Link June 2017 Vol 26 Issue 3 | Page 27

I’m really determined because I know the difference it’ll make in my life to have more independence... many examples in my life of people like me driving”. car conversions and equipment “And there is was some stigma too, associated with people with a disability driving. “But I can actually drive my own “In the early stages of driving, I also “It’s hard because, as far as modified vehicle, or one that I had a police officer pull me over Disability SA are concerned, there have access to, and any driving and look at the modifications in my isn’t anything wrong with my current instructor or qualified driver can car, and he said in a demeaning wheelchair, and so there is no take me for a lesson, it doesn’t tone ‘what’s all this then?’ as if he’d reason to provide a new one, so that have to be someone who has never seen a modified car before.” will be another challenge,” he said. The next step for Nick is to gain his “But, if there is anyone thinking special experience with people with a disability.” provisional licence – though to do about this as an option for them, Before gaining his learner’s permit this he requires a lighter wheelchair I would say go for it. Get on to it Nick said he wasn’t even sure so that once he has transferred early, start the testing process, whether it would be possible for into the driver’s seat he can lift his because it does take a while, but him to drive, as “there weren’t wheelchair into the car. the independence is worth it.” linkonline.com.au car conversions & equipment 25