Sharrod W., 26, of Philadelphia, PA, was 9 years old when he was diagnosed with bacterial meningitis and lost the circulation to his limbs. As a result, he was amputated from the elbows and knees down and spent the next 10 years of his life relying on others to aid him in his transportation.
“I always wanted to drive, but I didn’t think it was possible,” Sharrod said.
Sharrod’s mother, Vendetta S., never wanted him to miss out on what was available to help him become as independent as possible. About 5 years ago, Vendetta started researching what it would take to get Sharrod on the road and found Moss Rehab Driving School, a program that helps individuals with disabilities become safe and competent drivers. Unfortunately, the finances to obtain Sharrod’s driving goal were out of reach for them at that time.
“I decided that I should speak with my OVR counselor for assistance,” Sharrod said.
The Pennsylvania Office of Vocational Rehabilitation (OVR) is a state agency that aids those with disabilities in their career goals, which includes funding for a vehicle conversion. After being contacted by Vendatta, an assistive-technology representative at OVR set up a driving evaluation and driving lessons with Moss Rehab Driving School for Sharrod, with all expenses covered by OVR. After approximately 6 to 8 weeks, at the age of 21, Sharrod held his very first driver’s license!
“I really enjoyed my experience at Moss Rehab. Even after their job was done, they still allowed me to call them for help and advice, and they didn’t expect anything back in return,” Sharrod said.
The next step for Sharrod was to pick out a van that could be converted; it had to be less than 5 years with under 50,000 miles to meet the OVR’s requirements. After he purchased a suitable vehicle, it was sent to VCI Mobility for the conversion process to begin; from there, OVR covered the entire cost of the conversion.
Sharrod remembers his first time visiting VCI Mobility and seeing all the different possibilities there were for handicapped drivers.
“I couldn’t believe what I saw,” Sharrod said. “VCI Mobility made what I thought was impossible, possible for me.”
Before starting his driving process with OVR, Moss Rehab and VCI Mobility, Sharrod had a hard time finding a job and getting to church because public transportation was not very reliable. For Sharrod, the process of taking the bus was not just simply waiting at the bus stop for the appropriate bus number—it was waiting for a bus that was handicap accessible with a properly functioning lift.
Since Sharrod got his first accessible van, a Dodge Grand Caravan equipped with hand-controls, zero-effort steering, and a power door and lift for his power wheelchair, he’s had a whole new outlook on life.
“I don’t think I have any limitations any more—there’s no excuse to stay in,” Sharrod said.
Sharrod recently purchased a full-sized 2004 GMC Savana 1500 van to accommodate his growing family and brought it to VCI Mobility for adaptation once again. Not only do Sharrod and his wife care for their two biological children, but they also have foster children they’ve welcomed into their home.
“I used to require a lot of help, now I’m eager to help others, and driving allows me to do that,” Sharrod said. “Someone is actually asking me for help!”
Sharrod is not only a family man but also a man of faith. He’s a deacon at his church and sings in the choir. Eventually, he wants to take the steps needed to become a minister.
He has an associate’s degree from Philadelphia Community College and a bachelor’s degree in human services from Chestnut Hill College. He works as a Therapeutic Staff Support employee, helping adolescents with behavioral problems get back on and stay on track.
When asked to describe how driving makes him feel, he was almost at a loss for words but managed to say, “I’m excited, just happy, it’s unbelievable.”
Do you have a story you would like to share with VCI Mobility? Please contact us.