Wow, May is as eventful as ever! We can’t believe that June is already here – but before we start another wonderful month, check out some of our May highlights!
Meet Wendy – our latest team member!
Hi everyone! My name is Wendy and I am an Occupational Therapist. I have been working with Williams OT for almost 2 months now. I am currently undertaking the course to become a driver trained OT and will be qualified to assist clients to drive by the end of June!
In my previous roles I’ve had a variety of experiences in community, residential, rehabilitation and hospital settings. Working with clients in the community has been by far the most rewarding and enjoyable experience as an OT. I am looking forward to collaborating with clients to maximise their independence and freedom to drive ?
Changes in NDIS
It has come to our repeated attention through feedback from local area coordinators, plan managers, and participants of the NDIS that there is a belief that specialise driving instruction is no longer covered by the NDIS. It has been portrayed to us that this is stemming from the training provided to local area coordinators. This blog is to say that the removal of specialised driving instruction from the price guide is not true according to the information we have received directly from NDIS.
We have contacted NDIS on multiple occasions and had consistent feedback that there has been no change to the approval process or funding of specialised driving instruction in recent times.
Featured Vehicle Modification
As you may have seen from our Facebook page, we have been talking a lot about this cool new head indicator from PME which has a Guido Simplex setup. The new device is a head operated indicator option for clients that can’t activate indicators or wipers with their fingers.
We need your help!
(one of our most engaging blog posts ever – Do you want to be part of the action?)
Brad Williams has done a short interview with Donald, who is currently doing a Community Project with Williams OT as part of his studies at Charles Darwin University.
So more about the project… They’re looking into increasing the passing rate of Driver Learners with Autism going for their L plates. Donald is going out and touching base with the community by partnering with Williams OT to also get to know more about Drivers with Autism.
Click here to know more about the project and how you can help us and get involved.
Blast from the past – read one of past featured blog posts
May 30 was World MS (Multiple Sclerosis) Awareness Day. Check out one of past blog posts if MS impacts on your driving. We love helping clients with MS. There can be real hesitation with the driver; “do I really need hand Controls? When might I need a driving aid? How can I better manage my fatigue when I am driving?” The below blog post addresses some of these concerns.
I Have Multiple Sclerosis, Can I Still Drive?
If you are reading this you may have questions or concerns about how Multiple Sclerosis (MS) might affect you, or someone you know and their ability to drive now or in the future.
This first part of a two part series will look at the danger signs and considerations to consider when driving is a part of your life, but you have to mix that with the medical condition, Multiple Sclerosis. We will also look at 7 tips to consider for increasing safety when driving with the symptoms of MS.
Some interesting articles for you
- Teaching Autistic Adolescents and Young Adults to Drive: Perspectives of Specialized Driving Instructors
- The hazards of perception: evaluating a change blindness demonstration within a real-world driver education course
- A Review of Driving Restrictions in Patients at Risk of Syncope and Cardiac Arrhythmias Associated with Sudden Incapacity: Differing Global Approaches to Regulation and Risk
- The Impact of Visual Field Loss on Driving Skills: A Systematic Narrative Review
- The Effects of a Driving Simulator on Driving-Related Skills Necessary for ADL and IADL Function
PS: Don’t forget to download our latest e-Book Williams OT Ultimate Guide to Maximising your NDIS Plan! Click the photo down below to download!
