In this episode of the DriveAble Podcast, we’re joined by Liz Beggs, a specialized driving instructor from My Driving School in the Moreton Bay region of northern Brisbane. With over five years of experience in the disability space, Liz brings a wealth of knowledge and practical insights to the table.

We explore Liz’s journey into working with clients with disabilities, the specialized training she undertook, and the unique approaches she applies to support her clients. Liz shares the challenges she’s encountered, how collaboration with occupational therapists has enhanced her practice, and what sets her apart as a driving instructor.

To wrap up, Liz offers invaluable tips for parents and guardians of learner drivers, as well as advice for new or aspiring driver OTs looking to make an impact in this rewarding field.

Tune in for an engaging and informative discussion packed with practical takeaways!

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Disclaimer: No copyright infringement is intended with the music and media used in this podcast/video. All rights to the music and other media remain with the respective artists and copyright holders.

Special thanks to our sponsors—Mobility Engineering, Driving Well, and Williams OT—for their invaluable support in bringing this show to life. We appreciate their dedication to our community and industry.

#DriveAblePodcast #DrivingInstructor #DriverOT #DisabilitySupport #LearnerDrivers #OccupationalTherapy #DrivingWithDisabilities #ParentTips #DrivingEducation #MyDrivingSchool #BrisbaneDriving #SpecializedTraining

In today’s episode, we sit down with Sarah Collison from Verve OT in Sydney, a true trailblazer in the NDIS space for occupational therapists. Sarah has been instrumental in helping OTs navigate the complexities of NDIS changes while staying ahead in this evolving landscape. In recognition of her outstanding contributions, Sarah was awarded OT of the Year in 2023 by the Allied Health Awards.

We explore what’s happening with the NDIS and discuss the latest changes impacting both occupational therapists and participants. Sarah also shares insights into the incredible work of Verve OT Learning, offering valuable tips on staying informed and accessing professional development opportunities.

Sarah gives us a glimpse into her popular NDIS Communities of Practice Facebook group and explains how her Inner Circle membership supports OTs as they navigate the complexities of the NDIS.

Whether you’re an OT in the NDIS world or simply curious about this vital sector, this is a conversation you won’t want to miss!

Helpful Links:

📧 Email: [email protected]

💼 LinkedIn: https://au.linkedin.com/in/sarah-collison-verve-ot

🎙️ Listen to the OT Unplugged podcast: https://www.verveotlearning.com.au/podcasts/ot-unplugged-community-of-practice-insights

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Disclaimer: No copyright infringement is intended with the music and media used in this podcast/video. All rights to the music and other media remain with the respective artists and copyright holders.

Special thanks to our sponsors—Mobility Engineering, Driving Well, and Williams OT—for their invaluable support in bringing this show to life. We appreciate their dedication to our community and industry.

Today, we’re diving into an important question with Robert Van Mullekom, the Managing Director of Freedom Motors: Are Japanese import vehicles that have been adapted for wheelchair users safe and a viable option for Australians? In a previous interview for Episode 92, Robert shared insights about Freedom Motors’ work in expanding freedom and accessibility for individuals with disabilities through their vehicle modifications.

In this episode, we welcome him back to explore Japanese import vehicles that arrive pre-converted for wheelchair access. We’ll look closely at the safety standards, benefits, and unique features these vehicles offer, helping you make an informed decision.

Throughout our podcast, we’ve frequently referenced these vehicles in discussions about wheelchair-accessible cars and vans, making this a valuable episode for anyone considering their options. Whether you're a potential buyer, caregiver, or enthusiast, tune in for in-depth insights into the world of wheelchair-accessible Japanese imports.

Helpful Links:

Freedom Motors Australia https://www.freedommotorsaustralia.com.au/

Wheelchair Crash Test Video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_2ew9110dvU

Jenny’s Blog: https://www.drivingwell.com.au/why-jap-import-disability-cars-a-bad-idea/

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Disclaimer: No copyright infringement is intended with the music and media used in this podcast/video. All rights to the music and other media remain with the respective artists and copyright holders.

Special thanks to our sponsors—Mobility Engineering, Driving Well, and Williams OT—for their invaluable support in bringing this show to life. We appreciate their dedication to our community and industry.

Today, we're exploring custom driving and vehicle modification solutions with Andy Whale, the founding Director and owner of Alternate Mobility in Brisbane. With over 40 years of experience in the Australian automotive industry, Andy and his team are dedicated to enhancing mobility for individuals with disabilities.

Their extensive range of products and services includes: vehicle conversions for wheelchairs and scooters, wheelchair lifts, hoists and cranes, restraint and seatbelt systems, winches, seating for mobility vehicles, ramps and steps, automated doors, tailgates for mobility vehicles, custom handrails, flooring, and hand controls tailored for drivers with disabilities.

Alternate Mobility is well-respected in the Brisbane driving and vehicle modification occupational therapy community, and we collaborate with them frequently. So, it's fantastic to have them on the show!

We’re eager to chat with Andy and delve into the details of how they customise solutions to meet their clients’ needs.

Contact Information:

Email: [email protected]

Website: www.alternatemobility.com.au

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Disclaimer: No copyright infringement is intended with the music and media used in this podcast/video. All rights to the music and other media remain with the respective artists and copyright holders.

Special thanks to our sponsors—Mobility Engineering, Driving Well, and Williams OT—for their invaluable support in bringing this show to life. We appreciate their dedication to our community and industry.

In this special OT Week episode of the Drive-Able Podcast, hosts Jenny and Brad are celebrating 80 Years of Connection in occupational therapy! As OT Week 2024 comes to a close, they reflect on their journeys as OTs and share why they are passionate advocates for the profession, highlighting the crucial role OT plays in helping people live independent, fulfilling lives.

This episode also brings an important update on recent NDIS changes. In Episode 90, Jenny and Brad expressed their concerns about the proposed reforms and the impact on those they support. Now, they revisit these changes, discussing how the updates are influencing driving assessments, mobility, and access to independence for NDIS participants.

Join them in celebrating OT Week, diving into the world of OT, and gaining the latest insights on the NDIS from the Drive-Able team. Here’s to 80 years of OT making a difference!

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Disclaimer: No copyright infringement is intended with the music and media used in this podcast/video. All rights to the music and other media remain with the respective artists and copyright holders.

Special thanks to our sponsors—Mobility Engineering, Driving Well, and Williams OT—for their invaluable support in bringing this show to life. We appreciate their dedication to our community and industry.

Welcome to the Drive-Able Podcast! Today, we're diving into the world of high-level van conversions with Robert Van Mullekom, the Managing Director of Freedom Motors Australia.

Since 1997, Freedom Motors has specialised in transforming standard vehicles into wheelchair-accessible ones, converting a wide range of makes and models to meet the needs of individuals, families, and businesses. Whether it's for personal use or taxis, their expertise ensures more independence and freedom for wheelchair users.

Throughout our podcast, we've often mentioned Freedom Motors when talking to guests about their wheelchair-accessible cars and vans, so it's exciting to finally have Robert join us.

We can’t wait to chat with him and get an inside look at what goes into converting a van into a fully accessible vehicle.

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Disclaimer: No copyright infringement is intended with the music and media used in this podcast/video. All rights to the music and other media remain with the respective artists and copyright holders.

Special thanks to our sponsors—Mobility Engineering, Driving Well, and Williams OT—for their invaluable support in bringing this show to life. We appreciate their dedication to our community and industry.

Welcome to the Drive-Able Podcast with Jenny Gribbin from Driving Well OT in Brisbane and Brad Williams from Williams OT in Adelaide.

In today’s episode, we’re joined by an inspiring guest, Travis DeJong-Knox, a double lower limb amputee who has defied the odds to pursue his passion for car racing. You might be wondering how Travis has achieved such an incredible feat. We’re diving deep into his journey—discussing his return to driving, reclaiming his independence, and getting back to all the things he loves.

Travis has an incredible story, and his positive attitude toward recovery is nothing short of inspiring. Not only is he living his best life, but he’s also now consulting for disability agencies and even advising the government on accessibility issues.

Tune in for an engaging conversation about overcoming challenges, finding purpose, and pushing boundaries. This is one episode you don’t want to miss!

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Disclaimer: No copyright infringement is intended with the music and media used in this podcast/video. All rights to the music and other media remain with the respective artists and copyright holders.

Special thanks to our sponsors—Mobility Engineering, Driving Well, and Williams OT—for their invaluable support in bringing this show to life. We appreciate their dedication to our community and industry.

Welcome to the Drive-Able Podcast with Brad Williams from Williams OT in South Australia and Jenny Gribbin from Driving Well Occupational Therapy in Queensland.

In this episode, we’re switching things up—there’s no guest this time. Instead, Jenny and Brad are diving into a hot topic that’s making waves in the disability and driving communities. We’ll break down the recent NDIS reform bill that passed in Parliament last week, along with the draft list of funded items that recently closed for consultation.

Join us as we explore the nuts and bolts of these changes, discussing their potential impact on driving, mobility solutions, and what they could mean for OTs and their clients across Australia.

This is a critical conversation for anyone navigating the NDIS, so tune in as we unpack what these reforms mean for you.

Disclaimer: No copyright infringement is intended with the music and media used in this podcast/video. All rights to the music and other media remain with the respective artists and copyright holders.

Special thanks to our sponsors—Mobility Engineering, Driving Well, and Williams OT—for their invaluable support in bringing this show to life. We appreciate their dedication to our community and industry.

In this special episode, we present the OT Australia Inaugural Oration Address by Jenny Gribbin, delivered at the 2024 OTX Exchange in Perth. Jenny’s speech is not only enlightening but also deeply moving—a true testament to her dedication and passion for occupational therapy. We couldn’t be prouder of Jenny for this remarkable achievement, and we’re excited to share it with you. Whether you’re an OT, aspiring to become one, or simply interested in the field, this is a must-listen from start to finish.

Jenny Gribbin graduated from the University of Queensland in 2005 and completed her OT driver assessor training at the University of Sydney in 2012. In 2016, she founded Driving Well Occupational Therapy in Brisbane, with a mission to serve clients locally and support OTs nationally. During COVID, Jenny partnered with Dr. Miriam Monahan from the USA to innovate best practices in assessing learner drivers. Her work has pioneered the “potential to drive” approach, significantly advancing OT practices and creating new opportunities for young Australians.

Tune in to hear Jenny’s inspiring journey, her innovative contributions to the field, and the powerful impact she’s had on so many lives.

Disclaimer: No copyright infringement is intended with the music and media used in this podcast/video. All rights to the music and other media remain with the respective artists and copyright holders.

Special thanks to our sponsors—Mobility Engineering, Driving Well, and Williams OT—for their invaluable support in bringing this show to life. We appreciate their dedication to our community and industry.

In today’s episode, we are excited to welcome back Dr. Beth Cheal from the Institute of Driver Health. Beth is an Occupational Therapist, driver assessor, and licensed driving instructor with extensive experience. She is also a lecturer and researcher at Western Sydney University and has been running training programs for occupational therapists, health professionals, and driving instructors in driver assessment and rehabilitation since 2006.

Beth previously appeared on Drive Able in episode #44, where she discussed the pathway to becoming a driver-trained OT. Today, we will delve deeper into the processes and updates in OT driving assessments, focusing on an innovative assessment tool called "P-Drive." This tool provides a standardized method for scoring on-road assessments, enhancing the accuracy and consistency of evaluations.

Join us as we explore the latest advancements in OT driving assessments with Beth, gaining valuable insights into how tools like P-Drive are shaping the future of driver rehabilitation. Whether you are a health professional, an OT, or someone interested in driver health, this episode offers a wealth of knowledge and practical information.

Special thanks to our sponsors—Mobility Engineering, Driving Well, and Williams OT—for their invaluable support in bringing this show to life. We appreciate their dedication to our community and industry.