A new gift to the UCF Center for Autism and Related Disabilities (CARD) will aid young adults with autism in navigating the unique sensory, cognitive and emotional challenges associated with learning to drive or using a public transportation system. The innovative travel training program is designed to decrease transportation-related anxiety for older teens and young adults and improve their ability to access vocational employment. The program is made possible thanks to the Armani Williams Give Back Grant from the Doug Flutie Jr. Foundation for Autism.
Beginning this summer, two separate programs will be available to young adults with autism: a first-of-its-kind program that offers hands-on instruction for using bus, rideshare, and rail transportation, and another delivery of a specialized driving program that puts learners behind the wheel.
A key feature of the travel training initiative is its interactive, real-world approach to helping students navigate public transportation systems, like buses and trains. Over the course of six months, students will receive specialized classroom instruction focused on common traveling challenges and practical strategies to reduce stress. Stepping out of the classroom, students will then have the opportunity to ride local bus and train routes to help build their familiarity and confidence with commuting. The program supports teens and adults in the metro Orlando area and is designed to make commuting more accessible for those who are unable to drive and are looking for alternative ways to navigate their communities independently.
“We are very excited to be able to offer this expanded program this year,” says CARD Director Terri Daly. “Accessing transportation is a pivotal skill for independence. All teens and adults with ASD want to be able to do things on their own, and driving or getting comfortable with public transportation will increase their autonomy.”
To help make the program more accessible to the community, CARD will also prepare a virtual learning program on transportation navigation that will offer additional web-based resources for families.
Now entering its third installment (and the second delivery supported through a gift from the Doug Flutie Jr. Foundation for Autism), the driving program centers on equipping young adults pursuing their driver’s license with the skills and confidence needed to pass their driving exam. By blending classroom instruction with individualized driving lessons, the program meets students where they are in a supportive, flexible environment where they can progress at their own pace. This approach allows students to build a strong foundation of knowledge before stepping behind the wheel to put their learning into practice on the road. Lessons are led by a driving rehabilitation specialist, a professional who is both an occupational therapist and a certified driving instructor.
Last year, six students completed the driving program and successfully passed their driving examination.
Previous installments of the driving program assisted drivers in Orange and Seminole Counties. This summer’s delivery will support students in Brevard, Lake, Volusia and Osceola Counties.
“The Flutie Foundation Armani Williams Gives Back helps our partner agencies address a variety of significant needs in the autism community,” says Nick Savarese, Executive Director of The Doug Flutie Jr. Foundation for Autism. “Programs like these help people on the autism spectrum live life to the fullest and we are proud to support their efforts.”
Through the support of donations, partnerships, and contributions from participating families, CARD’s driving and travel training programs continue to empower young adults to drive their own journey independently while providing families with lasting resources.
To learn more about enrolling in CARD’s driving or traveling training program, email UCFCARD@ucf.edu. Participants must be registered with UCF CARD, and the specialized lessons will be offered at a substantial discount.
