UCF’s Center for Autism and Related Disabilities (CARD) is partnering with the Doug Flutie Jr. Foundation for Autism to expand access to driver education for neurodiverse individuals. The program uses fully immersive virtual reality to help people with autism practice driving skills in an environment designed to feel supportive and manageable.
Six students are getting behind the wheel of a driving simulator for personalized instruction that allows them to safely practice their skills inside a high-tech classroom at the UCF Rehabilitation Innovation Center.
“The goal for most of our clients is to achieve that driver license, which is such a barrier to independence for so many families,” says Richard Greene with ASD Drive Ready, the company delivering the driving program.
The VR environment closely mirrors real-world driving, complete with a steering wheel, pedals and responsive software programmed to recreate everyday situations like traffic and night driving, as well as more challenging scenarios like severe weather or sudden hazards. Students may practice at their own pace, repeat scenarios and learn from mistakes without the risk of physical danger.
For many adults with autism, learning to drive is a key step toward independence, especially in areas with limited public transportation. Constituents of CARD attend the virtual reality driving school at a reduced cost.
“This VR approach to driving education has been fantastic for people on the spectrum to gain confidence without the risk and stress of being on the street,” says CARD Director Terri Daly. “It also allows students who have had trouble with the permit test to get some experience under their belt before they are able to get on the road.”
The program is part of a series of unique opportunities CARD has made possible in conjunction with philanthropic partners to improve transportation access. CARD constituents have also participated in a driving school led by specialized instructors who are also occupational therapists and a classroom based program designed to help young adults navigate buses, rideshare and rail transportation.
