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CHAPTER TWO: METHODOLOGY
Introduction
2.1 This chapter provides an outline of the methodology employed for this research.
2.2 The research involved 3 main phases:
Phase 1: Identification of pre-travel information required by disabled travellers
2.3 This phase included a review of the literature and consultation with disability organisations.
Literature Review
2.4 The first stage of this project involved a desktop based review of relevant research relating to the accessibility and information requirements of disabled travellers. ( For a full list of literature reviewed, refer to Annex 1) The desired output was a summary of accessibility requirements for different groups of disabled people, by mode of transport / interchange.
Consultation with Disability Organisations
2.5 The largest disability organisations in Scotland were selected to take part in a consultation exercise. ( For a full list of organisations contacted, refer to Annex 2).
2.6 A questionnaire, incorporating a list of features identified through the literature review and TTR study, was then emailed to the relevant organisational contacts, normally a policy officer. The questionnaire asked respondents to highlight which features their members most required information on when making journey decisions.
2.7 Full responses to the consultation were received from three organisations: the Royal National Institute for the Deaf ( RNID), the Royal National Institute for the Blind ( RNIB) and Enable. Some organisations did not feel they could adequately answer on behalf of their members, due to the wide variety of disabilities they represented.
2.8 The results of this stage were used to confirm and add to the list of critical features identified through the literature. All essential features were then amalgamated into a single list that the study team determined disabled people most require information about when deciding whether or not to undertake a journey (essential information requirements).
Phase 2: Assessment of existing information sources (consultation with data owners)
2.9 Using the list of essential information requirements, questionnaires were drawn up for the likely owners of this information - Local Authorities, bus operators and ferry companies. Rail information was discussed with the Association of Train Operating Companies and First ScotRail.
With reference to the infrastructure that each stakeholder had responsibility for, questions were asked about the general accessibility of stops, vehicles / vessels, the availability of electronic lists summarising accessibility data and future intentions regarding improvements to accessibility.
Phase 3: Analysis and identification of data collection methods
2.10 A full analysis was conducted on the information received to assess what accessibility information was readily available and what information was missing. Possible methods for the collection of existing and new accessibility data were discussed with a selection of data owners.
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