Drive-ABLE Podcast

After three incredible years behind the mic, this is the final episode of the DriveAble Podcast. In this heartfelt send-off, Ali, Brad, and Jenny come together to reflect on their favourite moments, most inspiring guests, and the powerful stories that have been shared along the way. From adaptive driving breakthroughs to Paralympic journeys, the team revisits the conversations that left a mark—and...

In this episode of the DriveAble Podcast, Brad speaks with Paralympic gold medalist and transition coach at the South Australian Institute of Sport - Jed Altschwager. After a life-changing accident in 2015 that resulted in the loss of a foot, Jed found his path to rowing in 2017, leading to incredible success, including gold at the Paris Paralympics and multiple medals at the World Rowing Champion...

In this episode of the DriveAble Podcast, we sit down with Anne Klose, who lives with Facioscapulohumeral Muscular Dystrophy (FSHD), to talk about her journey to driving independence. Anne shares her experiences with hand controls and vehicle modifications, detailing the process of getting the right setup, the struggles she faced along the way, and how she ultimately gained the freedom to drive. S...

In Part B of this special DriveAble Podcast episode, Jenny and Brad shift gears to focus on motorcycle driver assessments. While both have extensive experience in light vehicle assessments, they also completed motorcycle assessment training together in 2013 and have been developing their skills in this area ever since. They discuss the unique skills required to operate a motorcycle safely and how...

This is a two-part special where Jenny and Brad take a deep dive into heavy vehicle and truck vehicle driver assessments. Having completed their heavy vehicle assessment training in 2013 and 2018, they’ve continued to expand their knowledge and refine their approach to assessing drivers for larger vehicles. They discuss the key factors involved in assessing heavy vehicle and truck drivers, includi...

In this episode, we explore an intriguing topic: Can you obtain a conditional licence for two different types of disability vehicle modifications? We’re joined by the inspiring Noella Angel—a para-athlete, AVM fighter, para-equestrian, ice hockey player, and whip-cracking specialist. With such a fascinating background, there’s so much to unpack, but today we focus on her journey to obtaining a lic...

In this episode of the DriveAble Podcast, we’re joined by Liz Beggs, a specialized driving instructor from My Driving School in the Moreton Bay region of northern Brisbane. With over five years of experience in the disability space, Liz brings a wealth of knowledge and practical insights to the table. We explore Liz’s journey into working with clients with disabilities, the specialized training sh...

In today’s episode, we sit down with Sarah Collison from Verve OT in Sydney, a true trailblazer in the NDIS space for occupational therapists. Sarah has been instrumental in helping OTs navigate the complexities of NDIS changes while staying ahead in this evolving landscape. In recognition of her outstanding contributions, Sarah was awarded OT of the Year in 2023 by the Allied Health Awards. We ex...

Today, we’re diving into an important question with Robert Van Mullekom, the Managing Director of Freedom Motors: Are Japanese import vehicles that have been adapted for wheelchair users safe and a viable option for Australians? In a previous interview for Episode 92, Robert shared insights about Freedom Motors’ work in expanding freedom and accessibility for individuals with disabilities through...

Today, we're exploring custom driving and vehicle modification solutions with Andy Whale, the founding Director and owner of Alternate Mobility in Brisbane. With over 40 years of experience in the Australian automotive industry, Andy and his team are dedicated to enhancing mobility for individuals with disabilities. Their extensive range of products and services includes: vehicle conversions for w...

In this special OT Week episode of the Drive-Able Podcast, hosts Jenny and Brad are celebrating 80 Years of Connection in occupational therapy! As OT Week 2024 comes to a close, they reflect on their journeys as OTs and share why they are passionate advocates for the profession, highlighting the crucial role OT plays in helping people live independent, fulfilling lives. This episode also brings an...

Welcome to the Drive-Able Podcast! Today, we're diving into the world of high-level van conversions with Robert Van Mullekom, the Managing Director of Freedom Motors Australia. Since 1997, Freedom Motors has specialised in transforming standard vehicles into wheelchair-accessible ones, converting a wide range of makes and models to meet the needs of individuals, families, and businesses. Whether i...

Welcome to the Drive-Able Podcast with Jenny Gribbin from Driving Well OT in Brisbane and Brad Williams from Williams OT in Adelaide. In today’s episode, we’re joined by an inspiring guest, Travis DeJong-Knox, a double lower limb amputee who has defied the odds to pursue his passion for car racing. You might be wondering how Travis has achieved such an incredible feat. We’re diving deep into his j...

Welcome to the Drive-Able Podcast with Brad Williams from Williams OT in South Australia and Jenny Gribbin from Driving Well Occupational Therapy in Queensland. In this episode, we’re switching things up—there’s no guest this time. Instead, Jenny and Brad are diving into a hot topic that’s making waves in the disability and driving communities. We’ll break down the recent NDIS reform bill that pas...

In this special episode, we present the OT Australia Inaugural Oration Address by Jenny Gribbin, delivered at the 2024 OTX Exchange in Perth. Jenny’s speech is not only enlightening but also deeply moving—a true testament to her dedication and passion for occupational therapy. We couldn’t be prouder of Jenny for this remarkable achievement, and we’re excited to share it with you. Whether you’re an...

In today’s episode, we are excited to welcome back Dr. Beth Cheal from the Institute of Driver Health. Beth is an Occupational Therapist, driver assessor, and licensed driving instructor with extensive experience. She is also a lecturer and researcher at Western Sydney University and has been running training programs for occupational therapists, health professionals, and driving instructors in dr...

In today’s episode, we tackle the essential topic of driving and vehicle access for those living with a progressive neurological condition. We’re joined by Gordon Burnett, who has been navigating life with Sporadic Inclusion Body Myositis, and his wife Robyn. Gordon's condition, which progresses slowly, has required him to undertake a significant journey in modifying and adapting his vehicle to me...

Welcome to the Drive-Able Podcast! Today, we have a very special episode for you. It might be a little noisy in the background because we're coming to you live from the Occupational Therapy Exchange 2024 in Perth. Jenny and I have been here, soaking up the vibrant atmosphere and attending some of the key presentations, especially those related to driving. We thought we would bring our highlights t...

Today, we're thrilled to discuss Drive Focus and the potential to drive with Dr. Miriam Monahan from the Driver Rehabilitation Institute in the USA. Dr. Monahan is a clinician, researcher, lecturer, and app inventor specializing in the driving space. With extensive experience as an OT driver assessor and Certified Driver Rehabilitation Specialist (CDRS), Miriam has developed an evidence-based appr...

Join us on this special episode of the Drive-ABLE podcast as host Brad Williams takes us on an exciting walkthrough of the ATSA Expo in Adelaide from last March. Brad explores the latest innovations and technologies in assistive technology, meeting industry leaders, and discovering new solutions that enhance mobility and independence. Get an insider's look at the event, including interviews with e...

Today, we're reconnecting with Ali Akbarian, who until recently co-hosted this podcast with Brad Williams. Ali is the Chairman of the Board at Mobility Engineering and one of the proud sponsors of the Drive-Able podcast. In this episode, we'll dive into his decision to step back from the podcast for now, and we'll discuss the exciting projects and endeavors he's currently focusing on. While Ali is...

In this episode, we're exploring occupational therapy driving assessments in Western Australia with Chris Pearce, an Occupational Therapist and founder of Occupational Therapy Services Group. This business provides a comprehensive array of specialized Occupational Therapy services to the Perth metropolitan area and the surrounding rural regions. The company's services are divided into five special...

Join us for a conversation on relocating to Australia while navigating disability and driving, featuring Esther Simbi. As an acclaimed author of "Beyond Calamity" and "Blessed," Esther shares her journey as a public speaker and single mother raising two daughters despite her disability. A refugee and polio survivor, Estha now thrives as a driver in Australia. Explore Esther's insightful books at v...

In today's episode, we delve into the realm of driver training and assessment, focusing on advanced evaluation tools. Specifically, we explore the challenges faced by individuals who require adaptations beyond standard hand controls in conventional vehicles, such as those who drive from wheelchairs. Joining us for this discussion is Paul Crake, whom you may recall from Episode 38, where we explore...

Buckle up for an exclusive chat on Autism Spectrum Disorder and Medical Fitness to Drive with the fantastic Jenny Gribbin! 🚗💬 Join us as we navigate the unique aspects of ASD and its impact on hitting the road. It's a casual yet insightful dive into a topic that's often overlooked. This bonus episode is not just informative but promises a blend of professionalism and excitement. Get ready to rev...