Travel training gives young people with learning disabilities a ticket to ride
A new scheme that helps vulnerable young people use public transport alone could save councils millions of pounds
Until late last year, René Lukebana Mansitu was taken by taxi to and from college. His autism and mild learning disability were judged too problematic to allow him to make his own way. Now, the 18-year-old happily walks to a station, catches a train and then changes to a bus to get to his performing arts course. He’s never been late.
René is a “travel training” success story: giving older children and young people with support needs the confidence to use public transport. It is an important step in preparing them for independent adult life, but it can also mean a significant saving for cash-strapped councils facing escalating bills for home-to-school transport.
I don’t feel nervous at all when I’m travelling alone – well, sometimes a bit. But I feel positive about things
Related: Now disabled children and their parents are losing their lifelines | Frances Ryan
Related: The UK is turning back the clock on the education of disabled children | Jonathan Bartley
Source: Guardian Transport
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