Meet Emily, Travel Training Program Graduate

Travel Training: Fostering Independence for People with Special Needs

Travel Training Graduate from Community Transit on Vimeo.

Emily learned about Travel Training by watching her younger brother, Kevin, gain his independence through the program. Even though Kevin has more limitations than Emily, his bravery and fierce determination were inspiring to her, and the push she needed to find her own path. "I thought if he could be successful at it, I could be successful at it."

Emily started working with Christine, her Travel Trainer, during her senior year of high school. In the beginning Emily's busy school and work schedules only allowed for 1-2 sessions with Christine per month. After graduation she was able to meet Christine more often and felt fully confident on the bus within a year of her first session. "At first it was a bit nerve-wracking, but over time it got more fun and I needed a little less help."

Some of the first places Emily learned to get to by bus were places Kevin went to, such as their family church and Mukilteo Beach. Since then Emily enjoys going to the library, the Dollar Store, and Alderwood Mall. She is even dreaming about learning how to get to downtown Seattle by bus, and trying Community Transit's Swift bus rapid transit network once the Swift Green Line opens in March.

Like many teenagers newly out of high school, Emily is trying to decide what is next. She thinks college might be a good plan, but for now she is dedicated to feeling more independent and trying new things. And, of course, being able to get where she wants is a big part of that independence. "Taking the bus often offers me an open door that I haven't opened yet growing up, and I think I want to keep following in Kevin's footsteps."

We think you are just as brave and adventurous as your brother, Emily. Your thoughtfulness and willingness to stay open to new experiences is really inspiring. We can't wait to see where your path leads you next.

Do you know someone with special needs who would benefit from our Travel Training Program? Visit communitytransit.org/TravelTraining or call (425) 348-2379.

Meet Jesse, Travel Training Program Graduate

Travel Training: Fostering Independence for People with Special Needs

Travel Training Graduate from Community Transit on Vimeo.

Becoming independent is an exciting time for young adults. For young adults with special needs, though, this time can also be a little bit scary.

Jesse, who is 22 years old, was worried about how to get to and from his job at Lowe's. Normally a paratransit rider, Jesse was limited to the less flexible schedule that DART buses provide. His vocational coach surprised him by suggesting he train how to take the bus. A few phone calls later and Community Transit was able to connect Jesse with Christine, one of the travel trainers.

"The first time I was really nervous going by myself. I was quite confused and worried am I taking the wrong bus and have to be late to work?" Luckily it only took two travel training sessions with Christine to feel comfortable. "The second time I knew where to go so it feels good."

Christine taught Jesse how to plan his route, how to determine his stop, and when to pull the cord to exit at the correct stop. She also taught him how to purchase and use an ORCA card which provides a reduced fare for people with disabilities. It's easy for Jesse to add more value to the card when he needs to.

Jesse's mother doesn't know how to drive, and so occasionally Jesse will accompany her on errands, like going to the dentist. But for his day-to-day life, Jesse is happy to just take the bus to work and home again, and he encourages others with disabilities to give our travel training program a try. "I recommend this to other disability people, so if they can't drive they can watch this story."

We are as proud of you, Jesse, as you are of yourself! Congratulations on taking important steps in your independence.

Do you know someone with special needs who would benefit from our Travel Training program? Visit communitytransit.org/traveltraining or call (425) 348-2379.

Meet Emma, Transit Instruction Program Graduate

Transit Instruction: Fostering Independence for People with Special Needs

Transit Instruction Program Graduate from Community Transit on Vimeo.

It takes guts to try something new and stretch past your comfort zone. We could all take a lesson from Emma, whose bravery and bright personality helped her overcome her anxiety of traveling alone, and opened new doors to independence and freedom.

23 year old Emma used to depend on her mother to drive her where she needed to go. But when her mom started a new job and wasn't available to drive her any longer, she looked into programs that would help Emma learn how to take the bus. She called our Transit Instruction Program, where our travel trainers provide personalized instruction to build knowledge and confidence.

First on the agenda? Helping Emma learn how to get to her part-time job at a co-op in Marysville where she sweeps floors, organizes, and enjoys the dogs that are allowed to come in the store while their owners shop. "It didn't take very long to learn how to ride the bus, but it did take a while to be confident and do it by myself. I don't normally like new things. I was worried I would get off at the wrong stop."

After riding with her travel trainer, Christine, several times, Emma's mom helped her decide that she had everything she needed to be successful to ride on her own. Christine followed her the first time, and since then Emma has been on her own. "It wasn't as hard as I thought it would be. I like being able to go places. I do have to tell my mom so she doesn't get worried. I like being able to do things by myself."

Emma now uses Route 202 to get to work, to the bank to cash her checks, to the library for books, and to the grocery store where she picks up supplies for baking (she jokes about her sweet tooth). When asked where she might like to go by bus someday, she eagerly suggested a museum. Another adventure to plan with Christine.

"I feel like it's a good program because I feel like it would help a lot of people that wouldn't otherwise be able to do what I've done."

Congratulations, Emma! We are inspired by your story and can't wait to see what adventures you discover next.

Do you know someone with special needs who would benefit from our Transit Instruction Program? Visit www.communitytransit.org/transitinstruction or call (425) 348-2379.