Date Presented 04/13/21
The MAPCD project uses the WayFinder3 GPS app and comprehensive trainings to improve community mobility for individuals with cognitive disabilities and their caregivers. Participants used the app in their daily lives, and preliminary findings demonstrate unique and substantial benefits including increased autonomy and improved quality of life. This research advances the field of OT through the implementation of innovative assistive technology to improve independence in community mobility.
Primary Author and Speaker: Kaetlyn E. Culter
PURPOSE: The purpose of the Smart Columbus Mobility Assistance for People with Cognitive Disabilities (MAPCD) project is to improve the community mobility of individuals with cognitive disabilities through the implementation of the WayFinder3 personal navigation app and a comprehensive training program. For individuals with disabilities to feel included in the community, transportation must be addressed through factors such as independence, confidence, and safety. More than one-third of individuals with disabilities do not drive in the United States (Lindsay & Lamptey, 2018). The ability to travel successfully from one destination to another using public transportation and walking is essential to the well-being and improved quality of life for this population. The MAPCD project highlights the potential of innovative and assistive smartphone technology to minimize barriers for those with cognitive disabilities and increase their success with public transportation use.
DESIGN: The MAPCD project applied a quasi-experimental single-cohort longitudinal mixed-methods research design. Participants included adults with cognitive disabilities (travelers) and their caregivers (travel partners), who were recruited through word of mouth individually and through local community organizations in and around Columbus, OH.
METHOD: The MAPCD project consisted of three phases: 1) assessment, 2) training, and 3) implementation. The training phase included instruction and practice using the app and the bus. The implementation phase allowed travelers and travel partners to practice using their new skills and the WayFinder app in their daily lives. Quantitative data, such as app use and performance data, were collected through the Wayfinder app. Qualitative data, such as app and training user satisfaction, were collected through focus groups, interviews, and surveys. Data collection and analysis is ongoing. Descriptive statistics were used to analyze the quantitative data and grounded theory content analyses was used to analyze the qualitative data.
RESULTS: In total, 63 participants were enrolled. Preliminary qualitative data analyses of 3 participants (two travelers and one travel partner) demonstrate benefits from using the Wayfinder3 app. Through use of the app, the travelers increased their familiarity with navigation, their autonomous use of public transportation, their motivation to travel in their community, and their enjoyment of transportation experiences. The Wayfinder3 app alleviated the travel partner’s burden of providing transportation and increased comfort in their travelers using public transportation. Preliminary quantitative data analyses of these three participants demonstrate their active use of the app in several trips throughout the community.
CONCLUSION: The Wayfinder3 app increased independence in community travel for individuals with cognitive disabilities, thereby increasing participation in meaningful activities. Based on preliminary data analyses, the WayFinder3 app improved traveler autonomy, participation in daily tasks, and access to community services with less anxiety and uncertainty. The Wayfinder app also increased safety while traveling on public transportation and provided caregivers increased comfort with traveler transportation. To implement the Wayfinder app into daily life, caregivers and clinical staff require time to learn how to use the system and to create customized trips for their traveler.
IMPACT STATEMENT: The findings from the MAPCD project support further research in assistive technologies that improve public transportation access. This research also promotes the role of OT in facilitating safe and effective community mobility for adults with disabilities.
References
Davies, D. K., Stock, S. E., Holloway, S., & Wehmeyer, M. L. (2010). Evaluating a GPS-based transportation device to support independent bus travel by people with intellectual disability. Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities, 48(6), 454-463. https://doi.org/10.1352/1934-9556-48.6.454
Lindsay, S. (2019). Accessible and inclusive transportation for youth with disabilities: Exploring innovative solutions. Disability and Rehabilitation, 1–10. https://doi.org/10.1080/09638288.2018.1517194
Price, R., Marsh, A. J., & Fisher, M. H. (2018). Teaching Young Adults with Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities Community-Based Navigation Skills to Take Public Transportation. Behavior Analysis in Practice,11(1), 46–50. https://doi.org/10.1007/s40617-017-0202-z
Lindsay, S., & Lamptey, D (2018). Pedestrian navigation and public transit training interventions for youth with disabilities: a systematic review. Disability and Rehabilitation. https://doi.org/10.1080/09638288.2018.1471165
