Definition
Travel training is a systematic approach to teaching individuals on the autism spectrum to use mass transit. According to Groce (1996a), “Travel training is short term, comprehensive, intensive instruction designed to teach students with disabilities how to travel safely and independently on public transportation. The goal of travel training is to train students to travel independently to a regularly visited destination and back” (p. 2). Without the ability to travel independently, an individual with autism is isolated and must rely upon others to transport them to work, social activities, and other activities of daily living (e.g., grocery shopping).
Historical Background
The history of travel training is scant at best. With the passage of the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA) in the 1990s, educators acknowledged the need to train individuals with disabilities regarding how to access and use public transportation to increase their independence and...
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References and Readings
Groce, M. M. (1996a). An introduction to travel training. Transition Summary: Travel Training for Youth with Disabilities, National Information Center Children and Youth with Disabilities (NICHY), pp. 2–5.
Groce, M. M. (1996b). A model of a travel training program: The New York City Board of Education Travel Training Program. Transition Summary: Travel Training for Youth with Disabilities, June 9. National Information Center Children and Youth with Disabilities (NICHY), pp. 10–13.
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VanBergeijk, E. O. (2009a). Travel advice for higher functioning individuals on the autism spectrum. Exceptional Parent, 39(12), 44–45.
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VanBergeijk, E. (2013). Travel Training. In: Volkmar, F.R. (eds) Encyclopedia of Autism Spectrum Disorders. Springer, New York, NY. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-1-4419-1698-3_1938
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