Driving and Disability

Growing up with a disability, nothing has ever stopped me from accomplishing any of my goals or dreams, but learning to drive has definitely been a big obstacle. The CT Department of Motor Vehicles has a handicap sector where you can get a handicap permit and qualify for special training or controls. I can drive foot controls, but it was extremely difficult. I lift my foot up back and forth instead of moving my ankle, so it gets tiring.
I now have hand controls and even though it is much easier, getting a license test is such a hassle. After failing my test in 2007, I went to apply for the test again in August and was put on a waiting list. Even though it is great to be able to use hand controls, working with the handicap DMV is awful.
In order to qualify for hand controls, get training, and a test, you must file medical paper work to document your disability, even it is unchanging. Then you must call to check on the status of your application. This past summer I filed my paper work in August because I could not get through to them all summer. I started calling for an application in June and having to call the Commissioner's office because NO ONE would call me back.
Not only is communication difficult, but the test requirements are ridiculous! The test is 90 minutes long and includes going on two highways 30 min of city driving and backing in, K Turns, and Parallel Parking. The "able bodied" person's test is 15-20 minutes and does not include highways. I feel this is an extremely unfair process. The DMV also gives the same test to everyone, whether you have a minor disability like mine or you are paralyzed. The whole process is very frustrating, and I was wondering what everyone thought about it. Has anyone else had to go through the Handicap Sector of the DMV?
If you want to look into getting special training, you can call 860-263-5097. I hope you'll have better luck than I have. I will be taking my test in January 2010.

Connect-Ability

Listening to the radio over the past couple of days, I came across a commercial for a program called Connect-Ability. Having never heard of it before I set out to investigate and thought it would be perfect for my next blog post.
Since this is a blog dedicated to college students with physical disabilities, it is important to not only discuss college based issues and triumphs, but also post graduate issues and most importantly opportunities.

Connect-Ability is a program run by the Connecticut Department of Social Services that strives to bring people with disabilities and Connecticut employers together.
"Connect-Ability began in late 2005 with a federal grant to the State of Connecticut to identify and remove barriers to employment faced by people with disabilities," according to Connect-Ability Website.





**Side note: I believe James and Matt examplify the attitude that all physically disabled people should have, nothing can stop you from achieving your goals and living your dreams!! I certainly would not have gotten as far as I have without this attitude.**

It is mostly funded by the Medicare and Medicaid services and over the past five years has issued grants to various states to help integrate disabled people, previously facing challenges when it came to entering the workforce, into the working community.
The program works with all types of employers and physically disabled people ranging in age from 16 to people of retirement status.

The website has a page for everyone with questions or looking to get involved:

--Career Center (this helps a disabled individual better create a career path for him/herself)
--Transportation
-- Employers
-- Youth
-- Parents

If you looking to know more about the program, they even have a strategic plan document that outlines their purpose, so you can decide if it'll benefit you.

You can also contact Connect-Ability via phone at 1-866-844-1903