
Hand controls: mechanical or electronic?
When a person can't use their lower limbs for operating brake/accelerator anymore (eg due to an injury such as lower limb amputation, or medical condition such as diabetes or multiple sclerosis), they will often be able to return to driving by using hand controls - this is where they have a lever that comes out from the steering column for braking, and then various different options for accelerating. Two main types of hand controls: mechanical and electronic Mechanical hand c

The basics of Vehicle Modifications
I have been working quite a lot lately with Harry Wright at Caddy Mobility and chat about all things "vehicle mods". In March 2018 they opened their second Brisbane based shop, so now have a service available at both Parkinson and Brendale. Harry absolutely knows his stuff. He has the best part of two decades experience with this company and if in the unlikely case he can't answer your questions about modifying a vehicle for access or driving, he will find out. There is a wid

Retiring from driving - A Daughter's Insights
I recently sat down with my Mum (Barbara) the other day, and had a chat about her experiences in supporting her mother (my dearly missed, late Nanny) in retiring from driving. Jenny: Thanks for sharing your insights Mum. What initially concerned you about Nanny’s driving? Barbara: She had been using a wheelie walker because of her bad hip and difficulty getting out of the car – I was concerned about her reflexes to brake quickly. She always passed the eye test – but there di

Why Driving?
From early on in my career as an Occupational Therapist, I had an interest in pursuing driving assessment. I don't know what it was exactly.... I don't particularly enjoy driving that much myself - it tires me out... I'm not really into cars - just give me my reliable Toyota! My husband and I even got by with just one car for many years, and even for about six months after our first child came along. I like that driving provides me independence and enables me to do the things