With a grant towards her adapted vehicle, Nazmin, 39, proves "anything is possible with hard work and perseverance.”
Breaking barriers
“I work as a Health and Safety Support Officer for a local authority. In my spare time, I enjoy using my car to go shopping, out for meals, sightseeing or visiting new places. I have scoliosis of the spine and Arthrogryposis which causes limb weakness. I can walk short distances but, for anything longer, I use a powered wheelchair, which I can take with me everywhere I go.
“Having a car has enabled me to go to university and flourish within my studies. It enables me to visit friends and family, and it means I can easily attend hospital appointments. This car helps me contribute to, and feel part of, society and live a fulfilling life."
"The Motability Foundation really listens”
“I first heard about Motability when I went for a driving assessment, aged 17. The advisors suggested what adaptations would be suitable and informed me of the range of help available. Since then, I have leased five different cars on the Scheme. For my current vehicle, I received a grant towards the Advance Payment as well as a powered tailgate and a boot hoist to lift my wheelchair in and out.
"The Motability Foundation always go above and beyond to find solutions to problems. They really listen. It is hard to put into words just how much having an adapted vehicle has helped over the years and continues to help."
“It is incredibly hard to put into words just how much my adapted vehicle has helped over the years and continues to help.”Nazmin
“Driving gives me independence”
“The key thing about driving is that it gives me independence. Previously, I relied on family, or taxis, which weren’t ideal as they were frequently late. I’d hate to think where I’d be without my car now.
“Getting my first vehicle was exciting, but going out by myself felt scary and surreal in the beginning. Nobody expected me to learn how to drive. When I’m in my car I can go out safely and do what I want to do. People treat me as an equal. I’m just like everyone else on the road, I’m not judged because of my disability and that is liberating.”
"I want to be a role model”
“I know it’s a cliche, but you can’t be what you can’t see. Having a car has given me the opportunity to go to university and get an undergraduate and a Masters degree. I want to be a role model for the next generation of disabled people.
"I would like to give people who look like me or, who come from a similar background to me, hope. I want to show that anything is possible with hard work and perseverance. I did not have a role model growing up, so this is very close to my heart.
“The Motability Foundation and the Motability Scheme have been an absolute godsend and continues to be so."
