Worcester, MA-Summit Campus students are taking advantage of a remarkable free service the WRTA offers to its ridership here in Worcester. The WRTA Travel Training program is designed to empower individuals with skills for independent living. Since the goals of these two Worcester based programs align, the partnership has yielded meaningful results.
Building independent living skills is one of the foundations of the Summit Campus program where college students who identify as neuro-diverse, live and learn. Campus residents receive support in daily living skills, executive function, social skills training, academics, and community access. This Travel Training program enables students to access the many hot spots of Worcester. As Dr. Seuss said, “Oh the places you will go.” Here are a few: QCC Campus and Student Events, The Worcester Public Library, The DCU Center, Lincoln Plaza, The Canal District, Union Station, The Shoppes at Blackstone Valley and much more!
Summit Campus resident Lauren participated in the program alongside WRTA travel trainer Karen Andersen Walsh. “Lauren was eager to learn the WRTA bus system and embarked on her travel training journey with tenacity and enthusiasm,” said Andersen Walsh, “She now takes the regular buses to commute to her classes and to explore Worcester, with know-how and confidence! It was such a pleasure to work with her.” Lauren added, “Taking the bus opens up a whole new world to me.”
Nikki Koppel, Director of the Summit Campus Program says, “It has been an honor to have Karen become part of our Summit Campus team and work 1:1 and in small groups with our students. When they move out of the dorm, because of this Travel Training program, our young adults will be able to shop where they want, work where they want and live where they want!”
The Travel Training is available to anyone 13 years of age and older and is completely free of charge! The program is designed to help people who would like to use the fixed bus route, but don’t know where to start. We understand that each person’s needs and abilities are unique so training time and techniques will vary person to person.
The Worcester Regional Transit Authority (WRTA) is a regional transit system that services the City of Worcester and the surrounding 36 communities in the Central Massachusetts area with a bus fleet that includes diesel-electric hybrid buses, and clean-diesel buses. The second largest regional transit authority in Massachusetts, the WRTA offers reliable, comfortable, and safe transportation for traveling to work, shopping, school, medical appointments, and leisure activities. The WRTA also provides paratransit service for the elderly and disabled, as well as a variety of special services for those groups in the entire service area. All fixed routes are free through June 30, 2023. Learn how to safely and independently ride the WRTA today! For more information on the WRTA Travel Training or to set up an appointment visit: therta.com/services/travel-training.
Summit Campus is one entity of the Summit Agency and is currently accepting applications for Fall 2023. Summit Agency provides programs and services for children and young adults with autism and related diagnoses. Our mission is to meet every individual and their family where they are and empower their journey toward an independent and fulfilling life, whether at our Academy (grades K-12), our Campus (College Residential Living), or our Health & Wellness Center. Visit our website at summitagencyma.com to learn more about us or let us know how we can help.