On Monday 23rd of November, PME ran an event at our factory on ‘Driving with a Disability’.
Guests on the day included representatives from the ACT, VIC, SA and NSW Roads and Traffic Authorities; OTs; Rehabilitation centres; Driving Instructors; Insurance Companies; Lifetime Care and Support and TAC.
The focus of the day was on bringing these organisations together and fostering stronger relationships, with an understanding of the process a person with a physical challenge has to go through to drive a vehicle. The day also was also educational, explaining various vehicle modifications including the relatively new to Australia electronic driving controls.
There were several speakers on the day. Rolf Gramenske from Paravan in Germany spoke about their Space Drive electronic mobility control systems. Greg Kileen from Spinal Cord Injuries Australia spoke about their work, the importance of access to transport and the funding of vehicle modifications, and introduced Tony Varral who gave his personal story. Jorge Montano of JC Montano Engineering Consultants covered ADRs in relation to driving with a disability. Occupational therapist and Space Drive specialist, Tom Eley spoke about his role and the process involved in assessing and training for electronic mobility controls. Wendy Chandran spoke on behalf of Royal Rehabilitation about the centre and on the assessment and referral process. Rob De Vries and John Vrdoljak from Capital Special Vehicles spoke about modifying vehicles for wheelchair access, in particular the VW Transporter. Bill Georgas, owner and manager of PME spoke about what PME do and the different vehicle modifications available to the physically challenged.
Present on the day were past clients of PME and their modified vehicles. This gave the guests a chance to meet these people and see for themselves, not only how the modified vehicles operate, but also, how life changing they are for their owners.
Vehicles on display on the day included Gavin’s twin-turbo BMW with Foot Steer, Peter’s Space Drive Chrysler Voyager, Paul’s T5 with Accelerator-Brake lever, Allan’s Self Drive Vito, Brett’s Self Drive Vito, an Audi with Accelerator Ring, Toni’s Hyundai Getz with Short Stature Conversion, Bob’s Subaru Outback with removable hand controls, Dominic’s Space Drive Chrysler Voyager, David’s Mazda with Wymo Hoist and modified driving controls, and PME’s own Commodore with ABI Loader and Evaluator 1 Space Drive Training Vehicle.
To everyone who was involved, we thank you all so much for your contribution, and hope you enjoyed the day as much as we did.
