Accessible Driving Simulator!

Many of us take the freedom of driving for granted. But for some—whether they’re a young person with a disability, a senior, or an adult recovering from an injury—getting behind the wheel can be a significant challenge to their independence. How can they safely assess their ability to drive and gain the skills they need?

Life is thrilled to announce that we are acquiring a state-of-the-art driving simulator! This incredible tool, is funded by a grant from the Disability Innovation Fund: Pathways to Partnership, will give us the ability to assess and train individuals with a wide range of needs. We will have a variety of accessible features like hand controls, spinner knob, a left-foot accelerator, and more, allowing us to accommodate individuals with many types of disabilities.

Our new driving simulator is currently located in Pocatello, but we can transport it to our other offices based on demand. Amanda Jacobson, our newest team member, will be the certified instructor for the simulator. Amanda is a qualified driver’s education instructor with extensive experience.

The simulator provides drivers with a realistic experience, including tests that check for awareness of pedestrians and low fuel. After each session, a detailed report is generated to help individuals, their doctors, and their families make informed decisions about their driving abilities. This simulator is a powerful step toward helping more people gain confidence and independence on the road.

Benefits of a Disability Driving Simulator

• Assessment: Simulators evaluate the physical, cognitive, and visual skills needed for safe driving.
• Training: They offer structured training modules and free-drive practice on various road types, from city to highway.
• Adaptive Equipment Practice: Users can test and practice with various adaptive driving systems, such as hand controls, in a risk-free setting.
• Skill Development: The simulator environment allows for the gradual introduction of driving components like lane changes and turns, helping users develop safe driving habits.
• Identification of Challenges: Issues encountered in the simulator help in identifying problems that may arise during real-world driving, allowing for early intervention.
• Independence: Enables individuals to regain independence through safe driving skills.
• Safety: Provides a safe space to learn and practice without real-world hazards.
• Cost-Effectiveness: Can be a more economical alternative to on-road lessons.
• Accessibility: Offers a flexible and accessible training tool for diverse needs and contexts.
• Social Connection: By promoting driving, simulators help keep individuals socially connected.

Full program details will be available soon. Be sure to follow us on Facebook to get the latest updates as soon as they’re available!

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640 Pershing Ave Ste A, Pocatello ID 83204
(208) 232-2747 VOICE/TDD
(208) 232-2754 FAX
(800) 631-2747

725 Jensen Grove Dr, Blackfoot ID 83221
(208) 785-9648 VOICE
(208) 785-2398 FAX

250 S. Skyline Suite 1, Idaho Falls ID 83402
(208) 529-8610 VOICE
(208) 529-8610 TDD
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2311 Park Ave. Ste 7, Burley ID 83318
(208) 678-7705 VOICE
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