Richard’s journey to driving independence
For many people, learning to drive is a rite of passage. It’s one of those major life milestones that brings a new kind of freedom: no more waiting for buses or trains, or relying on family and friends to get around. It can also open doors to work, education, friendships and everyday independence in ways that may not have felt possible before.
For someone with neurodiverse needs or a learning disability, that step can be even more meaningful, and often more daunting. With only 6% of adults with a learning disability known to their local authority in England in paid work, barriers to independence can have a real impact on opportunity and confidence. Being able to drive can help remove some of those barriers, giving people more control over where they go, what they do and what they can achieve.
For Destined member Richard, learning to drive and getting out on the open road has changed everything. We caught up with him to hear about his journey to driving independence, with Destined’s CEO, Charlene Keenan, sharing what his achievement has meant for the wider Destined community.
Could you tell us a little bit about yourself, Richard?
[Richard] I’m 31 years old, I live in Derry, and I’ve been a member of Destined for X years. I have a learning disability, which is linked to being born six and a half weeks premature. I weighed just 4.9kg when I was born.
After school, I went to North West Regional College and completed the two-year Transition Programme. I didn’t really know what I wanted to do next, but then my social worker, Maria Gormley, introduced me to Destined. She told me it was for young people with learning disabilities and could help me, so I decided to give it a go.
[Charlene] The Transition Programme is a two-year course for people with a disability when they leave school. It’s a really good idea because it gives people a next step. The only difficulty is that, after those two years, for a lot of people, that can be it.
What was your first impression of Destined?
[Richard] The first time I went through the door, I was nervous. But once I got to meet everyone, I felt much happier. Everyone was friendly and easy to get on with.
You’ve achieved something really special through Destined. Can you tell us about learning to drive?
[Richard] I wanted to learn to drive, but I didn’t really know where to start. Carmel Dodds and Patty Carmack offered to help. They organised my lessons and supported me to become a driver.
[Charlene] Richard was the first person at Destined to pass his driving test. That was a huge thing for him, and for us.
We provide driving theory classes here, and Richard had passed his theory test. The next step was getting him out on the road with an instructor. Destined sourced an instructor who understood how to support people with disabilities, and we supported Richard throughout the whole process.
How challenging was it to learn to drive?
[Richard] It was hard, but I passed on my fourth attempt. Each time I failed, I was upset, but I took time to think about it and then I was ready to go again.
[Charlene] It wasn’t a straightforward or easy journey for Richard. He had setbacks and obstacles along the way, but he didn’t let them stop him.
How did it feel when you finally passed?
[Richard] I came into Destined and they gave me a card and a cake that day. It was great. Then, a couple of days later, me and Patty were invited onto Drive 105 to talk about my experience.
[Charlene] We put it on our Facebook page at the time and the response was unbelievable. It really struck a chord with people.
What did your family think about you learning to drive?
[Richard] When I first mentioned driving, my dad was worried I wouldn’t be able to do it. But then Dermot and Patty said, “Go for it,” and Destined supported me, so I did it.
[Charlene] Richard is very lucky to have great family support. His mum and dad are fantastic, and they are so proud of what he has achieved.
What difference has driving made to your life?
[Richard] It’s made everything easier. I can get from A to B, come to Destined in the morning, and then meet my friends afterwards. Before, I used to have to get up and wait for the bus. Now I’m more independent. I put fuel in my own car and manage my money. I never thought I’d be able to drive, but now I can, and I love it.
[Charlene] There are so many life skills that come with passing your driving test. It’s not just about getting your licence. There’s responsibility that comes with it: managing a vehicle, insurance, fuel and road awareness. Richard has embraced all of that.
You now support others at Destined with their driving theory. How did that come about?
[Richard] I come along to the class at Destined and help people if they need it. I don’t tell them the answers, but I can help explain the questions. Some people have been getting 43 out of 50, which is great. They’re all my friends. If they ask for help, I go and help them. If they don’t ask, I just sit back and let them do it.
[Charlene] It’s great having Richard there as a peer mentor because he’s been through the whole journey himself. The group really listens to him because they know he’s done it. It adds a completely different dimension to the class, and Richard gets as much out of it as they do.
What else do you enjoy at Destined?
[Richard] I enjoy football. We have our own team, Destined FC. We train every Tuesday and I give some of the other members a lift up to Craigavon where the pitch is. We’ve won loads of awards and trophies.
[Charlene] I actually had to clear all the trophies from the top of the cabinet because they were falling everywhere. They are winning so much that we need a proper trophy cabinet now.
[Richard] I also like the art classes, the cooking and the men’s club. We all go for a coffee and just sit back and chat. I also help out at the Foyle Valley Railway Museum next door. At Halloween, I dressed up as a surgeon with a chainsaw, which was fun.
[Charlene] Richard was so convincing that people were running out of the museum. I brought my neighbour along and, after seeing Richard with his chainsaw, she refused to come back. At Christmas, he dresses up as an elf for the grotto too. He’s always a great sport.
Do you also have a job outside Destined?
[Richard] Yes, I work at a makeup place on Fisher Street on Thursdays and Mondays, from nine until about half ten in the morning. After that, I come down to Destined to meet my friends and spend time with them.
You’ve built some really strong friendships through Destined. Can you tell us about that?
[Richard] You meet a lot of good friends here. We do a lot of classes together, and we see each other outside Destined too.
[Charlene] Richard has formed friendships that go well beyond Destined. Even over Easter, I was in a coffee shop in town and saw Richard and Martha out shopping together, walking past the window.
How does coming to Destined make you feel?
[Richard] It gets me out of the house every day, which is great. I’ve made good friends, and it makes me happy being there Monday to Thursday. I don’t want to stop coming. It’s now a big part of my life.
What would you say to someone who’s nervous about coming to Destined for the first time?
[Richard] It helps you become more independent. You meet a lot of good friends. It helps people with learning disabilities in the community to be part of it.
[Charlene] Richard’s story shows what’s possible. He’s had setbacks, but he hasn’t let them stop him. With the right support, he has achieved things that once seemed out of reach, and now he’s helping others do the same.
So, if you’re thinking about joining Destined but feel a bit nervous, take Richard’s advice: come along, make friends and see where it takes you. You might surprise yourself, just like Richard did.
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