Universal design of transportation systems for people with mental impairments

In this project we have examined what barriers people with mental impairments has in relation to travel, what can be done to make it easier for them to travel, and how todays understanding of universal design includes people with mental impairments. Crowded spaces, lack of information, lack of public transportation in rural areas, waiting time – especially in relation to journeys including several different modes of transportation, economic barriers and lack of understanding from staff are some of the main barriers we found. The train is considered by most informants as better than other public transport modes. The possibility to travel by car is essential to the wellbeing of several informants. Today’s understand of universal design is mostly including people with physical impairments in both public documents, policies, research and support from the government.