The Importance of Independent Mobility and Travel Instruction

Independent mobility is so much more than getting from point A to point B—it’s freedom, confidence, and the ability to be part of your community. For people with disabilities and older adults, it can open doors to education, work, friendships, and healthcare. It’s about having the choice to go where you want, when you want, without relying on someone else.

I understand this personally. Living with a disability myself, I’ve felt the difference accessibility makes—every curb ramp, every accessible bus, every clear stop announcement. These aren’t “extras”; they’re essentials for making sure everyone has a fair chance to participate in daily life.

That understanding has grown even deeper as I watch my daughter, who also has a disability, start her own journey toward independence. She’s learning how to navigate her community, make decisions on the go, and handle the unexpected. Seeing her confidence grow reminds me that independent mobility is just as much about building self-assurance as it is about travel skills.

Travel trainers play such an important role in making this possible. You’re not just teaching people how to read a bus schedule or plan a trip—you’re helping them discover independence, confidence, and connection. Thank you for the incredible work you do every day to increase and improve independent mobility for all.