Mathy, 34, lives with her parents in Nottinghamshire. She works in the film industry, and her job requires her to travel with equipment. She received an Independent Driving Solutions (IDS) grant for her adapted Ford Kuga.
Being equipped
Before Mathy could drive, she relied on her parents or taxis to get about. She says this was “often difficult or embarrassing”. Mathy has congenital myopathy affecting her limbs, kyphoscoliosis affecting her spine, and restrictive lung disease. Using public transport is not possible due to the risk of her falling on unstable surfaces. She cannot get up without support.
She says: “My work is varied so I must be flexible. It’s tech-heavy too. Being able to load my car with cameras and computers, store them safely, and move them around, is essential. My biggest ambition is to make my own film but, as a freelancer, I need to be open to job opportunities as they come.”
“Being able to load my car with cameras and computers, store them safely, and move them around, is essential.”Mathy
Taking control
Mathy’s vehicle allows her to travel on her own terms. It is an Independent Driving Solution based on a car with hi-tech adaptations.
“Inside the car, I have slightly raised pedals on the break and accelerator,” she says. “I have steering controls and, because I can’t turn my head to look over my shoulder, I have panoramic mirrors. These adaptations make everything lighter and easier for me to control.”
“The grant has been instrumental in gaining my independence.”Mathy
Freedom of movement
When she isn’t working, Mathy enjoys going to the cinema, crafting and reading. She says: "Receiving a grant from the Motability Foundation has been instrumental in gaining my independence. Having an adapted car has given me freedom of movement and enabled me to live a full, active, creative life."