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28 informonline.org.au NDIS Feature ‘Obtaining a driver’s licence enables independence with transportation, and a you're then able to participate in community activities that you want and need to do.’ It’s a sentiment echoed by Antonio who encourages anyone with a disability thinking about getting behind the wheel to start the process early. ‘Speak with people who have the same level of injury [or disability] that you do to see how they drive and the set up that they use. Also, do your research on types of cars and hand controls,’ he said. ‘Driving has given me the freedom to go where I want when I want.’ ‘Also, a sense of independence that I may not feel if I was dependent on other people.’ Modified for action As technology develops, the types of vehicle modifications available increase. From additional mirrors to steering wheel spinner knobs, reversing cameras, hand controls and foot pedal modifications to wheelchair hoist systems and swivel seats, the list is long and getting longer. Your occupational therapist or driving assessor can provide you with plenty of information about what’s available and what will work for your specific needs. Tips for driving success: • Chat to your medical team and see how they can help you. • Get comfortable as a passenger. Sit in the front seat and navigate to familiar places, pointing out hazards, road signs and traffic light changes. • Allow extra time for driver training, from lessons to studying the road rules. • Breakdown the big goal of getting your licence into smaller goals. • Consider using a driving simulator to get familiar with driving related skills in a low risk environment. • Get your friends and family involved, tell them that you want to get your licence and see how they can support you. A pioneer for accessible driving Early iterations of the types of modern vehicle modifications that allow many people with disabilities the freedom to drive today have their roots in post-World War II Australian and the advocacy of Melbourne woman, Ilma Lever. Lever, who was two-years-old when she contracted polio in 1913, was encouraged by her father to advocate for vehicle modifications that would allow people with disabilities to drive. Early adaptations involving broom sticks and wire were far from safe and so Ilma set about contacting motor vehicle manufacturers and gathering information from around Australia and internationally. In 1954, Ilma was a founding member of the Victorian Disabled Motorists Association, now known as Disabled Motorists Australia. The organisation was spearheaded by Ilma’s tenacity and commitment. Soon after forming the VDMA, Ilma approached Mr Sid Ross, a New Zealander who had invented the Ross Hand Controls. He crossed the Tasman and fitted the first Ross Hand Controls to an Australian vehicle at the Lever family home in Coburg. Today, Ilma’s advocacy is commemorated via the Ilma Lever Gardens which were established in the 1980s by Disabled Motorists Australia.
Inform Online informonline.org.au 29 Highlights from Inform Online Informonline.org.au Learn informonline.org.au/learn Simple ways to get moving Doing even a little bit of exercise can be great for your physical and mental health. Exercise increases the production of endorphins, the feel-good hormones that can not only reduce our perception of pain but can also... NDIS 101: Service agreements Navigating the NDIS can be daunting, especially if the NDIS marks the first time you or your loved one are accessing supports and services. The Inform NDIS 101 series aims to take some of the confusion out of understanding... Six children’s books with positive representations of disability Historically, representations of disability in books have not always been positive. With many books often featuring harmful stereotypes... Write for Inform! Do you have a story to tell or an experience to share about disability? We're looking for people with disabilities and those who support them to submit their writing to be published on the Inform website. Pitch us your story, suggest an interview idea or maybe you’ve got some advice or tips that might be helpful for Inform readers. We want to hear from you! Get in touch by emailing us at inform@independenceaustralia.com
