Turning 18 soon and need to start becoming more independant.

[diargasm]

I just have a couple of questions I need to get some answers to.

1. Is there any government program that helps people with disabilities get a job? Where do I need to go to this help?

2. How difficult is it to start driving cars with a right bpi? Any suggestions?

[cbe411]

Andre, I am RTBPI too and I drive with no adaptations! Some people think I am nuts, its personal preference and what legally you are allowed! It can be a trial and error thing for sure! I will say driving a manual auto is NOT FUN! I steer clear of that! Just be safe!

[Susie Kaye]

Hello!

If I remember right, you live in California, right? I just checked on the Web and if you do a search for California Department of Rehabilitation, it will take you to their Website. They have lots of information there. Including employment stuff. You can probably find them listed in your phone book if you want to call and talk to someone. I like talking myself. A person may know some little things to help you that a website can't.

I have a right BPI too and I drive an automatic with a spinner knob on the steering wheel. I feel like I have better control of the car on curves and corners. I guess it is your preference. Best wishes in your search.

SusieKaye

[Andrew]

Hi there,
I am an 18 year old complete RTBPI I am about 3 years post accident. I don't think driving should be a problem especially with a RBPI it just so happens that most of the important devices you need to drive are on the left side (eg. the indicator). I live in British Columbia (Canada) and the only modification I was legally bounded by was a suicide knob (sorry don’t know the proper name). At the moment i can even legally drive a standard although I don’t very often. As for a special organization for getting a job with disabilities I don’t know.

Hope this helps,
Andrew

[admin]

Hi, Michael here, I will be turning 20 on 1st March. I managed to get through a rehabilitation service here in Australia. They have helped me get into a course to learn real estate. At the end of this year I should have my real estate certificate and then hope to continue and do property valuation. This is a total different career choice to what I had planned but gives me a new outlook on what life has to offer me. The service will also help me get work and work experience as well. This has given me a hope of being independent. As for driving, I am not able to drive as yet, being only 6 months post op. Have to wait until I have control of the pain before the doc lets me get behind the wheel. Once I get this okay I then have to go through a special driver rehabilitation course with all modifications made to the car to suit my needs. I am right bpi so need to have everything on the left hand side and a driving knob as well. It is very frustrating not being able to be as independent as I was before, but am learning to live with it. Thanks for my parents helping me get around and public transport when necessary. Good look and take care, regards Michael