Independent travel for developmentally disabled persons: a comprehensive model of instruction

Independence and self-determination are long established goals for developmentally disabled persons. Some aspects of independence depend upon the ability to to gain access to resources in the local community. As a result, the acquisition of independent travel skills has received much attention over the years. However, most attempts to teach travel skills to this population have been limited in scope. This paper advocates a more comprehensive approach based upon the principles used to teach orientation and mobility to blind and visually impaired people.