Transportation is an important aspect for postsecondary transitions for teens and young adults with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD). When they have the freedom to get to and from work, school, social activities, and medical appointments, their ability for independence grows as they develop confidence in themselves. Sometimes due to an individual’s disability, they are often limited to having to walk, ride a bike or having someone else transport them to where they need to go, if they do not learn to access transportation.
The Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDA)and its regulations include travel training in the definition of special education. Travel training is instruction that enables students with disabilities to develop awareness of the environment in which they live and to learn the skills necessary to move effectively and safely from place to place within that environment. This training is an important component of a student’s Individual Education Plan (IEP) since it helps to promote and prepare students to live independently.
The decision of whether to obtain a driver’s license or choosing other transportation options is an important discussion families must have with their child. If it is decided that the child will not obtain a driver’s license and instead use public transportation it is necessary for them to learn how to navigate the public transportation system in their community.
Below you will find a link to learn more about transportation in your community. Let’s Go! A Guide to Getting Around Your Community in Florida-County-by-County Transportation Information and Services for Persons with Developmental Disabilities and Their Families is an informational guide sponsored by the United States Department of Health and Human Services, Administration on Developmental Disabilities and the Florida Developmental Disabilities Council, Inc.
https://www.fddc.org/sites/default/files/file/publications/transportation%20guidebook.pdf