Route Ready Comes to Compass, Inc. for Travel Training
Expanding Independence Through Travel Training: Route Ready Comes to Compass
At Opportunities, Inc., we believe that confident, independent travel opens doors to opportunity, connection, and community life. That’s why we’re excited to share a new partnership with Compass Inc. to provide Route Ready Travel Training for their staff, beginning January 20.
This collaboration is made possible through a grant from the Metropolitan Washington Council of Governments, supporting efforts to expand mobility, access, and independence across our region.
What Is Route Ready?
Route Ready is Opportunities, Inc.’s hands-on travel training program designed to help staff confidently navigate public transportation systems, including buses and Metro. Through real-world practice, participants learn:
- How to plan routes and read schedules
- Safe boarding and exiting procedures
- Problem-solving skills for unexpected delays or changes
- How to support others in traveling independently
By strengthening staff confidence, Route Ready helps organizations expand opportunities for the people they support to move through their communities safely and independently.
Why This Partnership Matters
Through this partnership, Compass staff will gain practical travel skills they can pass on to the people they support. That means more people will have access to everyday opportunities like employment, volunteering, social activities, and community events.
Over the past year, Opportunities, Inc. staff have participated in Route Ready training themselves. The experience has been both empowering and energizing, building confidence while reinforcing the importance of accessible transportation as a pathway to inclusion.
"I enjoyed learning more about all of the safety measures that are put in place to ensure the safety for people who utilize public transportation. Hadassah perfectly modeled how I can be mindful regarding each person when travel training and individualizing each trip for the people we provide services to."
- Brakelle, Opportunities, Inc. Support Coordinator
We’re thrilled to now share that experience with the Compass team. This partnership reflects a shared commitment to empowerment, skill-building, and meaningful community engagement.
Building Momentum for Greater Inclusion
Travel training is about more than learning how to ride the bus or Metro. It’s about independence, choice, and confidence. When people can travel on their own or with minimal support, they gain greater control over their daily lives and stronger connections to their communities.
"The people we support, and I learned how to effectively plan and follow a bus route, identify bus stops, read schedules, and ensure everyone’s safety while traveling as a group in the community. The session was engaging and supportive. It increased my confidence in assisting individuals with disabilities to use public transportation safely and independently in future community outings. Thanks very much Hadassah. Can't wait to do this over and over with the people we support."
- Prisca, Opportunities, Inc. Community Support Professional
By investing in staff training, Compass is helping lay the foundation for long-term impact that reaches far beyond the classroom or training day.
Learn More About Our Partners
Compass supports people with disabilities in building skills, independence, and meaningful lives in their communities. Learn more about them at compassmaryland.org
MWCOG is an independent, nonprofit association of local governments working together to address regional issues, including transportation and accessibility. Learn more about them at mwcog.org
Looking Ahead
We’re proud to partner with Compass and grateful for the support of MWCOG as Route Ready training begins.
Together, we’re building pathways to independence and helping more people move confidently through their communities. Stay tuned for updates as training gets underway. We look forward to sharing highlights, stories, and the impact ahead.