Bus operator helps visually impaired children learn travel skills

The local operator welcomed the group to one of its depots for practice in getting on and off buses.

Nikki Honer, Bluestar head of communications, said: “As well as providing guide dogs, the charity runs a number of services to support children and young people with a vision impairment. They were keen to help local youngsters get used to travelling by bus – so our team offered a special session at our depot.

“It allowed them a safe environment to practice on stationary and moving buses that weren’t in service. Our own instructors were also on-hand to answer any questions they had.

“Afterwards we provided tickets so they could practise their new skills taking a bus home, accompanied by their habilitation specialist.

“It is important to us that our services are accessible to all – and we understand the issues faced by those who are blind or partially sighted when they travel by bus.

“Many rely heavily on them, now and in the future, to go about their daily lives – and we are delighted to have been able to help.”

Mark Coates, a habilitation specialist at Guide Dogs, said: “Our habilitation service helps children and young people with a vision impairment to become more independent in their day-to-day lives, teaching them skills including how to move around safely and confidently.

“The session at Bluestar was a great opportunity for the children and young people to develop their bus travel skills in a less-pressured environment, giving them time to familiarise themselves with the layout of the bus and to practise the skills they need for independent travel such as communicating with the driver, finding a seat and locating the doors.

“It was also really useful for them to meet each other and share their own experiences – an important part of learning and feeling supported.

“A huge thank you to the team at Bluestar for hosting this event and being so helpful and accommodating.”

For more information about Bluestar, please visit bluestarbus.co.uk.