Watch how to sign ‘transportation system’ in American Sign Language
Access to affordable, reliable transportation is one of the cornerstones of independent living. Without transportation, people cannot get to and from jobs, medical services, and community resources, which can cause barriers to services and ultimately, isolation. Transportation can open doors to various personal, professional, and social opportunities!
DMC is excited to announce the return of travel training services through the re-branded Mobility Management Professionals Program (MMPP), designed to meet the transportation needs of people with disabilities and older adults in Orange County. The MMPP connects Travel Trainers with consumers to work together through individualized Travel Training sessions. Training can include support with planning your own trips, bus riding safety tips, COVID safety while on the bus, assistance with reduced fare applications, and help with applying for ACCESS paratransit.
Who Is Eligible to Receive MMPP Services
Orange County residents with disabilities and older adults ages 55+.
For more information about the MMPP call 714.621.3300 or complete the online form.
Referral Process
Potential consumers are referred to the Mobility Management Professionals Program by a variety of sources such as the DMC Formsite referral form, teachers, case managers from other organizations, family members, friends, senior centers, senior programs, and the Orange County Transportation Authority (OCTA). Individuals may also be self-referred.
How the Mobility Management Professionals Program Works
When a person is referred for MMPP services, the assigned Travel Trainer conducts an assessment to determine the individual transportation needs of the consumer and to recommend the most appropriate options for specific situations.
Range of Services
- Trip Planning: Instruction regarding how to use phone apps, online maps, the bus book, and telephone assistance to determine bus routes for specific destinations.
- Travel Training: One-on-one instruction including locating bus stops, paying a fare, boarding and exiting the bus, using the pull cord to signal for a stop, and transferring to connecting buses.
- Bus and COVID Safety Training: Individual or group training how to stay safe on the bus and prevent the spread of COVID-19.
- Applying for Disabled or Senior Transportation Programs: Assistance with the process for obtaining para-transit services or reduced fare bus passes.
MMPP staff also conducts bus safety presentations and group travel training sessions for special education classes and senior centers. Students in special education can also ask for follow up travel training on an individual basis.
Typically, a consumer must repeat a trip on the bus at least 3 times before feeling confident enough to safely navigate the route on their own. Travel trainers usually provide one-on-one trainings for up to 3 different destinations. Training continues until the consumer demonstrates the ability to plan and complete trips independently, unless a consumer chooses to withdraw from the program without reaching their training goals.
Following case closure, a consumer is given the opportunity to complete a survey to express satisfaction or dissatisfaction regarding the effectiveness of the Mobility Management Program.
Program Success Stories
Mobility Training Leads to Consumer Independence
A 49-year-old consumer with an intellectual disability was referred to the Mobility Management Program by her counselor at the Department of Rehabilitation (DOR). The consumer was interested in receiving mobility training so she could travel independently to potential job sites and one-stop centers. The consumer lived in Anaheim for many years but had rarely gone outside the city limits and usually stayed at home. During the first few travel training sessions, the consumer seemed hesitant and afraid of what would happen if she got lost. The travel trainer helped to alleviate this concern by teaching the consumer various travel planning methods so if she were to become lost, she would be able to find her way back home. The consumer learned to take the bus to her DOR Counselor’s office. When the consumer received a purchase order from her counselor to buy clothes for interviewing, a trip to the shopping center became a mobility lesson. Eventually, the consumer was able to plan trips and travel anywhere she wanted to go on the bus with confidence.
School Students Gain Knowledge Leading Toward Independence
The MMPP team recently completed a group travel training with students from Mark Twain School, and it turned out to be one of the most rewarding outings this season.
Travel Trainers spent time teaching the students how to read bus schedules, recognize their stops, and stay safe while riding.
To bring everything together, the MMPP team took the class on a group training to SteelCraft. What stood out most was how quickly the students applied what they learned—several were able to point out their stop before it was announced, and others practiced using the OCTA app to follow the route in real time.
The route that the Travel Trainers trip planned for was the OCTA fixed route 37 located on Euclid-Chapman. The students were asked to lead and request the bus stop at Euclid-Acadia as SteelCraft is across the street form the bus stop. The students were proud of themselves, and several mentioned how confident they felt navigating the route on their own. Seeing their confidence grow throughout the morning was a clear reminder of why this training matters.
The experience helped the students realize that navigating their community is something they can do, and it opened the door for more independent travel in the future.
A Consumer’s Journey to Independence Well-Traveled
A consumer recently completed a travel training session with our Lead Home and Community Access Coordinator, traveling from his home to the Dayle McIntosh Center.
During the trip, he learned to navigate buses and safely use a new power wheelchair provided by DMC.
After practicing with guidance, he became confident in both using the chair and traveling independently. Returning home, he expressed pride and excitement at his newfound mobility and independence.
This experience highlights how combining travel training with the right assistive technology can empower individuals to move freely, engage with their community, and gain confidence in daily life.
School Learns Navigation from DMC MMPP
The MMPP Team recently partnered with La Vista High School in Fullerton to provide a hands-on group bus travel training for 14 students and three staff members. Using OCTA Fixed Route 26, students traveled from their school to Denny’s in Yorba Linda while learning essential trip-planning, fare activation, and safe boarding skills.
During the return trip, students used their smartphones to check schedules and identify the correct bus and exit location, reinforcing real-world navigation and independence. Overall, the training was a successful experience that helped students build confidence and practical skills for using public transportation safely and independently.
Mobility Management Moves Consumer Independence Forward
The Travel Trainer successfully completed a phone intake with a 75-year-old Spanish-speaking male consumer. The consumer expressed interest in learning to ride the OCTA fixed-route bus beyond his local city but felt apprehensive due to a physical disability. The Travel Trainer provided reassurance, explained available resources, and helped the consumer evaluate his options.
Based on this guidance, the consumer decided to apply for ACCESS, which better suited his current mobility needs. Additionally, the Travel Trainer referred him to DMC’s Reuse Program for durable medical equipment, including a rollator and other items not covered by insurance. These supports will enhance the consumer’s mobility, independence, and access to community resources.
Mobility Management Professional Program History
Prior to the recent re-launch of our mobility services, the Dayle McIntosh Center for the Disabled (DMC) had the pleasure of partnering with the Orange County Transportation Authority (OCTA) from 2009 through June 30th, 2022, a total of thirteen years.
Please select the link to learn more about our history: MMP History
To Read Press Release Announcing Re-Launch Click HERE
Title VI Procedure ADA Complaint Procedure ADA Complaint Form
Download and share our MMPP Flyers in English and Spanish
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- Consumer Question: Do you offer rides?
DMC Program Answer: We do not offer rides, but we can provide mobility training and teach you how to get to your destination using the OCTA fixed route bus and OC ACCESS.
- Consumer Question: Can you accompany me to my doctor’s appointment and OC Access assessment?
DMC Program Answer: We cannot accompany you to your OC Access assessment or doctor’s appointment, but we can provide trip planning and travel training to walk you through any possible questions and/or routes beforehand.
- Consumer Question: Do I need to have any prior experience using public transportation?
DMC Program Answer: No prior experience is required. Our program is designed for beginners and individuals at all comfort levels. The training is paced based on each individual’s needs, abilities, and goals.
- Consumer Question: How long does the mobility training take?
DMC Program Answer: The length of the program varies depending on the individual’s goal and progress. Some individuals complete the training in a few sessions, while others may require longer-term support to build confidence and independence. In terms of the actual training, it typically lasts a couple of hours depending on how many destinations, the bus routes, and any delays as agreed upon during the initial trip planning.
- Consumer Question: Do I have to pay for anything while in the program?
DMC Program Answer: No, everything is covered by DMC while being active in the program. We provide free bus passes for training purposes.
Additional notes/resources
OC ACCESS Eligibility Inquiries
OC ACCESS Service Eligibility – Orange County Transportation Authority
(714) 560-5956
Abrazar, Inc.
Abrazar Westminster & Midway City – Home
(714)-891-9500
