Issue 12: Transportation

Goal: Ensure that accessible transportation is available to all Alaskans with psychiatric illnesses.

Discussion

Accessible transportation is one of the keys to employment and community participation for people with disabilities. Only a few Alaskan communities have public transportation. Where it does exist, public transportation is limited. When special transportation is provided to disabled people, uncoordinated transportation systems create additional barriers in some communities, e.g., eligibility restrictions or limited hours of service. Many people with disabilities do not live in areas served by pubic transportation and thus rely on private vehicles. However, buying a car may be difficult because of the general low income level of people with disabilities. In addition, people with mental illness may have to use public transportation systems due to limitations on driving resulting from psychotropic medications.

Actions

254. Provide training targeted toward transportation operators and related service personnel. That training should emphasize the operators' and service personnels' role in reducing stigma and basic information about psychiatric disorders.

255. Continue efforts to provide joint planning and funding of transportation projects for people with disabilities by the Department of Transportation and Public Facilities, the Department of Health and Social Services and the Alaska Mental Health Trust Authority.
Responsible party (actions 1-2): Alaska Mental Health Trust Authority, Department of Transportation and Public Facilities