Lions Put Vision-Impaired Australians in the Driver’s Seat

More than 150 vision-impaired Australians took the wheel on Saturday July 6 at Sandown Racecourse, thanks to Lions In the Driver’s Seat event.

Created by the Warrandyte Lions Club 28 years ago, the one-of-a-kind event gives people living with vision impairment the rare chance to drive a car – guided by trained instructors – in a safe and controlled environment.

Participants also enjoyed laps in V8 vehicles and motorcycle rides with the Ulysses Club, all completely free of charge.

“For those with vision impairment, driving is something they’ve often only dreamed about,” said Pat Mills, part of the event’s organising committee. “This day gives them a chance to experience the freedom, excitement and independence that many of us take for granted.”

The event drew a record-breaking 150 bookings this year, with participants travelling from across Australia to be part of the experience.

Several Lions Clubs were involved in this year’s event including Box Hill, Wheelers Hill, Nillumbik, Noble Park-Keysborough, Park Orchards, Vermont, Deaf & Hard of Hearing, Dandenong Supper, Waverley, Melbourne All Abilities, Brighton, Whittlesea and Warrandyte.

Ramona Mandy, a past participant, shared the impact in a thank-you letter: “I am writing this three hours after I stepped out from behind the wheel, and I am still grinning from ear to ear.”

Founded by the late Peter Watts, a vision-impaired Lions member, In the Driver’s Seat is funded entirely by Lions fundraising and community support.

It reflects Lions Australia’s ongoing commitment to supporting sight – one of Lions’ eight global causes.