Gaining independence with Travel Choices

The Challenge

Keaton was referred to Travel Choices by his college, who felt he would benefit from Travel Training. After starting college, it was agreed to release Keaton one day a week to begin his training programme. Keaton has travelled by taxi all his school life, but both he and his parents felt this was the perfect time to learn to travel to college independently. Keaton wanted to develop his road awareness skills as he becomes quite anxious with loud sounds, especially motorbikes, and becomes stressed.   

The Travel Training Journey

There were a few public transport options available for Keaton to get to college from home. He preferred  the 15 minute walk to the train station, catching the train  and then walking the short distance to the college. To begin with his road awareness skills needed attention, as the Travel Coaches Lisa and Cheryl were not always sure that he was checking the roads before crossing if they didn’t prompt him. After a couple of sessions this improved greatly and his Travel Coaches didn’t have to mention anything to him about how to cross the road safely.  

As Keaton’s travel training continued, a footpath he previously used became very busy with school children walking towards him. The footpath isn’t very wide, and he would tend to wait as the children walked past, so together Keaton and his Travel Coaches decided it would be best if he used an alternative route by crossing the road using a pedestrian crossing, as he could then follow the same route towards the train station using a footpath which wasn’t as congested. After a few sessions following this new route, Keaton confidently walked to the train station independently of the Travel Coaches and it wasn’t long before he was making the entire journey to college independently.  

The impact

Keaton now confidently travels to college. His Travel Coaches have seen him on a few occasions around the college and he looks very happy and pleased that he can do this on his own. Keaton now wants to learn to get to other places on his own. 

Comment from Parents

“Keaton has done amazingly well. As we can see that there is a big difference from when he started travel training and now. Lisa and Cheryl have been unbelievable, and we can never, ever thank you enough for what you have done these last few months.”   

“I second everything that Allan has said – we cannot thank you & Cheryl enough! Keaton’s confidence, independence and maturity continue to grow. Wishing you all well in the future. Thank you both for the wonderful work you do.”

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