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Part 1: She Believed She Could but She Didn't Because it Wasn't Accessible






Today marks 4 years, to the date, that I signed the papers purchasing my modified van. It was it a joyous occasion for our entire household! This modified van was going to change all of our lives and make things a lot easier. While this was a proud day, the journey to get here was not easy. As I reflect on my journey, I can’t help but think about the others who may be experiencing the same difficultly and feel like there is no light at the end of the tunnel. Well, I am here to let you know there is.

I always knew I wanted the independence and freedom of driving, I just didn’t know how to go about it. I would practice driving in my parents’ car, using my legs to operate the gas and brakes. With Osteogenesis Imperfecta, a bone condition, I knew driving this way would be a short-term remedy, because my legs would eventually tire out.

When I was a junior in high school, like every teen in that stage of their life, I was excited about getting my driver’s permit. My parents and I had talked about me driving and that following weekend, they were taking me to get my permit. I was so excited about this FINALLY happening for me. My friends were too! 

The Saturday morning of the driving test came. My entire family was ready to get this show on the road. I studied for weeks on top of driving, I was very confident going into the test. We arrive at the Department of Motor Vehicle (DMV), and I waited for them to call my number. As we get to the counter when my number was called, an employee at the window said I couldn’t take the test.

We initially thought it was a misunderstanding and clarified that I was there for a permit, not a driver’s license. The employee told us, in a very nasty way, that the answer was still no. My parents asked why I wasn’t allowed to take the test and the only explanation she gave, was because I was in a wheelchair. The employee stated I would need a special document showing I could take the test. We asked her if she knew what that documentation was, and she said no. She did not provide us with much direction.

When we left the DMV I bawled my eyes out. I cried the ENTIRE ride home. I cried from disappointment and embarrassment. I had bragged to my friends about getting my permit that weekend. The thought of going back to school that Monday without my permit, made me cry even more. I didn’t really know where to go from there or what was next in my driving journey. I felt so defeated.

    Part 2 of this blog series will be posted on Monday March 21st, 5:00pm. 

                                                   See you soon!  


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