Ann Arbor Academy, a private K-12 school for children with autism, who are neurodiverse, have ADHD, or other learning disabilities, paired up with Suhail Bilbeisi, lead instructor at Ann Arbor Driving School in Michigan. He teaches drivers ed for students when he can. 

The class is limited to12 students even thought the state allows up to 36. “It’s more hours and more drives,” he said, with 30 hours of class instruction instead of the usual 24. They also get more driving practice with eight 45-minute drives instead of six one-hour drives. 

Classes can be quieter but students can have things read out loud to them if needed. Bilbeisi says it helps drivers build confidence. 

It is open to all people, not just the school’s students. There are 100 people on the waiting list for the special class. 

Learning to drive can make it easier for people to find a job. Many people with disabilities are underemployed, and transportation is a big reason why. If people can get to work by themselves and not rely on public transportation they have more options for work.

Source: article on MLive.com