By Blind Spot DriveBlog

Meet the ADI: Carol Hetherington

Meet the ADI: Carol Hetherington

Discover how one driving school in the Wirral is challenging misconceptions about learner drivers with autism. Carol Hetherington, a seasoned driving instructor and founder of Driving School Wirral (DSW), has dedicated her career to helping students with autism gain confidence behind the wheel. Her efforts have earned her the title of “Autism Champion” and helped countless individuals navigate the path to independent driving.

Outline

1. Introduction to Carol Hetherington and Driving School Wirral
2. Carol’s Transition from Banking to Driving Instruction
   • Background in banking
   • Motivation to shift careers for family flexibility
3. The Foundation of Driving School Wirral (DSW)
   • Early days and growth of DSW
   • Focus on inclusivity from the start
4. DSW’s Recognition as an Autism Champion
   • Partnership with Autism Together
   • Significance of the Autism Champion title
5. Carol’s Personal Connection to Autism
   • Being a parent to a child with learning challenges
   • How personal experience informed her teaching
6. Creating a Supportive and Structured Learning Environment
   • Importance of structure in driving lessons
   • Techniques to foster a stress-free environment
7. Training the DSW Team to Support Learners with Autism
   • Building a curriculum for inclusive teaching
   • Continuous learning and adaptation for the team
8. Importance of Building Trust with Learners and Families
   • Communication as the foundation of trust
   • Fostering a comfortable learning space for everyone
9. Adapting Lessons to Meet Individual Needs
   • Customizing lessons based on the learner’s progress
   • Monitoring emotional and physical readiness
10. Building Confidence in Autistic Learners
    • Strategies to build driving confidence
    • Celebrating small victories in each lesson
11. Challenges in the DVSA and ADI Community
    • Overview of current DVSA policies and limitations
    • The need for greater acceptance and support
12. How Driving Schools Can Support Autism Inclusion
    • Suggested changes to policies and training
    • Encouragement for other instructors to embrace inclusivity
13. Collaborative Efforts with the DVSA for Inclusive Learning
    • Working closely with DVSA examiners and managers
    • Creating a cohesive learning and testing environment
14. Tools and Techniques Used by DSW, Including Theory Test Pro
    • Overview of Theory Test Pro and its benefits
    • DSW’s unique formula for theory test success
15. Conclusion and Carol’s Vision for the Future of Inclusive Driving Instruction

Article

Introduction to Carol Hetherington and Driving School Wirral

Driving can be a life-changing skill, opening up new avenues of freedom and independence. Carol Hetherington, an Approved Driving Instructor (ADI) and founder of Driving School Wirral (DSW), has embraced this philosophy wholeheartedly. She has built her school around inclusivity, focusing on helping people with autism and other learning challenges gain the skills they need to drive safely and confidently.

Carol Hetherington’s Transition from Banking to Driving Instruction

Before diving into the world of driving instruction, Carol had a successful career in banking as a senior operations manager. Her life took a significant turn when she chose to step away from the corporate world to focus on her family. She wanted the flexibility to attend her children’s events, which ultimately led her to explore a career in driving instruction, a role that allowed her to be more present in her kids’ lives.

The Foundation of Driving School Wirral (DSW)

In 2016, Carol officially established Driving School Wirral (DSW), starting with a mission to provide quality instruction with a personal touch. What began as a small operation has since expanded to include a team of eight instructors, each trained to help students of varying needs and abilities.

DSW’s Recognition as an Autism Champion

Driving School Wirral’s dedication to inclusivity caught the attention of Autism Together, a charitable organization that supports individuals with autism. DSW’s partnership with Autism Together has led them to be formally recognized as an “Autism Champion” – a title that underscores their commitment to creating a learning environment tailored to individuals with autism.

Carol Hetherington’s Personal Connection to Autism

Carol’s journey into specialized instruction was partly inspired by her own experience as a mother to a child with learning challenges. She understood firsthand the unique struggles of children with autism or other learning disabilities and brought this empathy and insight into her teaching methods. Her personal journey shaped her understanding of the patience, clarity, and encouragement needed to help her students succeed.

Creating a Supportive and Structured Learning Environment

For Carol and her team, structure is crucial. DSW lessons are carefully crafted to be simple, straightforward, and progressive. Each lesson builds on the previous one, helping learners retain information and steadily build confidence. By minimizing stress and promoting a sense of routine, DSW creates an environment where learners feel comfortable and supported.

Training the DSW Team to Support Learners with Autism

Carol’s vision for inclusivity extends to her team. Every instructor at DSW undergoes training to understand the nuances of working with students who may need additional support. This approach ensures that all DSW instructors are equipped to meet the needs of each individual learner, helping to create a consistent and welcoming environment.

Importance of Building Trust with Learners and Families

Communication is at the heart of DSW’s approach. Building trust with learners and their families begins with open dialogue, where families can ask questions and voice concerns. This open communication fosters a supportive space, where learners know they’re understood and respected.

Adapting Lessons to Meet Individual Needs

DSW’s instructors recognize that there’s no “one-size-fits-all” approach to learning. Each student receives lessons that progress at their own pace, with close attention paid to their comprehension and comfort. The instructors at DSW also monitor non-verbal cues to ensure that students feel comfortable and engaged throughout each lesson.

Building Confidence in Autistic Learners

Carol Hetherington and her team celebrate every milestone, no matter how small. Building confidence is central to DSW’s teaching philosophy. Through patient guidance and positive reinforcement, they help learners feel proud of each accomplishment, empowering them to take the next step with confidence.

Challenges in the DVSA and ADI Community

Despite the positive impact DSW has had, Carol Hetherington notes that the broader driving instructor community has room for growth in supporting learners with autism. Current standards, such as a focus on high pass rates, can inadvertently discourage some instructors from working with autistic learners, who may need more time or alternative teaching approaches.

How Driving Schools Can Support Autism Inclusion

Carol Hetherington advocates for more inclusive policies and training within the DVSA. She suggests a shift away from focusing solely on pass rates and more towards comprehensive support for all learners, regardless of their unique needs. This would encourage more ADIs to embrace inclusive instruction and help make driving accessible to everyone.

Collaborative Efforts with the DVSA for Inclusive Learning

DSW has established a supportive partnership with their local DVSA office, allowing for regular feedback and collaboration. This ongoing dialogue helps both instructors and examiners stay aligned on best practices, ensuring that learners with autism can reach the required standards for safe driving.

Tools and Techniques Used by DSW, Including Theory Test Pro

Carol Hetherington and her team leverage tools like Theory Test Pro to track student progress and ensure they’re fully prepared for their theory test. DSW’s unique approach encourages students to aim for a 90% pass mark a week before the test date, giving them ample time to review and feel confident.

Conclusion and Carol Hetherington’s Vision for the Future of Inclusive Driving Instruction

Carol Hetherington’s work at Driving School Wirral is a shining example of how inclusivity in driving instruction can transform lives. By fostering a supportive, structured, and flexible learning environment, she and her team continue to break down barriers for learners with autism. Carol Hetherington hopes that, over time, more driving schools and instructors will follow DSW’s lead in creating an inclusive space where all learners feel empowered.

FAQs

1. What inspired Carol Hetherington to focus on teaching learners with autism?
   Carol’s personal experience as a mother to a child with learning challenges inspired her to create an inclusive environment for learners with autism.
2. How does DSW create a supportive learning environment?
   By using simple, structured lesson plans and promoting open communication, DSW ensures that learners feel comfortable and supported.
3. What does it mean for DSW to be recognized as an Autism Champion?
   This recognition, awarded by Autism Together, highlights DSW’s commitment to providing an inclusive space for students with autism.
4. Why does Carol Hetherington believe in adapting lessons for individual needs?
   Carol believes that every learner has unique needs, so lessons at DSW are tailored to each student’s pace and comfort level.
5. What is Theory Test Pro, and how does DSW use it?
   Theory Test Pro is a tool used to prepare students for their theory test. DSW uses it to monitor progress and ensure students are fully prepared.

   Main image by https://www.drivingschoolhalton.co.uk/about-us/