Private vehicle access, modification and trip planning

This project aimed to better understand and address obstacles in the way of people with disability having access to, and using, suitable modified private vehicles.

Lead: Professor Simon Darcy, UTS Business School
Duration: 2014-2015

Access to a modified car, or car aids, along with trip planning services, is known to positively affect social participation across education, employment, culture and leisure. Yet, of the 3.9 million people with disability included in an analysis for this study, just 0.4 per cent used modified cars or car aids. The study identified an information gap for people with disability seeking products, services and funding.

What impact did we create?

A major report was provided to the NSW Department of Family and Community Services. As a result, IDEAS (Information on Disability Education and Awareness Services) was engaged to provide a “one-stop shop” for products and services, using information collated during the study. This included data in areas such as modification suppliers, funding providers, driving assessment and instruction services, and trip planning. The research has informed Commonwealth and state-based policies.

Who did we work with?

  • Family and Community Services NSW 
  • OT Solutions
  • Physical Disability Council NSW
  • IDEAS – Information on Disability Education and Awareness Services
  • Associate Professor of Marketing Paul Burke, UTS Business School
Acknowledgement of Country

UTS acknowledges the Gadigal people of the Eora Nation, the Boorooberongal people of the Dharug Nation, the Bidiagal people and the Gamaygal people, upon whose ancestral lands our university stands. We would also like to pay respect to the Elders both past and present, acknowledging them as the traditional custodians of knowledge for these lands.