Blind drivers get behind the wheel!

IT is something the sighted community take for granted, but for thousands of people living with visual impairment the simple pleasure of driving is denied them. Until now, that is!

Dorset Blind Association recently teamed up with Somerset Sight and 2nd2none DrivingSchool to offer members a chance to get behind the wheel at Henstridge Airfield.

Leah Cross, a home support co-ordinator for Dorset Blind Association, said: “Driving is the one thing that my younger members tell me they would love to do.

“Many either never get a chance to apply for a licence or have it taken away from them when they start to experience visual problems.”

PHOTOS: Russell Parsons (top) enjoying the driving experience and Adrian Reigate (right) says the experience gave him a sense of normality.

With instructors James Orgar and Eric Johnson providing tuition in their dual control cars, Leah says the young drivers were “exhilarated” and plans to run more sessions in the future.

“I am on cloud nine,” said driver Evie Klamar. “It is now my dream to be a driver one day!”

Russell Parsons, another driver, said: “It’s an experience I never thought I would have. It was exhilarating, like a fairground ride.”

While AdrianReigate added: “It’s weird – I felt so alive. It gave me a feeling of normality.”

Dorset Blind Association helps up to 1,000 blind or partially sighted people each month, but receives no regular government for this and relies heavily on donations, grants and legacies.

To help it call 01202-712869 or visit www.dorsetblind.org.uk or send a donation to 17 Bournemouth Road, Lower Parkstone, Poole BH14 OEF.

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