Optalis: Ability Travel - travel training for people with special educational needs or disabilities

Travel Training gives people with special educational needs or disabilities the confidence and skills to travel independently on buses, trains and walking routes.

Being able to travel on public transport is a key life skill. It lets you make choices about how you live, go about your daily life and fulfil your potential.

During training your Job Coach will cover:

confidence in using buses or trains
personal safety
how to use timetables and buy tickets
road safety, including how to cope with traffic on major roads
what to do when things go wrong (e.g. the bus is late)

Try a Train Programme

At Optalis we are offering tailored, practical support to help you become more confident using local train travel, in partnership with Great Western Railway and Southeast Communities Rail Partnership

Contact information

Website: Optalis - Ability Training
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Contact Name: Ability Travel
Contact Position: Ability Travel Service
Telephone: 0118 977 8600 0118 977 8600
E-mail: employmentservice@optalis.org
Contact Us: Contact Us Form

Location

Name: Optalis
Address: Trinity Court
Molly Millars Lane
Wokingham
Berkshire
Postcode: RG41 2PY; View RG41 2PY on a map

When is it On/Open ?

Date & Time Information

Monday to Thursday 9.00am to 5.00pm

Fridays from 9.00am to 4.30pm

Please feel free to email us with any questions or calls backs on employmentservice@optalis.org

Session Information

One to One travel training for people over the age of 13

Costs and Fee Information

Contact provider for costs; Help with funding is available
Funding Notes: We can support you to apply for a travel pass and explore other potential funding streams

Facilities and Accessibility

Facilities

Wheelchair access
Toilets
Car Parking
Accessible toilet

Additional Information

What is Ability Travel?

Ability Travel is a new and bespoke service which aims to improve the travelling capability of young people with Special Educational Needs and anyone who wants to become an independent traveller.

Ability Travel provide a tailored travel training programme to support you in achieving your independent travel goals and ambitions

What are the benefits?

Increased opportunity to participate in social and leisure activities
Improvement of general health and well-being
Increased confidence and independence
Decreased reliance on specialist transport and parents/carers
More opportunities to go out with friends and join clubs

How does the programme work?

The programme takes approximately 6 weeks, but this does depend on individual needs.

Learning the journey and alternative routes
Personal and road safety awareness
Coping strategies and using technology
Confidence building and increased social interaction
Handling money and paying fares
Increasing the confidence of individuals and improving social interaction

Our travel trainers have a wealth of experience supporting people with learning difficulties, SEN, physical disabilities and people with mental health issues. Our staff have enhanced DBS’ and are first aid trained.

We always ensure we work closely with you and your support networks to ensure the appropriate support, guidance and training is given to enable you to maximise your potential.

Complaints Procedure

Complaints link: Comments, Compliments and Complaints

Accessing this service

Age Ranges

13 +

Booking and Registration Notes

An initial telephone assessment will be will be required

Provision For

Supporting people with: Mental health conditions
Wheelchair Accessible
Autism Spectrum Conditions
Social Needs
Emotional Needs
Children with Additional Needs
Behavioural
Learning and Communication
Mobility problems
Medical
Physical impairment
Other long term conditions
Hearing impairment

Quality Assurance

Accreditation: Assured Care and Support

Local Offer - Support available for children and young people with additional needs

Description: An Ability Coach can support you to travel on your own on a bus, train, waking or cyclying
Contact Name: Donna Morgans
Contact Telephone: 0118 977 8600
Contact Email: employmentservice@optalis.org