For Whitley McQueen, getting her driver’s license means a path to greater independence.
The 20-year-old from Kiln has restrictive lung disease and is dependent on a ventilator to breathe. After graduating from college last fall, she’s ready to get out into the workforce and into the driver’s seat for the first time.
Whitley recently enrolled in Methodist Outpatient Therapy’s Driver Rehabilitation Program, which provides evaluations and training for people with disabilities.
Led by occupational therapist Ashlee Ricotta, one of only three Certified Driving Rehab Specialists in the state, the program works closely with each student to meet their specific needs and get them certified to drive.
“Driving was stressful when I first started, and I thought it would be easier,” McQueen said. “But Ashlee has been really nice and helpful the whole way.