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Building Connections and Independence: A Travel Training Day with the Cerebral Palsy Support Network

Amy Marks

Our "Metro Train and Movie Adventure" for young people with Cerebral Palsy and similar conditions aged between 15 – 30, began at Flinders Street Station, where 9 young people (and their support workers) came together for a day filled with exploration, learning and fun. The day was hosted by CPSN’s youth program OASIS that empowers young people through opportunities, advocacy, social inclusion, and support, fostering connection, personal growth, and a sense of belonging. Dylan from Metro Trains welcomed us with enthusiasm, guiding us through the station’s unique layout and highlighting its heritage features while ensuring everyone felt comfortable navigating the space.


A person in a wheelchair going through the myki gates after touching on
Adam going through the accessible gates at Flinders Street Station

Our first stop was Info Central which can be found at the entry of most Metro train stations , a valuable resource for anyone needing assistance with public transport. The friendly staff shared important information about directions and timetable inquiries, making it easy for everyone to access what they needed. A standout feature was the public transport-themed communication board, available for all to use, along with extra copies to take home. Dylan also introduced us to the Sunflower Program, which trains Metro staff to better assist individuals with disabilities. We received sunflower lanyards and bracelets to signal our need for support, as well as a heap of Metro Trains merchandise, which everyone was excited to take home.

Man holding a chart stands in a bright room, speaking. A woman at a blue counter is on the phone. Yellow barrier tape in foreground.
Dylan from Metro trains showing us all about the public transport-themed communication board



Visual communication board with images and text for transport, phone, money, and assistance. Sections marked 'No' and 'Yes' for responses.
Metro Trains themed communication board. Can be downloaded here

Next, we visited Travellers Aid, an essential service for people with disabilities and elderly travelers offered at Southern Cross and Flinders St stations. The staff provided insights about their paid and free offerings, including:


  • Connection assistance to help you navigate the bigger stations and meet your connecting service.  This may include using a buggy or being pushed in a manual wheelchair. (24 hours' notice preferred)


  • Accessible toilets with a ceiling hoist (bring your own sling for hygiene purposes)

      Adult change tables and qualified staff to assist A companion service to help you get to and from appointments. (3 days' notice preferred)

  • Mobility equipment hire (fees apply)


A full list of services is available on the Travellers Aid website.



A wheel chair user and a support worker outside  a Travellers Aid center. Blue walls, glass windows, calm atmosphere.
Courtney and Joss outside Travelers Aid

We appreciated the quiet, air-conditioned space, which provided a fantastic view of the trains as they moved in and out of the station—Dylan shared that it's one of his favourite views of Melbourne! They also had power points available for charging our wheelchairs and devices, and offered connection assistance to help navigate larger stations like Southern Cross, Ballarat, and Flinders Street.



Two trains at a railway station amid green trees and city skyscrapers. Sunny day, people on the platform, blue and yellow train fronts.
The view from Travellers aid.

After our visit to Travellers Aid, we boarded one of Melbourne's newest tram models to Melbourne Central. Everyone was impressed by the tram’s spaciousness for multiple wheelchairs and its clear, easy-to-reach buttons for communicating with the driver—definitely a win for accessibility!


Upon arriving at Melbourne Central, we enjoyed a delicious lunch filled with laughter and conversation before heading to Victoria University’s City Tower Campus.

Standing as the Southern Hemisphere's tallest university campus at over 25 floors, we were pleased to find wide lifts and wheelchair-accessible toilets on every floor, creating a welcoming environment that others should certainly take note of when considering accessibility in modern work and educational spaces.


To conclude our day, we watched "Out of My Mind" on the big projector screen, treating ourselves to popcorn and fresh donuts. The film resonated with everyone, delivering a hilariously relatable story about living with Cerebral Palsy.


This day was more than just an outing; it was a celebration of community, understanding, skill-building, and the importance of accessibility. Participants had opportunities to enhance their independence and navigation skills while connecting with peers. We look forward to more experiences like this, where young people can learn, grow, and enjoy each other's company in an inclusive environment. Thank you to Metro Trains and Victoria University for giving their time and space to make this possible. Overall, the event was a resounding success, highlighting the value of accessibility and support within our communities. If you’d like to learn more about Metro’s accessibility and services, visit: https://www.metrotrains.com.au/station-accessibility-features/passengers-with-specific-needs/



Two people smiling at the camera in a public indoor setting. One wears a hat and glasses, the other a plaid shirt. Background is blurred.
Rebecca and Ian at Flinders Street Station


*What is a communication board


A communication board is a communication aid that might be used by someone who is non-speaking, or if they benefit from using visuals to support their communication for any reason. The user can communicate their message by selecting the picture which represents their message. It is important to find out as much information as you can about a person’s communication abilities and preferences before introducing a communication aid. (Alfred Health)


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Remember, we’re here to help – any and all questions are welcome!  


We’re available via the CPSN Hotline on 03 9478 1001 from 9am - 5pm 

 Monday to Friday.  

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