have shown promise.
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Depending on participants’ age and circumstances, VR agencies can reduce travel barriers by helping participants obtain drivers licenses or pay for vehicle upkeep.
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Since not all participants are able to drive, it may be necessary to expand into the broader community for assistance.
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VR voucher programs develop an informal network of paid drivers, recognizing that many rural people own cars and making the most of local resources.
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Some volunteer driver networks utilize driver incentives such as money for snow tires or vehicle maintenance, or have expanded into partnership with local faith-based organizations to secure drivers and vehicles. Ride Line programs are a prime example of free coordinated transportation services for eligible individuals.
The goal of formal strategies is to achieve community buy-in in order to build or improve a structured program. This could be policy-based solutions or improvements to existing infrastructure to increase accessibility. In either case, it is vital for VR agencies to participate in community-based discussions in order to articulate the transportation needs of people with disabilities seeking employment.
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Public policy efforts include building a network of elected officials to support legislation, or to leverage infrastructure to build apprenticeship programs where students already are as a way to proactively address potential travel barriers.
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In instances without public infrastructure opportunities, formal strategies may exist through the private sector by engaging employers in developing programs wherein the employer contributes support to an employee vanpool. Go Vermont is a travel resource provided through the Vermont Agency of Transportation that provides solutions for commuters, older adults and people with disabilities, and those interested in “green” transportation.
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VR agencies can also be instrumental in leveraging existing public infrastructure by promoting funding opportunities such as underutilized 5310/5311 transportation funding, which can help rural communities build their capacity.
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Another option to leverage infrastructure in rural areas is by examining fixed transportation routes to find alternatives. Flexible routes, deviated fixed routes, trip planners, and on-demand ridership are techniques to increase overall ridership and meet peoples’ transportation needs without cutting costs. Vermont Trip Planner is an example of a consumer-driven solution that could be successful in providing a variety of on-demand transportation services including rides, routes, and resources.
