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UF Health University of Florida
Mobility, Activity, & Participation (MAP) Lab College of Public Health and Health Professions
I-MAP is now I-DAPT

Promoting Veteran Centric Rural Transportation Options via Automated Shuttle Exposure

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Principal Investigator

Sherrilene Classen
Department: HP-OCCUPATIONAL THERAPY

Sherrilene Classen PhD

Professor And Chair

Co-Investigators

Justin R Mason
Department: HP-REHAB SCI DOCTORAL PROGRAM

Justin R Mason PhD

Research Assistant Professor
Nichole E Stetten
Department: HP-OCCUPATIONAL THERAPY

Nichole E Stetten PhD, MPH, CPH

Research Assistant Professor
Dr. Keith Myers photo
Keith J. Myers, PT, DPT, MBA

Graduate Research Assistant

Isabelle Coppa Wandenkolk
Department: HP-REHAB SCI DOCTORAL PROGRAM

Isabelle Coppa Wandenkolk

GRADUATE AST-R

Research Assistants

Sydney Chucran

Collaborators

University of Florida Department of Occupational Therapy
North Florida/South Georgia Veterans Health System

Funding Source

Office of Rural Health – North Florida / South Georgia Veterans Healthcare System

Synopsis

This study will assess the perceptions of rural Veterans before and after riding in the EasyMile EZ10 automated shuttle. We will also conduct focus groups to obtain Veterans’ perceptions after riding in the automated shuttle. In collaboration with the VA Transportation Service Providers, industry stakeholders, and policymakers (locally, statewide, and nationally), the study aims to shape Florida and VA policies to successfully implement automated vehicle technology into the transportation system. Given the rapidly changing transportation environment, this study is vital to plan a future intervention to optimally reintegrate Veterans into society, who are either not fit to drive or encounter transportation constraints. Autonomous vehicle technology may provide options for Veterans to reintegrate in society, participating in their community, and access health care and services.