This brief will discuss the importance of transportation, problems accessing it, and the utilization of public transportation by people with disabilities. It will describe the barriers experienced in rural and urban settings, and how public transportation programs in Arizona are addressing these barriers. Finally, it will conclude with best practices and future trends in the wake of government funding cuts, including the establishment of one call centers, volunteer driver programs, and shared vans operated by non-profit organizations.

This report examines the current state of housing in Arizona for people with disabilities. While it is one of the best states in the country in promoting community living options, there is more work to be done. Further examination reveals that most being served by the Arizona’s Division of Developmental Disabilities (DDD) are living with their families, with the second largest group living in group homes, in the absence of other options. Those with limited incomes who opt to live on their own find that they are plagued with tremendous barriers that range from discrimination, to long waiting lists for HUD programs, to a shortage of accessible, affordable housing.