Ben, who has cerebral palsy, has praised our charity after landing a job at his local college this week.
The 20-year-old was studying a Diploma in Information Technology Systems when he received funding from the Motability Foundation.
Feeling supported
While studying at college, Ben received £1,750 in funding for 40 hours of driving lessons in an adapted vehicle. He then passed his driving test first-time in 2023, allowing him to easily get to and from college using his adapted Volkswagen Polo, leased to him as part of the Motability Scheme.
Eligibility for disability benefits is determined by the Government. Like all Motability Scheme customers, Ben has chosen to spend his enhanced rate mobility allowance on leasing his car.
Ben did an apprenticeship with the college before securing a full-time role with the college this week, working with data and information as a Managed Information Systems assistant. His work there helps the college to examine the funding for students.
“I now have full independence”
Talking about his journey, and the importance of being able to get around, Ben said: “Getting a Motability Foundation grant has made me feel free. I now have full independence. Without being able to drive, I wouldn’t be able to do my job, getting to the college and back.
“I have more confidence since being able to drive. I can do things I wasn’t able to do without my car - life is just better.”
Ben uses crutches to get around and uses hand controls to drive his vehicle.
From apprenticeship to full-time role
Whilst learning to drive, Ben was studying at Wilberforce Sixth Form in Hull. He studied ICT, with a focus on cyber security, before taking up an apprenticeship with the college in an admin role.
Ben took up his new full-time role with the college on Monday.
He added: “I moved into the department of Managed Information Systems, which looks at data and to make sure students are getting enough funding - I really enjoy it. It’s quite technical and a really niche job.
“I hope to stay here and train-up to be an MIS officer with the college.”
Ben also picked up his second VW Polo recently, as part of the Motability Scheme, to keep enabling him to get to where he needs to go.
“What's possible when barriers are removed”
Nigel Fletcher, CEO at Motability Foundation:
"Congratulations to Ben on securing his new role. His achievement highlights how access to transport can open doors to education, employment and greater independence.
"We know that transport remains one of the biggest barriers many disabled people face. That's why we're committed to supporting disabled people to make the journeys they choose, helping them access the opportunities that matter most to them.
“Ben's journey is a fantastic example of what's possible when those barriers are removed."
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