Irish Wheelchair Association is proud to officially launch our new drive-from-chair adapted vehicle, the only driving school vehicle of its kind in the country. The vehicle, which was unveiled in celebration of International Day for Persons with Disabilities (Tuesday 3rd Dec), will provide a driving tuition and assessment service to those who wish to drive from their power wheelchair.

The Ford Tourneo Connect, is equipped with a wide variety of adaptations including hand and infra-red controls, a restraint system and rear ramp which both enable the driver to drive from their wheelchair with ease.

This addition to IWA’s driving school fleet will greatly enhance the services provided to drivers with high-level needs like Joe McCormack. Joe, an IWA member and driver of a highly adapted vehicle, expressed his enthusiasm for the new addition: “Driving gives everyone a sense of freedom and independence, and people with disabilities are no different. I am a person who acquired a disability so to get back driving after my accident was fantastic, I can drive my kids to their sports clubs like anyone else. The opportunity for people to learn to drive in one of these vehicles through IWA is life changing.”

Barry Reid, Motoring Assessment, Advice and Tuition Service Manager with IWA, added, “This vehicle ensures that our motoring service is inclusive of people with different disabilities. It’s a great addition to our already active and vibrant motoring school service. We look forward to seeing many people enjoy learning to drive in it.”

The investment in this vehicle further demonstrates IWA’s commitment towards the rights of people with disabilities under the United Nations Convention for Persons with Disabilities. In 2023, IWA provided 1,793 driving lessons to people with disabilities nationwide. Typically, IWA provides driving services to 500 drivers with disabilities on an annual basis.

The vehicle will be available to people with disabilities from IWA by visiting our motoring page below.

A huge thank you to those who came to the launch and had a part to play in getting this vehicle adapted and on the road. IWA believes strongly that meaningful partnerships with like minded organisation is the pathway towards true connection for our members in their communities.

Thank you to Motability Ireland, the RSA, Office of Traffic Medicine, Patron SVS ltd, Wheelchair Cars Ireland and the Disabled Drivers Association for attending our launch. Special mention to Joe McCormack and his wife Shirley for also joining us.

Learn more about our Motoring School and Services

Motoring

Our Motoring School provides people with disabilities the opportunity to learn to drive in our adapted vehicles. IWA also provides disabled parking permits for first time and existing holders.

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