‘Driving means freedom’: Automobility for people with disabilities


By AGENCY
Instructor Tina Schmidt-Kiendl wants to show people with disabilities how to be safe and mobile. Photo: dpa/BMW

Tina Schmidt-Kiendl is faster in her wheelchair than some people are on foot. And she stopped feeling arm and shoulder pain from propelling it long ago. Nevertheless, all it takes to remind her that she’s physically disabled is something as simple as a kerb that’s too high.

But there’s one place where the 46-year-old German, whose legs have been paralysed since she suffered a herniated disc, is as mobile as someone who’s perfectly healthy: behind the wheel of her Mini, which she accelerates and brakes using hand controls.

Get 20% OFF The Star Digital Access

Monthly Plan

RM 13.90/month

RM 11.12/month

Billed as RM 11.12 for the 1st month, RM 13.90 thereafter.

Best Value

Annual Plan

RM 12.33/month

RM 9.87/month

Billed as RM 118.40 for the 1st year, RM 148 thereafter.

Follow us on our official WhatsApp channel for breaking news alerts and key updates!

Next In Living

Keretapi Sarong turns 10, bringing Malaysia Day cheer to 10 town and cities
Paper can be great cat toys, but here's what you need to be aware of
Why Malaysian chefs do collaboration dinners with chefs from other countries
Not enjoying your job? Try this before looking for a new one
Human Writes: Who we are is forged in the struggle
Katz Tales: A box of paper is a box of fun for this kitty
LA bakers are turning cakes into lush, imperfect canvases: here's how to do it
Empty beaches and 'unbearable stench': Mexico wages war on sargassum weeds
The Golden Age of Mexican food is here, and it’s complicated
Money woes could cause your brain to age faster: study

Others Also Read