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Jane Harrison's avatar

I’m just catching up on some posts I missed having had a super busy April, and this was really interesting to me as I recently surrendered my driving licence after trying out various adaptations and finding myself unable to commit to what was offered. And my recent Substack post is all about this! Ultimately giving up my licence felt like the right decision for me, but it wasn’t easy. I’m really glad you have found something that works for you. 😊

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Unclenching by Chris L Vaughan's avatar

Thank you for sharing this, Jane. It means a lot. I just finished your Substack piece and connected so much with your words.

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Jennifer O'Connor's avatar

Really great and super-inspiring post, Chris! This all sounds like it was very frustrating!!! Isn't it funny how sometimes we get all stressed out about something (in this case, justifiably so!), and then all the stuff we worry about ends up not being an issue? Glad you got someone in a good mood that day and it went smoothly.

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Unclenching by Chris L Vaughan's avatar

Thanks, Jennifer! Absolutely. I had been getting ready to re-take my road test, ten years later, at the time. I was like, gosh, I need to practice parallel parking again.

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Rosanne Galletta's avatar

Just started my adaptive driving journey after 40+ years using my feet and legs. Failed my test the first time because of reverse parking. Waiting to hear when/if I get to try again. Any tips?

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Joe Hines's avatar

Our morning commutes and drives around town together were a highlight from that time in my life full of laughs and burned CD soundtracks. While I wish I fully understood everything you were navigating at the time reading these stories has been a real joy.

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Unclenching by Chris L Vaughan's avatar

Thanks so much, Joe! I owe you a million car rides after driving me to school and every where else for years. Those rides were always so great listening to our mixes. The Unicorns! You have a ride next time you're in New York!

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Victoria's avatar

Aww Chris!

I'm curious to learn what the manager at the DMV was like - how you escaped the need for the impassioned speech. Were you lucky, or was this an 'obvious error' given the paperwork you managed to dig out?

I'm also curious to learn how you drive, I've seen adapted vehicles - they look complicated. Could you show us, can Lisa video you?

Lastly, I feel your pain. I hope your garage and other car related support things are easier now versus the unhelpful one before.

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Unclenching by Chris L Vaughan's avatar

Thanks, Victoria! A video of me driving is a great idea!

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Victoria's avatar

If you do, can you make it with a rolling transcript so I don't have to put sound on? I know Noah has great taste in music though! You could make clips for the Notes section!

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Unclenching by Chris L Vaughan's avatar

Totally!

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Unclenching by Chris L Vaughan's avatar

Hi Rosanne, Thanks for sharing! For me, what helped the most was finding a local driving instructor who specialized in teaching disabled folks like myself how to drive and use my specific adaptive equipment.

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Sheri Handel's avatar

Great piece, Chris. Just the right balance of detail and plot. I appreciate the transparency here and the pressure of getting it all done while living with the adaptations. Noah is a lucky boy.

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Unclenching by Chris L Vaughan's avatar

Thank you, Sherri!

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Katharine Kaufman's avatar

This is so important for me to read, thank you. (When I broke my leg I realized people thought I wanted to do things myself, to be autonomous, but sometimes I just needed help). Well anyway, this story and the drivers license issue really helped me stop and appreciate some little slice of a life and people living with a disability --generous in details...

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Unclenching by Chris L Vaughan's avatar

Thank you! That means a lot.

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