A Resident's Perspective: Planes, Buses, and Automobiles

This article was written by John Huber, a future resident of Osprey Village. In this weekly series, John shares real-life stories from his journey toward independence as an adult with an intellectual and developmental disability (IDD).

As I mentioned in last week’s introduction, living with an intellectual and developmental disability (IDD) has presented me with many challenges—but it’s also given me the opportunity to grow in ways I never expected. One of the biggest challenges was earning my parents’ trust to take public transportation on my own. That means being able to think on my feet when things don’t go as planned—whether that’s a delay, a cancellation, or needing to improvise to get from point A to point B—all while staying safe.

Flying Solo: My Airplane Experiences

I’ve been flying since I was two years old. When I chose a college that was a two-and-a-half-hour drive from my home in Upstate New York, it was manageable. But after we moved to Hilton Head in 2020, flying became a necessity—especially during school breaks and between semesters. Since then, I’ve flown alone many times.

Every time I fly, I plan carefully and stay adaptable. Flights can get delayed due to storms, and sometimes you land only to be stuck on the runway for 45 minutes or more—just like what happened when my mom and I flew back from Rochester with a layover in Atlanta. While in the air, I pass the time by playing on my handheld console, napping, or watching in-flight movies when available. It’s all about staying calm and making the most of the situation.

Riding the Bus and Navigating with Uber

But planes are just part of the story. I’ve also relied on buses and ride-share apps like Uber to get around. Taking the bus comes with its own challenges—you have to be alert, know where you’re going, and recognize when your ride is ready. For example, during Easter break (when it's too short a trip to fly home to Hilton Head), I usually take the bus to visit my Aunt Berta and Uncle Brian—and sometimes get to see my cousins, too.

When it comes to cars, I’ve learned which ride apps work best—whether it’s Uber, Lyft, or the best-case scenario, a ride from someone I know. I usually take Uber to and from airports, bus stations, or even late-night rides back to my hotel after conventions. One night after MomoCon in 2023, I had to navigate heavy traffic in Atlanta after an Ed Sheeran concert let out. It was chaotic, but I made it back to the hotel safely—an experience I won’t forget (and one I’ll share more about later this month).

When Things Don't Go as Planned

Of course, not everything goes smoothly. One year, while traveling to a convention in New York, the bus I was on broke down in Scranton. I had no way to charge my phone, and the station was closing. I had to call my mom, who then contacted local police to make sure we stayed safe and warm. My dad drove all the way to Scranton to pick me up and take me to Syracuse—sacrificing sleep and energy to help me out. I’ll never forget what he did for me that night.

Another time, in the spring of 2023, I was accidentally dropped off in the parking lot of a Price Chopper—nowhere near my destination. I had to quickly call an Uber to get back to my college dorm in time for class.

Learning to Navigate Independence

These experiences tested and strengthened my independence. They taught me how to adapt to unexpected changes, stay alert in high-stress situations, and take control of my own journey. These are the kinds of lessons I’ll continue to share with you in the coming weeks. So stay tuned—there’s more to come.