ST. ALBANS — SKILLS, Inc. is opening the Opportunities Driving School, its driver education program.
“Driving is an important aspect of increasing independence, especially in our region. With the opening of Opportunities Driving School, SKILLS is pleased to provide another avenue for supporting people with intellectual and developmental disabilities in pursuing their individual goals,” said Kristin Overton, executive director of SKILLS, Inc., in a news release from the nonprofit.
The program prepares participants for the State of Maine permit test and driver’s license test. It includes an initial assessment for driver readiness, 30 hours of classroom instruction, 10 hours of driver instruction, and continued support for participants.
Registration for the school is open. The program is available and free of cost for MaineCare members covered under sections 18, 19, 20, 21 and 29.
Individual appointments will be made for the initial driver readiness assessment, with more information about class scheduling to be provided to participants following the assessment.
Beginning in May, the program also will include the experience of using a driving simulator. The simulator utilizes updated technology to mimic the experience of operating a vehicle on the road, allowing individuals to increase their comfort level with all the details required for safe driving.
In part, the driving simulator will be used to provide individuals who do not pass the initial assessment for driver readiness, with the opportunity to learn the skills necessary to achieve readiness for the full driver education experience.
For the initial assessments, SKILLS has contracted with Pathways Driving Rehab Services, a licensed occupational therapist and certified driving rehab specialist for Maine.
People interested in learning more or applying for the school can contact Darrin Charrier, SKILLS Driver’s Education coordinator, at dcharrier@skillsinc.net or 207-938-0200.
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