Transitioning Tuesday: Driving and Other Transportation Options

Hey, it's Transitioning Tuesday. Anyone else remember when I said this would be a regular thing? Fun times. Anyway, it's back!

Transitioning to Adulthood with a Disability: Driving & Exploring Your Other Options

 

When I was sixteen, I wanted to learn to drive. To make sure I could handle it with my disability, my parents set up an appointment with an occupational therapist at a rehab centre who specialised in driving tests.  My reaction time and knowledge of road signs was tested, and I was put in a simulator. I passed those tests then, later, tried a real car with the aid of an instructor who worked with disabled drivers. Again I passed and was cleared to take the regular driver’s test but, after practicing for a little while, I felt there were just too many things to focus on at once (other drivers, the pedals, wheel, etc.). I got nervous and gave up on driving.

This wasn’t the end though. I’ve found that there are plenty of alternatives to driving on your own.

It may not be the best option for making you feel independent, but one of the simpler alternatives to driving yourself somewhere is to ask a family member. My parents and, later on, my sister have always been willing to drive me somewhere if they are able to. I say “when they’re able to” because it’s important to be considerate and make sure the time and destination is convenient for them (something I can sometimes forget to do).

 When getting a ride from family, or even if I’m just going somewhere with them now, I will offer to pay for gas, coffee, snacks or, if it’s a longer trip, meals. A) It’s a good use of my disability pension, B) My family knows I’m appreciative, and C) It makes me feel like I’m contributing something and not just mooching off people (I’ve never been made to feel this way, but still).

 

Another (mostly) convenient driving alternative is accessible transit. I first got Para Transpo (Ottawa’s accessible transit service) about half-way through my first stint of college. The program I was in at the time required some travel within the city and regular public transit wasn’t much of a long-term option at the time, so I registered for Para Transpo. I got it, but just for the school year. It had its downsides, but overall it was a huge help, especially in winter.

 A couple years later, when I went back to college, I got Para Transpo again. This time I got it indefinitely, thanks to one of my doctors who helped me fill it out.  

 If you’re feeling brave and can handle it, regular transit is a great option too. I took the bus a few times in college, but never felt very comfortable. My parents were a little nervous about it also. So, I stuck with Para Transpo. One reason I said accessible transit was “mostly” convenient is because you may run into certain restrictions. Para Transpo has a few. For one, unless you’re booking a regular appointment, you have to schedule Para Transpo a day in advance and availability goes quick, so there’s usually only a small window for booking a trip. Furthermore, there is a half-hour grace period on either end for arrivals so you could be waiting a while. I’m used to this now and mostly okay with it, but it doesn’t leave much room for spontaneity.   

So one day when I wanted to go somewhere and Para Transpo was being exceptionally difficult, my father suggested I take the regular bus. At first I was nervous. Then, after going over route schedules and coordinating a pick-up from my parents, I got the bus on my own. It’s only a short walk to the nearest bus stop and the route I take most often goes right to downtown Ottawa, exactly where I want to be. I got so good at taking the bus one way, that I started going there and back on my own. The only thing I need to be aware of is that I’m able to get a seat since my poor balance won’t allow me to stand, but most times this isn’t a problem.

 

While driving on your own can offer lots of freedom, and I definitely recommend looking into it if you want, there are plenty of other ways of getting around if driving doesn’t pan out. It’s just a matter of trying different things then figuring out what fits you best and can give you the most independence.

Cheers