Former DriveOn Client Featured on Rochester News Channel 8
September 27, 2010Rochester's News8Now aired a short featurette Friday, September 25 about how DriveOn – a United Way funded program – helps drivers with disabilities. Gerard (pronounced JA-red) Pritchard, 21, learned to drive with a specially equipped car and driver training from Rochester Rehabilitation’s DriveOn program.
Born with Spina Bifida, Gerard lacked the strength in his right leg to press down on a vehicle’s gas and brake pedals. Following a comprehensive evaluation and one-on-one driver training with adaptive equipment from DriveOn, Gerard earned his driver’s license.
Now he drives a customized SUV with hand controls to and from school. United Way caught up with Gerard and featured his story in its Summer 2010 edition of Live United. We invite you to read more about Gerard’s story here.
An article posted by News8Now on its website reported some erroneous and unclear information. To follow are some additional points that we hope will clarify any incorrect information.
- United Way is a funding source for many wonderful community programs including DriveOn, which is part of Rochester Rehabilitation’s family of services.
- In August 2010, United Way awarded $144,600 to DriveOn so that this program could continue to provide accessible transportation services and equipment for people with disabilities.
- People with disabilities like Gerard Pritchard are allowed to drive a vehicle. They must take and pass the same safe driving test required of every driver in New York State in order to obtain a driver's license. Depending on the nature of their condition, they may require adaptive equipment and special training to help them use the equipment properly.
- DriveOn helps people of all abilities to drive safe on the roads. In a 2009 survey, 98% of DriveOn graduates remain accident free 6 months after receiving services.
- Gerard Pritchard is a former client of DriveOn who shared his story with United Way for its Living United 2010 campaign.
- United Way is one of many funding sources for DriveOn and Rochester Rehabilitation.
For more information, visit driveonrocks.org or rochesterrehab.org/services/driveon
About DriveOn
DriveOn is the only comprehensive driver evaluation and training program in Upstate New York. Each year, DriveOn helps over 700 individuals with a variety of disabilities and medical conditions to drive safely and maintain their mobility and independence. Services include specialized evaluation and training, recommendations for adaptive equipment and vehicles, research, simulator driver evaluation, beginner driver training and senior driver evaluation and training.