CDC Victoria’s BusAble program was delivered to students from Ballarat Specialist School, co-presented by our new Bus Accessibility Ambassador and passionate bus driver, Ms. Reet Sohal and one of CDC’s newest trainers, Ms. Yvonne Davis. Together, this dream team brought to life brand new bus accessibility and safety content, designed to build confidence catching public transport to young people with disabilities.
CDC were pleased to partner up again with V/Line to deliver two sessions in the month of June. Both BusAble sessions provided valuable accessibility information and resources, myki basics, and safety education via classroom training and onboard a stationary bus. More than 70 students attended these sessions and gained more confidence and knowledge to travel on public transport.
“A lot of our students may not be able to get a driver’s license or maintain a license if they do. So, public transport can really help them access jobs in the community,” says Prue O’Neill, teacher, Ballarat Specialist School.
CDC Victoria delivers free BusAble community programs across our network, working with accessibility partners, to build travel confidence for those with personal accessibility barriers.
Reet has been a bus driver with CDC for many years, first starting her career at Wyndham depot, then transferring to Ballarat depot a couple of years ago. Yvonne joined CDC Victoria in early 2022 and was excited to be a part of delivering the BusAble program to young people with disabilities, as it forms a special place in her heart, being a wonderful stepmom to two kids on the spectrum.
“Reet and Yvonne drive home the importance of providing accessibility for customers with different types of needs, enabling the success of the BusAble program being delivered across our network,” says Michelle Ho McKersey, Community Engagement and Sustainability Manager.
