Page 12 - PIC-Magazine-Issue-26

From Freedom to Pain
to Liberation Again:
How the Right Vehicle
Changed Everything
The Beginning: Sixteen and Unstoppable
For those who may not know, as a disabled driver in receipt of DLA or the
enhanced level of PIP, you can start driving at the age of 16—and I couldn't
wait! Just like every other teenager, my car was the gateway to my freedom
and independence. So began my 36-year (and counting) love affair with driving.
My first car was a Ford Fiesta 1.1 GL with push-pull mechanical hand controls,
and it was amazing. I leased it through the Motability scheme, never imagining
how this first step would shape both my career and my understanding of what
true mobility means.
The Slow Erosion
of Independence
From that point on, I developed what
I thought was a perfectly workable
routine. I would transfer from my
wheelchair into the driver's seat,
then break down my manual chair—
removing the wheels, folding the
backrest, and lifting the 12-kilo frame
across me into the passenger seat.
Sometimes I'd repeat this process
multiple times a day.
What I didn't realize was that this
routine, combined with my day-to-
day pushing and lifting, was causing
extensive wear and tear on my
shoulders. The very independence I
cherished was slowly taking its toll.
As things became more challenging,
I adapted my vehicle choices like
many disabled drivers do. I started
with that standard-height hatchback,
then moved to a larger MPV to
take advantage of the bigger door
aperture and cabin space. This
worked for many years until seat
height became an issue, so I switched
to SUV-style vehicles because the
additional height made transfers
somewhat easier.
But I didn't fully understand how
crucial proper moving and handling
was until I started having real
difficulties. Everyone talks about
moving and handling from a carer's
perspective, but rarely from an end
user's point of view. Even more rarely
is shoulder protection discussed
until later in life—which is why I now
emphasize it so strongly when helping
others find the right vehicle solution.
INDUSTRY EXPERTS
12 12 INDUSTRY EXPERTS
Imagine the thrill of turning sixteen—
not just for the promise of freedom,
but for the keys to your first car
and your new driving licence.
For me, as a disabled driver, that
car wasn't just a vehicle; it was a
connection to the world beyond
my wheelchair. From the moment
I gripped the steering wheel of
my first little hatchback, I felt a
surge of possibility. That car wasn't
merely metal and wheels, it was
a gateway to independence, a
chance to chart my own course.
Little did I know that my passion
for driving would steer me toward
a career dedicated to enhancing
mobility for others and eventually
lead me to a solution that would
restore the very freedom I thought
I was losing.
A Career Born from Experience
Looking back, it's remarkable how that
first driving experience led to what
became my calling: helping others
find transportation solutions.
My journey began as a wheelchair
advisor for a bespoke wheelchair
manufacturing company, visiting clients
at home and measuring them for
custom manual wheelchairs. This role
opened my eyes to the wide spectrum
of disabilities and daily challenges
people face, far beyond my own
experience.
Next came 18 transformative years with
Motability Operations. I started on the
customer contact line, moved to the
end-of-term contact centre helping
customers transition between vehicles,
and eventually became an ambassador
traveling across the UK. In this final
role, I supported car dealerships with
Motability events and attended trade
shows, speaking directly with customers
and providing face-to-face advice.
That ambassador role was, without
doubt, my most fulfilling position
because I felt I could help the most
people. During this time, I also
discovered the fantastic organization
Driving Mobility - https://www.
drivingmobility.org.uk, which
provides impartial advice on
adaptations and comprehensive driving
assessments nationwide—an invaluable
resource for anyone starting their
driving journey with a disability.
Partners In Costs