Evaluating a GPS-based transportation device to support independent bus travel by people with intellectual disability

We examined the utility of a PDA-based software system with integrated GPS technology for providing location-aware visual and auditory prompts to enable people with intellectual disability to successfully navigate a downtown bus route. Participants using the system were significantly more successful at completing a bus route than were people in a control group, who used a map and verbal directions. Further, when using the GPS-based system, 73% of participants successfully rang the bell and exited the bus at the right stop compared with only 8% of the control group. This finding was observed for individuals attempting to follow a new bus route for the first time and get off the bus at a previously unknown location.