How ABA May Support Using Public Transportation

Start with one wanted trip

Choose a destination and time that matter to the person. Map the trip from door to destination, including walking or mobility route, weather, fare, transfer, communication, waiting location, bathroom access, device power, return trip, and a trusted contact.

Separate fixed and changing information

Teach where to find route numbers, stops, direction, fare, and scheduled times. Also prepare for detours, early or late vehicles, platform changes, service interruptions, inaccessible features, and a lost connection. Record which source was checked and when.

Build an accessible request and fallback

The FTA reasonable-modification summary explains that covered public transportation providers must have processes for reasonable modifications and that riders describe what they need to use the service. Prepare the provider's current request route, an on-the-spot message, and a safe backup when service fails.

Keep decision ownership clear

The CASP public summary supports individualized planning, while transit authorities control routes and access decisions. The Ethics Code addresses competence, risk, and evaluation. ASHA supports continuous AAC access.

A practical example

Deshawn chooses six bus trips to a music program. Accurate live information, a usable stop, fare, and communication are ready for 5/6. Deshawn completes 4/5 ready trips and uses the fallback contact once. The canceled trip remains a system outcome.

Questions families can use

Is the trip wanted? Which live source is current? What access request is needed? Can the person communicate with staff? Which events trigger the fallback? Who controls emergency and transport decisions?