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

Earlier in the year, Car Free Me was featured on Channel 9 News. This blog is shared from Car Free Me's website - for information click here. The reporters talked to the team about how to prepare for a car free life. Driving cessation is a big step for most people. But it doesn’t mean that it takes away your freedom and independence. In this two minute segment, Channel 9 introduces the Car Free Me program and how it can help senior drivers in Australia. Watch the video: Older

My beautiful Great-Aunty Joanie (pictured here a few years ago with my son Henry, now 3) has travelled the world, loves going to the ballet and theatre, and has never driven. She has survived almost a century on planes, trains and bus tours, and more recently gets around with transport help from friends and family, and of course taxis. Recently, at 97 years young, she told me that she asked her doctor to assist her with obtaining the Taxi Subsidy Scheme to help her with trans

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

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