The Joystick for many means’ independence; be it a modified wheelchair or the ability to drive an automobile. For people with disabilities who have drivers’ licenses opens many doors of opportunities professionally and personally.
When a teen reaches the driving age, which is typically around 16, all he or she can think about is driving. That’s all I thought about too at that age. I was so adamant about driving that I took drivers education in high school and got my permit. I didn’t get my license until I was 23 years old, but I got them, and I still have it!
In some cases, for a person with a disability to be able to drive, the vehicle must be modified to suit his or her personal needs.
Seeing that all disabilities are different, how do you think a vehicle would have to be modified if a person had no arms or legs? Do you even think driving a vehicle would be possible? If you said no, you’re wrong.
Technology is such a wonderful thing and so are joysticks. If you follow my blog, you know I bought a video arcade standing Pac Man game a few years ago. I bought it to encourage myself to stand. I also knew I could play it because I use to play my brother’s Atari video game back in the days, and I got pretty good with using the joystick.
Like me, Anders Lovstuen is pretty good at using a joystick. Anders, who’s an eighteen-year-old male with a disability, has no legs and arms, mastered using a joystick through a power wheelchair. Because of it, he’s now able to drive his very own vehicle.
Electronics Mobility Controls and Driving Ambitions, two companies that assist people with disabilities to drive, joined forces to make Anders’s driving dream a reality. The two created a way Anders could drive his big boy truck by using a joystick.
Because of the company’s creation, Anders is now a very independent person planning to go to college and driving his own vehicle.
No matter the disability, the desire to do things others may do at a particular age, including driving, still exist. The independences Anders will have by being able to drive will bring a quality to his life.
Although I’m happy for Anders, unfortunately, many others with disabilities who desire to drive will not be able to because these modifications are expensive. Most people with disabilities cannot afford them.
It’s my hope that one day all vehicles’ modifications will be affordable to those who want and are able to drive. For now, I’ll count this as a win for Anders for shattering the glass ceiling and proving abilities are possible in all aspects of life.
I couldn’t agree more. If society can adopt the “technology for all” approach with this, life with disabilities would look a lot more independent.
Great story. Thanks for sharing.❤️
Olivia,
I certainly agree. Thanks, for reading and welcome to the blog.
What a remarkable story Shari! Thank you for sharing. Your blogs are inspiring and usually give me the determination needed to get through a challenging day/week. We could all take a page from Ander’s book, in that of going the distance, even when the road seems narrow.
Monae,
I always love reading your comments because they’re always, heartfelt including this one. Thanks, for your support girly!
Your blog is a breath of fresh air in the crowded online space. I appreciate the unique perspective you bring to every topic you cover. Keep up the fantastic work!