“Driving allows me to leave my disability behind,” says Paul Brigidi, 37, of Newtown Square, PA. Paul describes himself as a lot of things—a father of three, a husband, a hunter, an artist, a sports fan, and an I.T. person. Disabled is not one of the first words that comes to his mind.
Paul became a paraplegic at the age of 23 after sliding headfirst into home plate at a baseball game. Paul feels that he can now do most of the things he did before his accident, and driving has been a big part of making that happen.
“I am 100% independent now and I strive to live a normal life,” Paul said. The adjustment to being in a wheelchair was not easy for Paul as he was a college athlete looking to play professional baseball. Prior to his accident, Paul had been a very active person. The reality of the accident was hard, especially when the doctors indicated to him that he would need 24-hour care for the rest of his life. Fortunately for Paul, that was not ultimately the case.
“I wanted to see what I could get back in the first year,” Paul said.
With the assistance of Magee Rehabilitation Center, Paul started learning how to live with the permanent damage done to his body. He received driving training from Moss Rehabilitation to get his driver’s license back and 2 years post-accident was back on the road.
The ability to drive enabled Paul to go back to college, where he earned a degree in graphic design, and eventually to work with computers. Currently, Paul drives a full-size 2007 Chevy Express van with a Braun Vangator II lift, a transfer seat, and basic hand controls—not to mention two booster seats in the back for his little ones! His vehicle is big enough for his growing family and gets him to and from work each day, and anywhere else he chooses to go!
Paul often speaks with newly injured individuals to try and help them see that life doesn’t need to stop because of a disability. He tries to encourage people that with effort, they can live a very normal lifestyle.
“I highly suggest that anyone disabled who is capable of going back to driving, do so. It allows you to escape from your disability and gives you freedom,” Paul said.
Paul expresses the overwhelming feeling of being newly disabled and having to learn or relearn many different day-to-day tasks. He describes driving as another big piece of the puzzle that, although also can seem overwhelming, is certainly worth the time, effort, and money.