On the Move: Navigating Public Transit with Confidence, featuring Social Media and Teen Mental Health
Getting around town shouldn’t feel like an overwhelming puzzle—especially for youth and young adults with disabilities. Whether you’re heading to school, work, or just out to meet friends, public transportation can be a powerful tool for independence and freedom. But like anything new, learning to use buses, trains, or paratransit services can take time, patience, and practice.
Autism Travel Tips: Navigating Public Transportation
For many first-time riders, there can be a lot of unknowns: What if I miss my stop? What if the elevator is out of service? What if I need help but don’t know who to ask? These are valid concerns, but the good news is that with the right information and support, public transit can become not just manageable—but empowering. Knowing your rights, understanding how your local transit system works, and planning ahead can go a long way toward making the experience smoother and less stressful.
The YouTube video "Autism Travel Tips: Navigating Public Transportation with Confidence" by Tyler McNamer offers practical strategies to help autistic individuals travel more independently and comfortably. Some of his tips include planning routes in advance, practicing trips during less busy hours, using visual supports like maps and schedules, and carrying sensory tools such as headphones or fidget items. McNamer also emphasizes the value of having a support person, identifying safe spots for breaks, and developing calming routines to manage stress.
With the right tools and preparation, public transportation doesn’t have to be scary. In fact, learning how to navigate it can be an empowering experience. Whether you’re planning your first solo trip or looking to sharpen your transit skills, building a few key habits—like reading maps, asking for help, and knowing your rights—can make all the difference.
The article “Public Transportation Tips: Building Confidence for Visually Impaired Travelers” from Battle for Blindness shares helpful advice for people who are blind or have low vision to feel more confident using public transportation. It suggests planning trips ahead of time with easy-to-use apps, practicing routes, using helpful tools like smart canes, and asking for help when needed. It also encourages joining support groups, staying calm if things change, and sharing your own travel tips with others. The main message is that with some preparation and support, anyone can travel more independently.
Featuring...
Social Media and Teen Mental Health
The Annie E. Casey Foundation’s blog post, “Social Media and Teen Mental Health” highlights concerns from the 2023 U.S. Surgeon General’s advisory about social media’s impact on teen mental health, noting that while social media can create connection among teens, excessive use is linked to sleep issues, depression, anxiety, and poor self-image. Since teenage years are a critical period for brain development, the post emphasizes the need for families, tech companies, and lawmakers to work together to create safer online environments. It also offers resources on social media safety, mental health effects, and data on youth anxiety and depression to help better support teen well-being in the digital age.
You can read the full blog post here:
https://www.aecf.org/blog/social-medias-concerning-effect-on-teen-mental-health
The SPAN Youth Chat
Join with the SPAN Youth Engagement Team virtually on August 6th from 4:15 to 5:00 PM, for a topic about advocacy and youth empowerment. More details to come.
Resources...
Link to SPAN's website: www.spanadvocacy.org
Link to SPAN's Youth in the Know Resource Page: Youth in the Know
We're here for you! Call SPAN if you need assistance: 1-800-654-7726.
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