RideWise Travel Training Educator Institute 3.17.17

Independent Mobility: what’s that? in·de·pen·dent (nd-pndnt) Adjective: Free from the influence, guidance, or control of another or others; self-reliant: an independent mind. Not determined or influenced by someone or something else; not contingent: a decision independent of the outcome of the study. Mobility mo·bil·i·ty/mōˈbilətē/ Noun: The ability to move or be moved freely and easily. The ability to move between different levels in society or employment. Independent Mobility: what’s that?

Short History of Travel Training Travel instruction has been around since 1960 Early pioneer – Margaret Groce, Supervisor of the New York Board of Education Travel Training Program Goal: train people to travel safely and independently to a regularly visited destination and back Short History of Travel Training

Travel Training Definition One-to-one short-term instruction provided to an individual who has previously traveled independently and needs additional training or support to use a different mode of travel, a different route, mode of transit, or travel to a new destination; or One-to-one comprehensive, specially designed instruction in the skills and behaviors necessary for independent travel on public transportation provided to an individual who does not have independent travel concepts or skills to go from point of origin of trip to destination and back. Definition adopted by the Association of Travel Instruction in 2013 Travel Training Definition

Ride Connection Serving the tri-county area for about 30 years Provide transportation for riders over 60 and people with disabilities Offers a range of transportation options: Community-based transportation Shopping Shuttles GroveLink Among others Ride Connection

Who are we? RideWise began serving the tri-county area in 2004 Our model is based on providing people with the information and experience they need to feel confident taking public transportation independently Through a range of program components, we help meet the needs of older adults and people with disabilities Who are we?

A personalized trip planning system that is easy to access, and addresses the individual travel needs of each customer. Consumer education and outreach program to familiarize customers with their transportation options, including bus, light rail and all other community-based transportation options. Fixed-route vehicle familiarization services designed for individuals who need assistance and practical experience boarding TriMet buses and MAX cars. This training takes place when the vehicles are not in service. How do we do it?

Group training is available for students receiving support through community transition programs, senior residential facilities, community centers and others Riders’ Clubs - The goal is to give consumers more opportunities to become comfortable with the public bus by creating fun adventures that include riding fixed route to and from the destination. One-on-one travel training, a short-term, intensive and individualized course of instruction designed to teach older adults and people with disabilities to travel safely and independently using public transportation.

Travel Training Process Referral Initial Interview Route and Scout Field Training Shadow and Fade Travel Training Process

Travel Training & Students Safety presentations Group training leads to comfort with the processes of taking transit (paying fare, appropriate behavior, making transfers, etc.) Some students get all the experience and are able to travel independently, while others need some additional assistance All in all, the students we serve who participated in classroom training start building a base of independent travel skills Travel Training & Students

Why is it important? Independence – first and foremost Inclusion Spontaneity Enhanced quality of life Freedom & Choice Cost savings to the rider Benefits the community as a whole Why is it important?

Additional Resources Association of Travel Instruction National association of travel trainers/instructors Annual Conference Quarterly Webinars http://travelinstruction.org/ Additional Resources

Christina Cooper RideWise Outreach Specialist 503. 528 Christina Cooper RideWise Outreach Specialist 503.528.1748 ccooper@rideconnection.org www.rideconnection.org Contact Information