This article explains how a driving instructor can teach people with special needs how to drive. Modern medicine has led to more people with disabilities being successfully rehabilitated and reintegrated into society. The aspirations of disabled and elderly people to participate in contemporary mobility patterns, including driving, are increasing. There are many similarities between the needs of disabled and elderly drivers, but there are also noticeable differences between and within these groups. If driving instructors wish to pursue business opportunities to train such people, they should make a sizeable investment in education, time, and effort. Most instructors lack disability awareness, an understanding of the effects of medical conditions, and knowledge about the range and uses of adaptive equipment. Therefore, they should set a learning plan in motion, as offered by Banstead Mobility Centre, Surrey, England and the Association of Driver Educators for People with Driving Disabilities (ADEPD). While making contacts, instructors can advertise and may also be able to obtain some form of sponsorship. Another possibility is to work on a research project and explore issues of driver training and special needs.
Samenvatting