If your teen has cerebral palsy, they might still be able to learn how to drive a car. This allows them to feel much better about themselves because they can have some independence. Your child will have to get a medical exam and their doctor will have to provide documentation stating that it is safe for your child to drive a vehicle. If everything checks out okay, below are some tips on how your child can get their driver's license.
Adaptive Vehicle
Because your child has physical disabilities, they are not able to drive a traditional car. Instead, your child needs to have an adaptive vehicle. This type of vehicle will make learning to drive easier for your child.
Special equipment will be used to allow your child to safely operate the vehicle. For example, if someone is paralyzed from the waist down, they can use joysticks or hand controls. If someone does not have use of their left hand, the controls can be relocated on the console so their good hand can control them.
Other accommodations are also used, such as wheelchair ramps and lifts. Doors may be installed so they are easily accessible for your child. The vehicle your child will drive will be modified for their specific disability.
You should hire a rehabilitation specialist to determine what modifications need to be made to make your child feel comfortable while they are driving. You will likely not replace the modified vehicle as often as you would a traditional vehicle, so it is important that it is set up correctly.
When the vehicle is ready, your child will be ready to learn how to drive.
Driving Instructor
A driving instructor that specializes in teaching people with disabilities can teach your child how to drive. Contact driving schools in your area to find an instructor like this. They may have someone on their staff that is qualified.
These instructors have taken classes to teach them how to handle certain types of disabilities as well as how to drive vehicles that have been modified. Knowing how to personally drive the vehicle is very important, as this will make it much easier for them to teach your child. You can also ask your child's therapist if they will work with the driving instructor. Your child's doctor or therapist may know of driving schools in your area that can teach your child to drive.
Your child's driving instructor's main goal is to help your child obtain a driver's license. The process of getting a driver's license is the same in that your child will have to pass a driver's test and a written examination.
For more information, contact local professionals like Safety School Of Driving.
Share23 January 2017
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