In the bustling suburbs of Sydney, a specialized company is quietly revolutionizing mobility for Australians with disabilities. Modified Driving Solutions, founded in 2015 by occupational therapists Matthew Ward and Sean Mcneary, has grown from a small local operation to a nationwide service dedicated to helping individuals with physical disabilities regain their independence behind the wheel.
The Mission
As a Driver-Trained Occupational Therapist, Matthew Ward recognized a critical gap in services for individuals with disabilities who wanted to drive. His company’s mission is straightforward yet profound: to help people with physical disabilities become independent again by enabling them to safely operate vehicles.
“The freedom to drive independently transforms lives in ways many take for granted,” explains Ward. “It’s about more than transportation—it’s about dignity, opportunity, and self-determination.”
Innovative Adaptive Technologies
Modified Driving Solutions specializes in implementing advanced adaptive technologies, including:
- Hand Controls: Push-pull or radial systems allowing drivers with lower-body impairments to control acceleration and braking manually
- Wheelchair Driving Systems: Custom modifications featuring wheelchair lifts, ramps, and secure docking mechanisms for those who drive from their wheelchairs
- Foot Steering: Rare but game-changing adaptations for individuals without functional arms
The company’s approach combines thorough occupational therapy assessments with state-of-the-art vehicle modifications to create solutions tailored to each client’s unique needs.
Growth and Expansion
Since its founding, Modified Driving Solutions has expanded significantly. What began with just two occupational therapists has grown to include four OTs and two administrative professionals. Their services now reach clients throughout Australia, bringing specialized driving assessments and modification support to people regardless of location.
A Life-Changing Impact
One particularly inspiring story highlights the transformative impact of the company’s work. In the early days of Modified Driving Solutions, Ward met a 30-year-old man with spina bifida who used a wheelchair and had short stature. Unable to drive, he faced significant limitations in accessing his community and finding employment opportunities.
Ward conducted a thorough assessment and worked with specialists to create a customized solution, including personal driving instruction totaling over 120 hours. The client’s vehicle was equipped with a custom ramp, modified seating, and specialized hand controls.
Today, this same individual drives independently every day, has completed further education, and works full-time as a disability support worker—using his own experience to help others facing similar challenges.
Looking to the Future
Modified Driving Solutions draws inspiration from organizations like Cerebral Palsy Alliance, admiring their commitment to empowering individuals with disabilities through therapy, research, and advocacy.
Looking ahead, the company plans to expand further over the next four years, with a particular focus on bringing their services to rural and remote areas, including Indigenous communities where specialized mobility solutions are scarce. By partnering with healthcare providers, community organizations, and the National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS), they aim to make independent travel possible for all Australians, regardless of where they live.
Breaking Down Barriers
At its core, Modified Driving Solutions is about breaking down barriers—both physical and social. Through their unique combination of occupational therapy expertise and innovative vehicle modifications, they’re creating pathways to independence for individuals who might otherwise remain restricted in their mobility and opportunities.
“We believe everyone deserves the chance to drive their own journey,” says Ward. “With the right modifications and support, physical disabilities don’t have to limit independence.”
For more information about Modified Driving Solutions and their services, visit their website at https://modifieddriving.com.au/.
