My name is Doria W. I am an RN that worked in the ER for 25 plus years who had a stroke almost three years ago leaving me with right arm and hand, right leg and foot and left eyesight deficiencies. Since my stroke I have learned how to talk walk and read again. I have become as independent as I can, but still needing assistance with some everyday tasks and activities.
Being a stroke survivor independence is one of if not the biggest challenge and goal. Not being able to drive to the store for basic needs like food clothes and supplies is a huge wall that is hard to get over.
Being sacred and very nervous I decided to try and get my driver’s license back. Having a vision problem, I thought that I would never drive again. I saw several eye doctors and was told that my eyesight met the minimum requirement for driving. I went and had a driving evaluation performed and I was a good candidate for getting my license back using adaptive equipment.
I reached out to Amanda from Align Adaptive Driving Services for help. Amanda is a professional and is great at what she does. She has many professional credentials and is even a class “A” CDL license holder which impressed me. From the being it was clear that there is no guarantee that you will get your license back and be able to drive again. With every driving lesson with Amanda she reassured me that I can drive and have the ability driving which built back confidence on learning how to drive again. Amanda taught me things that I had never been taught and things that have changed over time. Like most drivers, I had some bad driving habits and Amanda pointed them out quickly and taught me the proper techniques and help me work to lose those bad habits. There was no time limit given to me on when I would be ready or even if I would be able to take a driving road test. This was all up to Amanda with her assessment of my skills and ability to use the adaptive equipment that would be needed for me to operate a car with the disability’s that I have. The decision if I was ready and capable was all Amanda’s. That day came for me!! Amanda contacted Maine BMV for an appointment to take my road test. I took my road test and PASSED!! I am very thankful that I found Amanda and would highly recommend Amanda from Align Adaptive Driving Services if you are in need of driver training with adaptive equipment. She helped me regain my confidence and independence.
Regards
Doria W.