Independent travel and people with learning disabilities: the views of a sample of service providers on whether this need is being met

This article describes part of a larger study that involved interviewing clients, carers and service providers to investigate barriers to independent travel for people with severe learning disabilities. The initial part of the study, reported here, involved interviewing service providers. Aims were to identify the number of clients on travel programmes, perceived barriers and suggestions to promote independent travel. Findings indicated that although independent travels was viewed as a valuable skill for people with learning disabilities to possess, there were relatively few who practised this. The most significant obstacles to independent travel were suggested to be clients' cognitive abilities, and the wishes of carers, who according to the study, often did not wish the client to be involved due to perceived risks. Recommendations are made regarding practices to promote independent travel.