Transportation and Mobility Challenges
Expert-defined terms from the Certified Professional in Disability Travel course at LearnUNI. Free to read, free to share, paired with a professional course.
Accessibility refers to the design of products, devices, services, or environmen… #
Accessibility refers to the design of products, devices, services, or environments that can be used by people with disabilities, it is a key concept in the course Certified Professional in Disability Travel, accessible transportation systems are those that can be used by all people, regardless of their abilities, barriers to accessibility can include physical obstacles, such as stairs or narrow doorways, as well as social and cultural barriers, such as lack of awareness or understanding of disability issues.
Accommodation refers to the process of providing modifications or adjustments to… #
Accommodation refers to the process of providing modifications or adjustments to ensure that individuals with disabilities have equal access to goods, services, and facilities, in the context of transportation, accommodations might include providing wheelchair-accessible vehicles or assistive technology, such as audio announcements or braille signage, to facilitate travel for people with disabilities.
ADA stands for Americans with Disabilities Act, a federal law in the United Stat… #
ADA stands for Americans with Disabilities Act, a federal law in the United States that prohibits discrimination against individuals with disabilities in all areas of public life, including transportation, the ADA requires that public transportation systems, such as buses and trains, be accessible to people with disabilities.
Adaptive technology refers to devices or equipment that are designed to help ind… #
Adaptive technology refers to devices or equipment that are designed to help individuals with disabilities perform specific tasks or functions, in the context of transportation, adaptive technology might include wheelchairs, walkers, or other mobility aids, as well as assistive technology, such as GPS devices or mobile apps, that can help people with disabilities navigate transportation systems.
Aerial transportation refers to the use of aircraft, such as planes or helicopte… #
Aerial transportation refers to the use of aircraft, such as planes or helicopters, to transport people or goods, aerial transportation can be particularly challenging for people with disabilities, who may face barriers such as lack of accessibility or accommodations on aircraft.
Age #
related disability refers to the physical or cognitive impairments that can occur as people age, such as arthritis, hearing loss, or dementia, in the context of transportation, age-related disability can affect an individual's ability to drive or use public transportation, and may require accommodations such as wheelchair-accessible vehicles or assistive technology.
Air travel refers to the use of aircraft to transport people or goods over long… #
Air travel refers to the use of aircraft to transport people or goods over long distances, air travel can be particularly challenging for people with disabilities, who may face barriers such as lack of accessibility or accommodations on aircraft, such as narrow aisles or limited storage space for mobility aids.
Alternative transportation refers to modes of transportation that are not tradit… #
Alternative transportation refers to modes of transportation that are not traditional, such as cycling, walking, or using adaptive technology, alternative transportation can be particularly useful for people with disabilities, who may face barriers to traditional transportation modes.
Americans with Disabilities Act see ADA, the ADA is a federal law in the… #
Americans with Disabilities Act see ADA, the ADA is a federal law in the United States that prohibits discrimination against individuals with disabilities in all areas of public life, including transportation.
Assistive technology refers to devices or equipment that are designed to help in… #
Assistive technology refers to devices or equipment that are designed to help individuals with disabilities perform specific tasks or functions, in the context of transportation, assistive technology might include GPS devices, mobile apps, or other tools that can help people with disabilities navigate transportation systems.
Audio description refers to the provision of verbal descriptions of visual infor… #
Audio description refers to the provision of verbal descriptions of visual information, such as announcements or signage, to facilitate access for people who are blind or have low vision, in the context of transportation, audio description might be used to provide information about bus or train routes, or to describe visual signals such as traffic lights.
Automated vehicle refers to a vehicle that is equipped with advanced tech… #
Automated vehicle refers to a vehicle that is equipped with advanced technology, such as sensors and software, to enable autonomous operation, automated vehicles have the potential to revolutionize transportation for people with disabilities, who may face barriers to traditional transportation modes.
Barrier refers to any obstacle or challenge that prevents individuals with disab… #
Barrier refers to any obstacle or challenge that prevents individuals with disabilities from accessing goods, services, or facilities, in the context of transportation, barriers might include physical obstacles, such as stairs or narrow doorways, as well as social and cultural barriers, such as lack of awareness or understanding of disability issues.
Braille refers to a system of raised dots that can be read by touch, used by peo… #
Braille refers to a system of raised dots that can be read by touch, used by people who are blind or have low vision, in the context of transportation, braille signage might be used to provide information about bus or train routes, or to describe visual signals such as traffic lights.
Bus rapid transit refers to a system of bus transportation that uses dedicated l… #
Bus rapid transit refers to a system of bus transportation that uses dedicated lanes and advanced technology, such as traffic signal priority, to provide fast and efficient service, bus rapid transit can be an accessible mode of transportation for people with disabilities, who may face barriers to traditional transportation modes.
Certified Professional in Disability Travel refers to a certification program th… #
Certified Professional in Disability Travel refers to a certification program that provides training and education on disability travel issues, the certification program covers topics such as accessible transportation systems, accommodations for people with disabilities, and awareness of disability issues.
Cognitive disability refers to impairments in cognitive function, such as… #
Cognitive disability refers to impairments in cognitive function, such as memory, attention, or problem-solving ability, in the context of transportation, cognitive disability can affect an individual's ability to navigate transportation systems, and may require accommodations such as assistive technology or support from a caregiver.
Commuter rail refers to a system of rail transportation that is designed to tran… #
Commuter rail refers to a system of rail transportation that is designed to transport people between suburbs and city centers, commuter rail can be an accessible mode of transportation for people with disabilities, who may face barriers to traditional transportation modes.
Companion care refers to the provision of support and assistance t… #
Companion care refers to the provision of support and assistance to individuals with disabilities, companion care might include tasks such as assisting with daily living activities, providing emotional support, or accompanying the individual on outings or appointments.
Disability refers to any physical, cognitive, or mental impairment that s… #
Disability refers to any physical, cognitive, or mental impairment that substantially limits one or more major life activities, in the context of transportation, disability can affect an individual's ability to access goods, services, or facilities, and may require accommodations such as assistive technology or support from a caregiver.
Disability travel refers to the practice of traveling with a disability, disabil… #
Disability travel refers to the practice of traveling with a disability, disability travel can be challenging due to barriers such as lack of accessibility or accommodations on transportation systems, but can also be empowering and liberating with the right support and resources.
Driverless vehicle refers to a vehicle that is equipped with advanced tec… #
Driverless vehicle refers to a vehicle that is equipped with advanced technology, such as sensors and software, to enable autonomous operation, driverless vehicles have the potential to revolutionize transportation for people with disabilities, who may face barriers to traditional transportation modes.
Electronic vehicle refers to a vehicle that is powered by electricity, rather th… #
Electronic vehicle refers to a vehicle that is powered by electricity, rather than gasoline or diesel, electronic vehicles can be an environmentally friendly mode of transportation, and may also be accessible for people with disabilities, who may face barriers to traditional transportation modes.
Emergency evacuation refers to the process of evacuating people from a vehicle o… #
Emergency evacuation refers to the process of evacuating people from a vehicle or transportation system in the event of an emergency, emergency evacuation can be particularly challenging for people with disabilities, who may require assistance or accommodations to evacuate safely.
Ferry transportation refers to the use of boats or ships to transport people or… #
Ferry transportation refers to the use of boats or ships to transport people or goods over water, ferry transportation can be an accessible mode of transportation for people with disabilities, who may face barriers to traditional transportation modes.
Fixed #
route transportation refers to a system of transportation that follows a fixed route or schedule, fixed-route transportation can be an accessible mode of transportation for people with disabilities, who may face barriers to traditional transportation modes.
Fuel cell vehicle refers to a vehicle that is powered by a fuel cell, which conv… #
Fuel cell vehicle refers to a vehicle that is powered by a fuel cell, which converts chemical energy into electricity, fuel cell vehicles can be an environmentally friendly mode of transportation, and may also be accessible for people with disabilities, who may face barriers to traditional transportation modes.
Hybrid vehicle refers to a vehicle that is powered by a combination of gasoline… #
Hybrid vehicle refers to a vehicle that is powered by a combination of gasoline and electricity, hybrid vehicles can be an environmentally friendly mode of transportation, and may also be accessible for people with disabilities, who may face barriers to traditional transportation modes.
Inclusive tourism refers to the practice of designing tourism products and servi… #
Inclusive tourism refers to the practice of designing tourism products and services that are accessible and inclusive for all people, regardless of their abilities, inclusive tourism can help to promote awareness and understanding of disability issues, and can also provide economic benefits for communities.
Information and communication technology refers to the use of technology, such a… #
Information and communication technology refers to the use of technology, such as computers or mobile devices, to access and share information, in the context of transportation, information and communication technology can be used to provide accessible information about transportation systems, such as schedules or routes.
Intelligent transportation system refers to a system of transportation that uses… #
Intelligent transportation system refers to a system of transportation that uses advanced technology, such as sensors and software, to manage and optimize traffic flow, intelligent transportation systems can be an accessible mode of transportation for people with disabilities, who may face barriers to traditional transportation modes.
Light rail refers to a system of rail transportation that is designed to transpo… #
Light rail refers to a system of rail transportation that is designed to transport people within a city or metropolitan area, light rail can be an accessible mode of transportation for people with disabilities, who may face barriers to traditional transportation modes.
Mobility aid refers to any device or equipment that is designed to help individu… #
Mobility aid refers to any device or equipment that is designed to help individuals with disabilities move around, such as wheelchairs, walkers, or canes, mobility aids can be an essential tool for people with disabilities, who may face barriers to traditional transportation modes.
Mobility disability refers to impairments in mobility, such as the abilit… #
Mobility disability refers to impairments in mobility, such as the ability to walk or move around, in the context of transportation, mobility disability can affect an individual's ability to access goods, services, or facilities, and may require accommodations such as assistive technology or support from a caregiver.
Mobility scooter refers to a device that is designed to help individuals with mo… #
Mobility scooter refers to a device that is designed to help individuals with mobility disabilities move around, mobility scooters can be an essential tool for people with disabilities, who may face barriers to traditional transportation modes.
Non #
emergency medical transportation refers to the transportation of people who have medical conditions or disabilities, but do not require emergency medical attention, non-emergency medical transportation can be an accessible mode of transportation for people with disabilities, who may face barriers to traditional transportation modes.
Paratransit refers to a system of transportation that provides door #
to-door service for people with disabilities, paratransit can be an accessible mode of transportation for people with disabilities, who may face barriers to traditional transportation modes.
Park #
and-ride refers to a system of transportation that allows people to park their vehicles and transfer to a different mode of transportation, such as a bus or train, park-and-ride can be an accessible mode of transportation for people with disabilities, who may face barriers to traditional transportation modes.
Pedestrian #
friendly transportation refers to the design of transportation systems that prioritize the needs of pedestrians, such as walkable streets and accessible sidewalks, pedestrian-friendly transportation can be an accessible mode of transportation for people with disabilities, who may face barriers to traditional transportation modes.
Personal assistance refers to the provision of support and assistance<… #
Personal assistance refers to the provision of support and assistance to individuals with disabilities, personal assistance might include tasks such as assisting with daily living activities, providing emotional support, or accompanying the individual on outings or appointments.
Public transportation refers to the use of buses, trains, or other vehicles to t… #
Public transportation refers to the use of buses, trains, or other vehicles to transport people within a city or metropolitan area, public transportation can be an accessible mode of transportation for people with disabilities, who may face barriers to traditional transportation modes.
Ramp refers to a device or structure that is designed to provide access to a veh… #
Ramp refers to a device or structure that is designed to provide access to a vehicle or transportation system for people with mobility disabilities, ramps can be an essential tool for people with disabilities, who may face barriers to traditional transportation modes.
Rail transportation refers to the use of trains or other rail vehicles to transp… #
Rail transportation refers to the use of trains or other rail vehicles to transport people or goods, rail transportation can be an accessible mode of transportation for people with disabilities, who may face barriers to traditional transportation modes.
Reasonable accommodation refers to the process of providing modifications or adj… #
Reasonable accommodation refers to the process of providing modifications or adjustments to ensure that individuals with disabilities have equal access to goods, services, or facilities, in the context of transportation, reasonable accommodations might include providing wheelchair-accessible vehicles or assistive technology, such as audio announcements or braille signage.
Recreational vehicle refers to a vehicle that is designed for recreational use,… #
Recreational vehicle refers to a vehicle that is designed for recreational use, such as a camper or motorhome, recreational vehicles can be an accessible mode of transportation for people with disabilities, who may face barriers to traditional transportation modes.
Road transportation refers to the use of vehicles, such as cars or buses, to tra… #
Road transportation refers to the use of vehicles, such as cars or buses, to transport people or goods over roads, road transportation can be an accessible mode of transportation for people with disabilities, who may face barriers to traditional transportation modes.
Scooter refers to a device that is designed to help individuals with mobility di… #
Scooter refers to a device that is designed to help individuals with mobility disabilities move around, scooters can be an essential tool for people with disabilities, who may face barriers to traditional transportation modes.
Screen reader refers to a device or software that is designed to provide audi… #
Screen reader refers to a device or software that is designed to provide audio descriptions of visual information, such as text or images, screen readers can be an essential tool for people with visual disabilities, who may face barriers to traditional transportation modes.
Sensory disability refers to impairments in sensory function, such as vis… #
Sensory disability refers to impairments in sensory function, such as vision or hearing, in the context of transportation, sensory disability can affect an individual's ability to access goods, services, or facilities, and may require accommodations such as assistive technology or support from a caregiver.
Service animal refers to an animal that is trained to provide assistance … #
Service animal refers to an animal that is trained to provide assistance or support to an individual with a disability, service animals can be an essential tool for people with disabilities, who may face barriers to traditional transportation modes.
Sign language refers to a system of communication that uses hand gestures and fa… #
Sign language refers to a system of communication that uses hand gestures and facial expressions to convey meaning, sign language can be an essential tool for people with hearing disabilities, who may face barriers to traditional transportation modes.
Social model of disability refers to a framework for understanding disability th… #
Social model of disability refers to a framework for understanding disability that emphasizes the role of social and cultural barriers in creating disability, rather than the individual's impairment or condition, the social model of disability can help to promote awareness and understanding of disability issues, and can also inform the development of accessible transportation systems.
Specialized transportation refers to the use of vehicles or other modes of trans… #
Specialized transportation refers to the use of vehicles or other modes of transportation that are designed to meet the unique needs of people with disabilities, specialized transportation can be an accessible mode of transportation for people with disabilities, who may face barriers to traditional transportation modes.
Subway refers to a system of rail transportation that is designed to transport p… #
Subway refers to a system of rail transportation that is designed to transport people within a city or metropolitan area, subway can be an accessible mode of transportation for people with disabilities, who may face barriers to traditional transportation modes.
Support animal refers to an animal that is trained to provide emotional s… #
Support animal refers to an animal that is trained to provide emotional support or comfort to an individual with a disability, support animals can be an essential tool for people with disabilities, who may face barriers to traditional transportation modes.
Sustainable transportation refers to the use of transportation modes that minimi… #
Sustainable transportation refers to the use of transportation modes that minimize environmental impact, such as walking, cycling, or using public transportation, sustainable transportation can be an accessible mode of transportation for people with disabilities, who may face barriers to traditional transportation modes.
Taxi transportation refers to the use of vehicles, such as cars or vans, to tran… #
Taxi transportation refers to the use of vehicles, such as cars or vans, to transport people on a for-hire basis, taxi transportation can be an accessible mode of transportation for people with disabilities, who may face barriers to traditional transportation modes.
Telework refers to the practice of working from a remote location, such as home… #
Telework refers to the practice of working from a remote location, such as home or a coffee shop, using technology such as computers or mobile devices, telework can be an accessible mode of work for people with disabilities, who may face barriers to traditional work environments.
Tourism refers to the practice of traveling for leisure or recreation, tourism c… #
Tourism refers to the practice of traveling for leisure or recreation, tourism can be an accessible activity for people with disabilities, who may face barriers to traditional tourism activities, but can also be empowering and liberating with the right support and resources.
Train transportation refers to the use of trains or other rail vehicles to trans… #
Train transportation refers to the use of trains or other rail vehicles to transport people or goods, train transportation can be an accessible mode of transportation for people with disabilities, who may face barriers to traditional transportation modes.
Transit #
oriented development refers to the practice of designing communities around public transportation systems, such as buses or trains, transit-oriented development can be an accessible mode of transportation for people with disabilities, who may face barriers to traditional transportation modes.
Transportation refers to the movement of people or goods from one place to anoth… #
Transportation refers to the movement of people or goods from one place to another, transportation can be an accessible mode of transportation for people with disabilities, who may face barriers to traditional transportation modes.
Transportation network company refers to a company that provides transportation… #
Transportation network company refers to a company that provides transportation services using a network of drivers or vehicles, transportation network companies can be an accessible mode of transportation for people with disabilities, who may face barriers to traditional transportation modes.
Travel training refers to the process of teaching individuals with disabilities… #
Travel training refers to the process of teaching individuals with disabilities how to use transportation systems, such as buses or trains, travel training can be an essential tool for people with disabilities, who may face barriers to traditional transportation modes.
Universal design refers to the practice of designing products, devices, or envir… #
Universal design refers to the practice of designing products, devices, or environments that can be used by all people, regardless of their abilities, universal design can help to promote awareness and understanding of disability issues, and can also inform the development of accessible transportation systems.
Vehicle modification refers to the process of modifying a vehicle to make it mor… #
Vehicle modification refers to the process of modifying a vehicle to make it more accessible for people with disabilities, vehicle modifications might include the installation of ramps or lifts, or the use of adaptive technology, such as hand controls or wheelchair-accessible seating.
Walkability refers to the design of communities or neighborhoods that prioritize… #
Walkability refers to the design of communities or neighborhoods that prioritize the needs of pedestrians, such as walkable streets and accessible sidewalks, walkability can be an accessible mode of transportation for people with disabilities, who may face barriers to traditional transportation modes.
Wheelchair refers to a device that is designed to help individuals with mobility… #
Wheelchair refers to a device that is designed to help individuals with mobility disabilities move around, wheelchairs can be an essential tool for people with disabilities, who may face barriers to traditional transportation modes.
Wheelchair #
accessible vehicle refers to a vehicle that is designed to accommodate wheelchairs, wheelchair-accessible vehicles can be an essential tool for people with disabilities, who may face barriers to traditional transportation modes.
Wheelchair lift refers to a device that is designed to lift wheelchairs into a v… #
Wheelchair lift refers to a device that is designed to lift wheelchairs into a vehicle, wheelchair lifts can be an essential tool for people with disabilities, who may face barriers to traditional transportation modes.
Wheelchair ramp refers to a device or structure that is designed to provide acce… #
Wheelchair ramp refers to a device or structure that is designed to provide access to a vehicle or transportation system for people with mobility disabilities, wheelchair ramps can be an essential tool for people with disabilities, who may face barriers to traditional transportation modes.