Evaluating a GPS-based transportation device to support independent bus travel by people with intellectual disability.

Adults with intellectual disability tested a handheld GPS device. It beeped and showed pictures when the bus neared their stop.

Researchers compared the GPS prompts to giving riders a paper map plus spoken directions.

The GPS group made three times more correct exits. They also took the right bus more often.

People liked the device and felt safer riding alone.

Chang et al. (2011) used the same location-aware beeps for job tasks. Their adults with ID also worked more independently when the phone vibrated at each work station.

Anonymous (2025) moved the idea to kids and VR games. The WISH→WON fading steps let children with mild ID play exergames without help after 16 class periods.

Cashon et al. (2013) kept the community setting but taught stranger safety. Like the GPS study, they mixed classroom lessons with real-world practice and saw lasting gains.

You can swap paper directions for a cheap phone app. Add beeps or pictures that pop up near key spots. Start with one bus route, then fade yourself out. The same logic works for job sites, VR games, or safety skills.