A Powerful Story about Overcoming Limitations  … 

                        My family and I moved to a bungalow in a very quiet area to maximize my recovery from a serious illness.  The location is really lovely but the closest bus stop is about 15 minutes walk for a healthy person.  Driving, therefore, was very essential. I was taking my young son to school and back, driving him to various activities, enjoyed short walks and was on my way to recovery.  In a beautiful September evening 2004 I was standing in front of my house, on a very quiet street (no sidewalks or curbs) when a car turned on my street, hit the parked mini van that in turn hit me.  It was a miracle I wasn’t killed.  Among my injuries, I developed severe anxiety including anxiety to driving.  Within a couple of days this became a huge issue.  The accident happened on Saturday.  On

         Monday, my at that time 9 year old son needed to go to school.  I had to attend physiotherapy and my husband, older son and friends drove us there.  I felt my life became a chaos.  It took 2 weeks before we were able to arrange for school bus for my 9-year old.  Still, I needed help with driving me to therapies, errands, stores.  I felt useless.  Very quickly I realized what driving meant in my life.  Despite huge every day inconvenience I could not force myself to drive.  I was scared that someone hits my car, or something happens to my child or that I hit someone or something. I was afraid when walking as well.  There was no safety for me anymore. 

Driver Rehabilitation Services Inc. was recommended and finally after the assessment and approval my driving therapist came for the first session.  At the beginning I was a passenger and felt very comfortable.  The therapist was very careful not to make my anxiety worse.  On my third or forth session I actually was behind the wheel and it was my own decision.  It wasn’t easy.  I was annoyed by anything on the road.  However, I felt very comfortable on an empty road.  Slowly, I moved from small streets with almost no traffic, to familiar to me major streets, drove to gym, my son’s school and grocery store.  Later I expanded my driving to different places that I visited regularly before my accident. I was progressing slowly but steadily.  I started driving alone about April 2005.  I was glad that I could attend to my own needs like driving myself to the gym and drive my son to his swimming lessons.  I got my independence back and felt useful again.  I can’t express in words what this therapy meant to me.  My instructor was ALWAYS very positive and happy.  He gave my many tips and assured me that I can drive.  Some days were better than other. At present, I finished about 30 sessions and I drive quite comfortably in my city.  Also, I tried highway but so far I feel okay when the instructor is beside with his extra mirrors and brakes and of course his help.

My life has changed for better.  I have number of limitations but driving is not one of them anymore.  I’m not driving to other cities but can do my own errands, take myself and my son to our appointments, go to different stores, feel independent most of the time.  Last week, first time in over 18 months I took my now 11-year old son to the nearby sport store to buy him a mini hockey stick.  It was an achievement as we went right after 3p.m. in quite busy traffic, … what I’ve been really avoiding.  My son and I had the nicest 30 minutes and I’m sure we both will always remember that afternoon.     

I’m really grateful for the help I have received and to now be able to drive again and recommend Driver Rehabilitation Services to everyone who feels any anxiety to driving.                                                   A Grateful Client        

Testimonial – Diana B.

I was a very independent and active mom of four. Driving was a big part of my life. When a van ran a red light two years ago, my life changed. The mom everyone depended on was now dependant on everyone for everything. I became depressed, isolated, and was faced with many obstacles. I did not know if I could ever drive again.

The first day of my Driver Rehabilitation Services’ treatment session was an emotional one with tears and anxiety. But your Driving Therapist, Joan, had faith in me. She first helped me to get comfortable being in the car. When I started driving, she was calm and patient even when I was nervous and frustrated. Joan gave me positive feedback and strategies to apply to my driving which helped me immensely. Driver Rehab Services has made me feel confident and comfortable with driving even with my physical limitations.  God Bless you Joan for your patience and your faith that I would get through this challenge. You are truly a wonderful instructor and a wonderful person.

Thank you for giving me back a big part of my independence. I am truly grateful.

Diana B. (PERMISSION TO USE “DIANA B.” GRANTED)

 Testimonial – F.

                       I’m so grateful that a program like Driver Rehabilitation Services exists, otherwise I would have rather let my driver’s license expire than face another road test! Working with a driving therapist is completely different from your average driving instructor. For those of us who experience anxiety when behind the wheel, a driving therapist offers hope that you can overcome your fear. After a series of sessions with my driving therapist I finally had the courage to take my G-2 road test. I was prepared to fail the test yet still consider myself a success just because I made the attempt. However I am happy to say that I did pass the test and am now a fully licensed driver and I know I couldn’t have done it without the help of DRS!

 My Story - Chantal Wilson

 My experience with Driver Rehabilitation Services has been a positive contribution to my healing process. The Driving Therapist was patient and encouraging whenever my fears and anxieties would manifest themselves.

He provided an understanding and safe environment in which I could objectively examine and assess my anxieties. I learned to develop effective strategies that I could use when driving on my own, and was faced with various challenges and obstacles on the road. The in-vehicle rehabilitation sessions were instrumental in rebuilding my confidence, in reinforcing my driving skills and in regaining control over my anxieties. This in turn, is helping to reduce, to some degree, the chronic pain which was aggravated by my higher anxiety level.

The professional services of DRS were an important component

of my recovery process.

                                            Chantal (Name used with Permission)

Testimonial – Teresa Kehoe

15 years driving with no problems until 2002. It happened in an intersection. He ran a red light. I was hurt. I’m doing rehab for injury. I could not go on Highway (speeding cars). In city driving NO WAY! Walking near moving cars -I was scared – and never went to intersections. Always used side streets and AVOID intersections.

Driver Rehabilitation Services and Joan have given me back my daily living - events, kids, confidence. My anxiety is not so high. 'I can do it,' is what I tell myself on each journey I take when I drive.

* I can go on the Link.    *I can drive in a city.   *I can drive on the 403.

* I learned to watch where tires are.   *I can drive on the Sherman access.

I talk to myself when I drive and that’s OK to do!

I can overcome these driving challenges and you can too!!!

                                             --Teresa Kehoe (PERMISSION TO USE NAME GRANTED)