Students on the Go: A Travel Training Manual
This training manual, developed at the Clerc Center, is intended to train students for safe and independent travel.
Overview
The ability to travel independently in the community helps to promote the development of autonomy in adolescents. Students who possess the knowledge and skills associated with independent travel have increased access to community events, including after school activities and employment (Bar-Lev, 1999).
Travel training is a comprehensive, intensive instruction designed to teach students how to travel safely and independently on public transportation (Groce, 2000). Students may receive training at any age, though it occurs typically between 12-14, depending on their maturity level and ability to act responsibly.
This travel training manual was designed to support you in training students to travel safely and independently wherever their destination may be. It will assist you in working with individual students to meet their specific travel needs. It will guide you through processes and steps to determine if a student is ready for independent travel as demonstrated by: an awareness of personal space; an awareness of their environment; and the ability to recognize and respond to danger (Groce, 2000).
The Clerc Center Transition staff that designed this manual adapted their existing travel training curriculum to fit the needs of professionals working with deaf and hard of hearing students in urban, suburban or rural environments. When using the manual, we recommend that you adapt all forms and letters to match the needs of your program and your students. Please use your organizational letterhead when you print any of the forms and letters.
The entire Students on the Go - Travel Training Manual is available: in Word or in PDF (as an example with the Clerc Center information)
Individual sections are available below in Word format and contain space for a school or organization to insert their own letterhead and text.
A Travel Training Protocol (What to Do Before, During, and After Travel Training, as it appears above) Word
Travel Training Letter to Parents and Guardians Word
Appendix A: Travel Training Permission Form Word
Appendix B: Travel Training Emergency Contact Form Word
Appendix C: Travel Training Family Emergency Plan Word
Appendix D: Travel Training Schedule Word
Appendix E: Travel Training Pre-Assessment Guideline Word
Appendix F: Travel Guide Word
Travel Guide Wallet-Size (Front) Word
Travel Guide Wallet-Size (Back) Word
Travel Safety Tips and Precautions Word
Appendix G: Travel Training Progress Report Word
Appendix H: Travel Training Checklist Word
Appendix I: Travel Training Post-Assessment Guideline Word
Appendix J: Travel Training Evaluation Questions Word
References:
Groce, M. (2000). Travel training: Getting out and about without fear. The Exceptional Parent, 30, pg. 26.
Bar-Lev, N. (1999). Final IDEA rules and regulations. Memorandum to school district administrators and special education coordinators [Online]. Formerly accessed at: http://www.cesa7.k12.wi.us/sped/issues-IDEArules/ideachanges7699.html. Now searchable via Wayback Machine: https://web.archive.org/web/20050326195426/http://www.cesa7.k12.wi.us/sped/issues-IDEArules/ideachanges7699.html
