Hi everyone, di you read our last blog post? It’s about one of our client’s story sharing his feelings on losing his driver’s licence. Although we do our best to help our clients get back on the road, at the end of the day, events like this still happen.
In this blog post we’d like to share the other side of the story. Some of our 2017 highlights and some of our clients we have helped along the way through assessments and driving lessons.
After reading this, if you also require or know someone who needs help getting back on the road again, don’t hesitate to contact us via email or giving us a ring. You can find our details on our contact page.
Above knee amputation:
Earlier in the year, we helped a client determine if they could use the prosthetic limb on the accelerator instead of using hand controls so he could get back to driving his manual vehicle. With the knee joint locked at 51⁰, we were able to determine that everyday driving with his prosthetic was in fact achievable.
Amputated hand:
We had a request in the first half of the year to assess if a man could use a robotic hand to assist with driving. Although he had sound grip and release in general day to day, the speed required for driving was not at the level required. However, with a spinner knob and the use of the hand to stabilize the wheel, this man continues to drive.
Amputated left foot:
Again, in the first half of the year, we flew to Whyalla to assist a man and determine if he had the capacity to return to riding his pride and joy following the amputation of his left foot. This is an early video before rehabilitation where we see his foot placement still needed some work. But through some patience and practice, he is cruising all over the state again.
Bioptic lense:
In the middle of the year, we assist one of the first drivers in Australia to drive with a Bioptic Lense. What is a Bioptic lense, and how does it impact on driving I hear you ask?
Bioptic driving is a method of driving that utilizes both the patient’s general vision in combination with intermittent spotting through a small telescopic system that improves the sharpness of the patient’s far vision.
Cerebral Palsy:
Mid-year we assisted a young learner with Cerebral Palsy get his learners and hit the road for the first time. With the use of a spinner knob only, This young driver is well underway and soon to get his licence.
Spinal fusion:
Later in the year of 2017, we took on the learning process for a lady with congenital fusion of the seven cervical vertebrae. A rare disease that impacts on her upper spinal movements and strength in the upper limbs. We are happy to report that she is progressing well with our specialized driving instructor and is well on her way to being able to drive.
Spinal injury:
When we met this driver, he was not keen to get his licence before he was able to walk again. Walking was a long-term goal and after he tested out this hand control system installed by Williams OT, all his freedom come flooding back.
Short stature:
This lady has been driving for many years but was really struggling and not feeling safe. We helped get her independence back with a bunch of controls we installed at our workshop. She has a steering wheel extension, indicator extensions, gear lever extension, and pedal extensions. Later in the year, she had a wheelchair hoist attached to the back of her car to transport her power wheelchair so she could go for cruises along the water’s edge in the fresh air.
Tractor Modification:
We don’t always do cars and Bikes. This year we have done a variety of other vehicles too, including finding the best ride on lawn mower for a man’s rural property.
We would like to thank all of our clients for the year 2017. We appreciate you choosing us to help you regain your driving confidence back. If you, your loved one, or a client of yours need any assistance to driving again, you may email us through admin@williamsot.com and we can discuss the next steps in having a driver’s assessment.