Learning Disability Transport Project
While developing our Learning Disability Strategy people told us that Transport is a key priority and that being able to get around to be safer, easier to use and run more often. We organised a workshop bringing together people with Learning Disabilities and professionals within the transport sector so that we can achieve this goal.
Background
The Learning Disability Transport Project is part of our ongoing commitment to improve accessibility and inclusion across the West Glamorgan region. It was developed in direct response to what people with learning disabilities told us matters most to them: better, safer, and more accessible transport.
This work aligns with Welsh Government’s Learning Disability Strategic Action Plan 2022–2026, which aims to ensure that public transport meets the needs of people with learning disabilities so they can fully engage in their communities
We are asking for the recommendations developed in partnership with the Community Transport Association to be implemented. These include:
- Working with transport providers to make services more inclusive, for example, by introducing easy read timetables and signage;
- Supporting community transport options to ensure low-cost, accessible travel is available;
- Collaborating through a dedicated Task and Finish Group, including people with lived experience, parent carers, local authorities, and the Third Sector.
This work aligns with Welsh Government’s Learning Disability Strategic Action Plan 2022–2026, which aims to ensure that public transport meets the needs of people with learning disabilities so they can fully engage in their communities.
How we planned the workshop
The Learning Disability Transport Workshop was developed through a collaborative, co-produced approach. A dedicated Task and Finish Group was formed to lead the project, bringing together people with lived experience, parent carers, representatives from the Third Sector, and transport departments from Swansea and Neath Port Talbot councils.
The group set out to better understand the real-life transport experiences of people with learning disabilities. To do this, they designed an engagement process that included:
- A regional transport questionnaire;
- Face-to-face interviews, many of which were filmed to capture lived experience;
- Themed analysis of feedback to identify key barriers and ideas for improvement.
While the questionnaire responses provided some insight, it was the filmed interviews that gave a richer, more personal view of the daily challenges faced.
Using this insight, the Task and Finish Group co-designed a workshop that would:
- Bring people with learning disabilities together with transport providers;
- Raise awareness of the barriers people face;
- Create space for open discussion and idea-sharing;
- Support the co-production of a Travel Charter, setting out expectations for accessible and inclusive travel.
The West Glamorgan Regional Partnership Team supported the planning process, ensuring the event was inclusive, accessible, and built around the voices of people with learning disabilities.
What happened at the workshop
The Learning Disability Transport Workshop took place on 9th July 2024 at Llys Nini in Penllergaer, Swansea. The event brought together over 70 attendees in person and online, including around 40 people with learning disabilities, alongside transport providers, community transport representatives, and organisations supporting people with learning disabilities.
The day featured presentations, films, breakout discussions, and interactive feedback activities like the Grumble Wall and Ideas Wall. These activities gave people the opportunity to share their experiences, speak directly with transport providers, and help shape the Learning Disability Travel Charter.
West Glamorgan Transport Workshop – Views and Feedback
What are the next steps
We are now sharing the outcomes of the project widely to influence change. This includes the full report, films, Travel Charter, and supporting animation, all of which are being shared with transport companies, community transport providers, and Welsh Government.
We are asking for the recommendations developed in partnership with the Community Transport Association to be implemented. These include:
- Better awareness and promotion of the Orange Wallet scheme
- Learning disability awareness training for transport staff
- Clear, easy read travel information
- Volunteer-led travel training and support
By taking these steps, we aim to make public transport in West Glamorgan more inclusive, supportive, and accessible for people with learning disabilities.
We invite you to watch and share our film about our Transport work and supporting animation which are available on Vimeo here: