Independent travel training
Travel training helps people develop the skills they need to travel independently and safely on public transport or by foot.
It aims to help people travel on their own without fear so they can get to work, to education, or places where they want to go to for leisure.
Eligibility and referral
Travel training is for children and young people who have special educational needs and disabilities (SEND), and adults who have physical or learning difficulties.
People are eligible if:
- Their needs are caused by a physical or mental impairment or illness
- They are currently unable to travel independently
The Inclusion Service refer people for travel training if they are eligible. Speak to your Inclusion officer if you would like to know more about getting support.
How it works
Our travel trainers work with young people to find out what help they need. They go with the person on some journeys until they are confident on their own.
Training might be one-to-one, in groups or in the classroom. The training gives advice on all the events young people might find on their journeys.
It covers:
- Personal and road safety awareness.
- Journey planning and preparing for a journey (what to take, what the weather might be like).
- Leaving the home safely (locking up if need be).
- How to cope with an emergency or unexpected circumstances (cancelled trains, missed stops).
- Using technology like travel cards and mobile phones.
Benefits of travel training
The training has many benefits including:
- The increased independence gives people improved confidence and self-esteem.
- Young people become less reliant on parents and carers to take them to places.
- It creates more opportunities to take part in social activities.
- People may be more likely to find themselves work or volunteering opportunities because they can travel.