Senior Project Worker, Tom O’Neil has been working with this member to help him become able to travel on his own, here he tells us how his journey went:

It’s all in the planning

“His journey to Marlow was a remarkable testament to his growth and determination. He arrived in the morning, brimming with enthusiasm and energy, ready to tackle the journey ahead. Having meticulously studied the route, he was well-prepared and confident about what lay ahead. We spent part of the morning reviewing the journey details and discussing strategies to manage any anxiety or issues that might arise during the bus ride. He knew that if he encountered any problems he couldn’t handle, I would be ready to jump in the car and come to his aid.

“Throughout his journey, his excitement was clear. He sent me pictures at various points along the way, capturing each moment of his adventure. Using Google Maps to track his GPS location, he ensured he was on the right path. His ability to navigate the journey to Marlow and disembark at the correct stop without any assistance was a proud moment for him. This achievement marked a significant milestone, opening up a world of opportunities and potential for greater independence.

The return trip

“The return journey presented a slight challenge, but he handled it calmly and professionally. He remembered to catch the bus heading in the opposite direction and navigated the short walk around the corner to the correct bus stop. He also correctly identified that there were two number 32 buses and got on the right one by checking with the driver, which went past St Mary and Georges Church. His successful return to Wycombe and subsequent bus ride back to the church returning at around 12.30pm, were further testaments to his growing confidence and competence.

“This accomplishment was the result of numerous theory-based travel training sessions, assisted journeys, and gradually increasing non-assisted trips. From a young man who once believed he could never take a bus on his own, he has transformed into someone capable of independent travel. Witnessing his growth and development over the years has been a source of immense pride for me.”

We are so proud of what you have achieved. Well Done!

Why is travel training so important?

At Talkback we provide Independent Travel Training as part of our Personal Development and Skills programme, which is designed to enable autistic people and those with a learning disability to build confidence in managing their own lives.

The benefits of travel training sessions to all our members are crucial to their development. Independent travel can open up a world of social, leisure and employment opportunities. Our training covers personal and road safety and how to plan a journey by bus or train. We also provide support on how to apply for a bus pass, develop skills to read a timetable, tell the time, calculate costs, practice money skills, and how to use a travel app.

We use bespoke assessment tools and a wealth of travel training experience, to gauge where our members are on their steps towards independence. They learn how to prepare for a journey and consider what they need to take with them. We also use role play to practice what to do if something goes wrong before they embark upon any real-life journeys.

Our members are supported at each stage, no-one is left to do it alone until they are ready. You can find out more here.

Here are some photos of our member on his journey