56 year old Carolan Quenneville has rheuamtoid arthritis. When she was 11 she started showing signs and she's lived with it ever since. The disease has restricted the use of her arms and legs so driving is more difficult. In fact, it's impossible to do in a normal car. She needs a special ride. That's where Driving to Independence and Jenny Nordine comes in.

Nordine is an occupational therapist who used to work in hospitals but found there was a huge need for independent driver training. "It's difficult to be able to run your errands, get to work or school or take care of your children if you're not able to drive," says Nordine. She started the business in 2000 and sees about 200 people every year. She hopes to double that with 2 more people now on board.

The process starts with a 3 hour assessment at her office. They look at muscle strength, balance, cognition, visual perception... then they get in the car. It's after those sessions they decide exactly which equipment they need. Everything from mechanical hand control to digital steering, electronic gas, to a 4 inch joystick that helps you brake and steer. Nordine then gives a vehicle modification prescription and the driver can get back in the seat again!

The initial session cost starts at 375 dollars and goes up from there. After, it's billed hourly and it can get expensive. There is no help from insurance, they feel it's not a medical necessity per se... tell that to the people who feels it completely necessary! "Driving in Phoenix, it's essential!" says Quenneville. She recently went back to Nordine because she bought a van and got rid of her sedan, which she's been driving for years. Her new ride has a seat that moves in 4 different directions and is equipped with a ramp plus easier steering and there's an extension on her gear shift. Quenneville has a part time job at at Arizona's Bridge for Independent Living as their newsletter writer. Without her car, she couldn't get to work and she loves what she does.

Nordine also loves what she does, and feels she's helping people achieve more than just getting people from point a to point b. "People get very emotional," says Nordine, "it's very fulfilling to be able to give that independence back." If you want more information go to www.drivingtoindependence.com