We’re thrilled to celebrate Melanie, who has officially completed her journey to become Fit to Drive! Pictured here with our dedicated Occupational Therapist Charis and Lead Driving Assessor James, Melanie’s story is one of resilience, adaptation, and the rediscovery of independence.
Melanie’s journey with us at Herts Ability began as part of her larger journey managing Chronic Myeloid Leukemia (CML), a condition that, while manageable with daily chemotherapy, comes with its own set of physical challenges. Since her diagnosis in 2017, Melanie has faced some significant changes in her body, especially muscle cramps that can occur even with small repetitive movements. Over time, these cramps began affecting her ability to drive safely, making her consider giving up driving altogether – a loss that felt particularly hard as it was a major means of independence.
Starting the Path Toward Adapted Driving
In 2021, Melanie’s leg cramps began worsening, even while driving her automatic car. This realisation was deeply upsetting as driving had been Melanie’s link to independence and freedom. Determined not to give up, she started researching potential car adaptations and soon came across Herts Ability. She found out we could provide a thorough assessment to identify the best adaptations suited to her specific needs.
In 2024, with support through the Motability Scheme, Melanie was able to move forward with her assessment at Herts Ability. Her journey started with Charis, our Occupational Therapist, and Mark, our Driving Instructor, who guided her through an initial driving assessment.
During this assessment, Melanie tried driving with a push-pull acceleration and braking system but found that controlling the wheel with one hand put too much strain on her muscles. She wasn’t discouraged, though – this first session revealed valuable insights about which adaptations might work best.
Finding the Perfect Adaptations
Melanie’s next step involved lessons with Simon, where she could try different adaptations and identify what felt comfortable and safe. The “over-ring accelerator,” which allows both hands to stay on the wheel while accelerating, turned out to be a game-changer. This solution gave her greater control and less strain on her body. For braking, Melanie learned to use a hand-push brake, providing a reliable alternative if her right leg cramped suddenly. This winning combination of adaptations was so effective that she didn’t even need to test additional options!
Gaining Confidence and Independence
After a few more lessons, Melanie completed her final assessment in mid-October, reassured that she could return to driving safely and confidently. The process, though thorough, was a positive experience, and she felt encouraged and supported at every step. Our assessments are designed to ensure drivers can maintain independence safely and comfortably, taking a relaxed and compassionate approach.
Now, Melanie is eagerly awaiting the arrival of her adapted car, which will allow her to drive herself to medical appointments and regain a sense of personal freedom. Her car will include a boot hoist for easy wheelchair access and the over-ring accelerator with a push brake system, enabling her to drive without worrying about muscle cramps. She looks forward to using her newfound independence not only for essential trips but for leisure outings as well – something she hasn’t been able to do in a long time.
Our Message to Others
Melanie’s story reminds us that no one should feel they have to “push through” or “make do” if driving becomes physically challenging. Herts Ability offers assessments to help people with physical impairments explore vehicle adaptations, even if they are not on the Motability Scheme. Our team is here to ensure each driver can safely achieve greater independence, whether it’s adapting controls, installing a boot hoist, or trying other custom solutions.
If you or someone you know is interested in learning more about vehicle adaptations and how they can help regain independence, please reach out to us! Our friendly, professional team is here to help make the journey back to driving as smooth and supportive as possible.
Contact us at 01707 324 581 or email us at driving@hertsability.org.uk for more information. Let’s keep you moving forward!
