Rachael's driving ambition (From Gazette Series)

Rachael's driving ambition

LIKE so many teenagers approaching the age of 17, Rachael Hillier dreamed of learning to drive. The youngster wanted the independence teenagers strive for - she dreamed of picking up her friends in her own car. For most teenagers this would be an easily achievable dream, but Rachael has Downs syndrome. KIRSTY RAMSDEN met the teenager and her dad, Steve, to find out how the family are setting about achieving Rachael's dream.

FROM an early age Rachael Hillier would jump behind the steering wheels of her parents' cars and pretend to drive.

"As most kids do," explained her father, Steve.

So when she was approaching her 17th birthday in June, her parents made inquiries about driving lessons for people with special needs.

Mr Hillier, of Easter Compton, said: "We were trying to do something that would enable Rachael to have a go."

Eventually he made contact with an instructor who was one of the few in the area equipped to teach people with special needs.

Rachael was given computer software aimed at heightening awareness and perception surrounding driving.

The software was not specifically for people with special needs but ideal for Rachael, a keen computer user.

The family went ahead and booked a series of lessons for Rachael.

Mr Hillier explained within 15 minutes of the first lesson Rachael had been given the opportunity to drive the car herself.

He said: "She has taken to it really well.

"It has given her a feel of what it is like to sit behind the wheel."

Rachael is now taking weekly lessons.

Mr Hillier said: "We are listening to what the driving instructor tells us and she is doing OK."

He explained people had not considered learning to drive was something Rachael, and other youngsters with Downs syndrome, could do.

He said: "Very few with Downs actually progress to such a level, in fact, there seems to be a perception this is something quite out of their reach.

"It is almost written off before you get to it.

"I don't believe enough people are aware this is something you can have a go at.

"I don't know what will come of this but Rachael has already had three lessons and the instructor is more than happy."

Mr Hillier added it was possible Rachael could take her test.

Rachael is in her last year at Patchway High School - an ambition of hers is to drive to school - and in September will go to college.

Rob Maynard, a spokesman for nationwide driving school BSM, explained each of its centres had, on average, one or two specially trained instructors.

There are approximately 200 specially trained BSM instructors nationwide.

BSM established the Mobility programme in 1994 to meet the needs of people with learning and mobility difficulties and older learner drivers.

Tuition is provided by BSM driving instructors who have undergone additional professional training at the Queen Elizabeth's Foundation Mobility Centre in Carshalton, Surrey.

BSM Mobility instructors use dual-controlled cars which have an automatic gearbox, power assisted steering and seat height adjuster.

Mr Maynard added the cost of lessons for those with a special needs was the identical to those receiving mainstream instruction.