People refusing to let me be more independent with my Cerebral Palsy

pooleemily29
pooleemily29 Online Community Member Posts: 221 Empowering
in Cerebral Palsy Network

Hi I wanted to start this discussion because I have been thinking about my own independence. I would love to learn to drive but problem is I have people telling me that I can't do it because I have a weakness in my right side and it annoys me when people like my family say you can't do this you can't do that.

AETV98769095_1e.jpg

I have Epilepsy as well which makes even harder. I just wish I could be more independent. This is a picture of my dream car.

Has anyone else had this exeprince?

#Cerebralpalsy

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Comments

  • trouble5316
    trouble5316 Online Community Member Posts: 138 Contributor

    Im in supported housing has two forms of epilepsy wont let me have a licence neither

  • pooleemily29
    pooleemily29 Online Community Member Posts: 221 Empowering

    @trouble5316 I know its annoying isn't it?

  • trouble5316
    trouble5316 Online Community Member Posts: 138 Contributor

    Yes i agree with you

  • pooleemily29
    pooleemily29 Online Community Member Posts: 221 Empowering

    @trouble5316 what annoys me more is when when People say I can't do this I Can't do that 😤

  • trouble5316
    trouble5316 Online Community Member Posts: 138 Contributor

    Im stubborn as well most i go and do even if its wrong

  • Lucy_Scope
    Lucy_Scope Posts: 187 Cerebral Palsy Network

    Hi @pooleemily29,

    I am sorry to hear you are having a difficult time. Has your family specified why you cannot drive? I have left-sided hemiplegia, and I can drive.

    You will need to disclose your disabilities to the Driver and Vehicle
    Licensing
    Agency.

    You may benefit from a specialist instructor. Also, Disabled Motoring UK is a good resource.

    I hope this helps,

    Lucy

  • SaraC_Scope
    SaraC_Scope CP Network, Scope Posts: 392 Empowering

    @pooleemily29

    I understand the frustration of not being able to drive. I have right sided hemiplegia and epilepsy. It wasn't until I had been seizure free for a year, that I could contemplate learning to drive. Then I had to consider an automatic adapted car for my lessons. Are you now seizure free?

    When I felt ready I booked my lessons. No one said I wouldn't be able to do it, but it was a nerve wracking experience. Unfortunately because of the medication I take to control my epilepsy, my memory isn't great, so I struggled with the lessons. Plus my instructor wasn't the most patient person. After seven weeks I decided driving wasn't for me.

    However I know plenty of people with controlled epilepsy and cerebral palsy who drive. If you find the right instructor and feel ready, there is no reason why you can't give it a go. If it doesn't work out, like in my case. At least you tried.

    Good luck.

  • trouble5316
    trouble5316 Online Community Member Posts: 138 Contributor

    I been seizure free over ten years was told cant have a license

  • Kimi87
    Kimi87 Online Community Member Posts: 8,409 Championing
    edited February 2

    Up until 18 months ago I never had the money to drive.

    After being awarded Enhanced PIP, suddenly driving was a possibility.

    However after much thought, I didn't feel medically capable and felt if I went for a driving medical then that's not something I'd pass.

    Even if I passed, the energy required to drive would have to come from somewhere, ie give up or reduce other things in my life, which I didn't want to do.

    So I decided not to persue driving and carry on as I've always lived, without a car.

  • SaraC_Scope
    SaraC_Scope CP Network, Scope Posts: 392 Empowering

    @trouble5316 If you have been seizure free for one year, you can apply or reapply for a driving licence.

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