Herts Ability

Herts Ability A charity enabling people to lead an independent life since 1958 Driving Mobility accredited driving assessments for disabled people.

09/08/2026

✈️ Flying made more accessible! 🧑‍🦽

Travelling with a disability can be tough - but it’s getting better thanks to innovative changes in the aviation industry.

A huge shoutout to Ross H, Workplace Inclusion Specialist, for highlighting the importance of equity in travel and celebrating a big step forward at London Gatwick Airport!

In partnership with AccessAble, Gatwick has launched new Detailed Access Guides to help disabled passengers navigate the airport more safely, confidently, and independently.

🧭 These FREE guides cover:

🔹 Step-free routes

🔹 Noise & lighting levels

🔹 Floor surfaces & signage

🔹 Accessible toilets & seating

🔹 Walking distances

🔹 And much more - across 30 airport areas including car parks, check-in, security & gates!

What makes them stand out?

📸 100% accurate details with facts, figures, and photos

👟 On-site surveys by trained AccessAble surveyors

📅 Especially helpful during September–October, Gatwick’s busiest time for assisted travel

👏 A fantastic example of how inclusive design can transform everyday experiences.

🎥 Check out Ross’s video to see how these guides make a real difference when flying from LGW.

07/08/2026

❤️ Reclaiming Independence: Sarah’s Inspiring Driving Journey ❤️

For many, driving is freedom. It’s independence, confidence, and a powerful symbol of possibility. For Sarah, getting back behind the wheel after a life-changing accident was more than a milestone - it was a triumph.

After losing her right arm and leg, Sarah feared driving might never be part of her life again. But yesterday, with determination in her heart and a beaming smile on her face, she drove a car again.

With the expert support of our Welwyn Garden City team and state-of-the-art vehicle adaptations, Sarah discovered what was possible - and proved that no obstacle is too great when you have the right help.

“80% human, 20% bionic - but 100% independent thanks to Herts Ability!” - Sarah de Lagarde.

From finding us through a Google search and peer recommendation, to working closely with our assessors Mark and Charis, Sarah took every step with bravery and hope. And it paid off – she was officially assessed as Fit to Drive!

Her next stop? Disability driving lessons to refresh her skills and continue her journey toward full independence.

💬 Her message to others: “Never lose hope. With the right support, anything is possible.”

If you or someone you know is ready to rediscover driving, we’re here to help. At Herts Ability, we believe everyone deserves the freedom to drive - no matter the challenges they face.

📲 Call us on 01707 324 581

📧 Email: [email protected]

Let’s make independence possible - together! ❤️

✨ Meet the Team: Midweek Spotlight! ✨Behind every successful driving lesson is a dedicated instructor who genuinely care...
05/08/2026

✨ Meet the Team: Midweek Spotlight! ✨

Behind every successful driving lesson is a dedicated instructor who genuinely cares.

This week, we’re shining the spotlight on Darren, one of our experienced Approved Driving Instructors.

With over two decades of experience, Darren has helped countless learners become safe, confident, and independent drivers. His patient approach and passion for teaching continue to make a real difference in people’s lives every day.

🚘 Fun Fact! Darren has been an Approved Driving Instructor since 2004 and first joined Herts Ability (formerly Hertfordshire Action on Disability) as a volunteer driving assessor in 2008!

What started as volunteering soon became a career dedicated to helping people overcome barriers to driving.

From supporting people after life-changing injuries to working with those living with long-term or progressive medical conditions, Darren specialises in mobility and fitness-to-drive assessments, helping clients find the right solutions - including vehicle adaptations where needed.

After rejoining Herts Ability in 2026, Darren is proud to be back as part of our knowledgeable, supportive team as we continue expanding our services across more outreach locations.

His expertise, patience and compassion help people regain confidence, maintain their independence and keep doing what matters most.

👏 We’re so pleased to have you back, Darren. Thank you for everything you do!

Know someone who deserves a midweek shout-out? Tag them below! ⤵️

To book an assessment with Darren or one of our expert team, get in touch:

📞 01707 324 581

📧 [email protected]

Sometimes, the right opportunity doesn’t just change your career - it changes your purpose.After nearly 40 years behind ...
03/08/2026

Sometimes, the right opportunity doesn’t just change your career - it changes your purpose.

After nearly 40 years behind the wheel, driving everything from motorbikes and cars to commercial vehicles, Fergal thought he’d seen it all.

Then he discovered Herts Ability.

Seeing the incredible difference that adapted driving and specialist support can make to someone’s independence inspired him to take a new direction. He didn’t just want to witness those life-changing moments - he wanted to help create them.

We’re so excited to welcome Fergal to our Welwyn Garden City team!

He’s also one of eight amazing new people who have recently joined Herts Ability, bringing fresh experience, kindness and a shared passion for helping people live more independently.

Every new team member means more lives supported, more confidence restored and more independence regained.

Welcome to the Herts Ability family, Fergal - we’re so glad you’re here! 💙

⤵️ Help us give Fergal and all our new colleagues a warm Herts Ability welcome! ⤵️

02/08/2026

Music reminds us that even when memories fade, connection can still shine through.

The recent video of Gary, who lives with dementia, singing every word at a Take That concert touched millions of people around the world. It was a beautiful reminder that music can unlock emotions and memories in ways few other things can.

But dementia affects much more than memory.

It can also impact attention, judgement, reaction times and decision-making - all essential for safe driving.

A diagnosis doesn’t always mean someone has to stop driving immediately. In the early stages, many people can continue driving safely with the right support. The key is recognising changes early.

Signs to watch for include:

🚗 Getting lost on familiar journeys

⚠️ Hesitating at junctions

🚙 Changes in speed or road positioning

🔧 New bumps or unexplained damage to the car

At Herts Ability, we help people and their families navigate these difficult conversations with compassion, understanding and expert driving assessments.

Because staying independent is important - and so is staying safe! 💙

📞 01707 324 581

📧 [email protected]

Have you helped a loved one living with dementia? Share your advice below. Your story could help another family feel less alone.

Think driving is no longer possible? Think again. After illness, injury, disability, or a loss of confidence, getting ba...
31/07/2026

Think driving is no longer possible? Think again.

After illness, injury, disability, or a loss of confidence, getting back behind the wheel can feel overwhelming. But you don’t have to do it alone.

At Herts Ability, our specialist driving lessons are tailored around you.

Learn in adapted vehicles, build confidence at your own pace, and receive expert support from instructors working alongside Occupational Therapists.

Whether you’re learning for the first time or returning to driving, we’re here to help you regain your independence.

Because driving isn’t just about the journey - it’s about freedom, confidence, and opportunity.

📩 Get in touch today:

📧 [email protected]

📞 01707 324 581

29/07/2026

🚗 at Herts Ability! 🚗

We’re supercharged with excitement - our fleet has a Wheelchair Accessible Vehicle (WAV), and it’s a total game-changer!

This isn’t just any adapted car - it’s equipped with the Paravan Space Drive system, a next-gen tech that allows brake, accelerator, and steering controls to be managed via microprocessor-based aids… all in nanoseconds!

Other high-spec features include:

✅ Lightened power steering

✅ Push/pull hand controls

✅ Autoadapt wheelchair hoist

✅ Electronically adjustable driver’s seat

🎤 Kevin Hartie came to our driving centre for a hi-tech driving assessment after a life-changing injury, and here’s what he had to say:

“This hi-tech driving assessment was so useful and has given me a clear understanding of what new vehicle adaptations are out there. These have really progressed over the years, so it was definitely worth me going for another driving assessment.”

Want to explore how we can help you or someone you care about get back behind the wheel?

📧 [email protected]

📞 01707 324 581

Let’s drive forward - together!

Meet the Team Monday! 🤗 We’re thrilled to showcase our amazing Occupational Therapist, Ayo! Here’s everything you need t...
27/07/2026

Meet the Team Monday! 🤗 We’re thrilled to showcase our amazing Occupational Therapist, Ayo! Here’s everything you need to know! ⤵️

“Hi everyone, I’m Ayo! I recently graduated with a BSc in Occupational Therapy from the University of East Anglia - the UK’s top OT school! It’s a privilege to be part of such a specialist team, helping people stay mobile and independent through safe driving.”

🎾 Fun Fact! “When I’m not working, you’ll usually find me on the tennis court - I’ve been playing since I was 3! I also love travelling and have explored places like Morocco, Paris, and Turkey.”

💬 Why Herts Ability? “I’m passionate about making a difference in people’s lives. Here, I work closely with Approved Driving Instructors (ADIs) to assess and recommend driving adaptations so clients can stay confident and independent on the road.”

🩺 Experience: “My background includes work across acute stroke and neurology, mental health, and community paediatrics - experience I’m bringing to the Herts Ability team!”

🚘 Need a driving assessment or support with adaptations?

📞 Call us: 01707 324 581

📧 Email: [email protected]

This weekend we’re celebrating 12 amazing years with our incredible Driving Centre Administrator, David Sims! 🥳David is ...
24/07/2026

This weekend we’re celebrating 12 amazing years with our incredible Driving Centre Administrator, David Sims! 🥳

David is such an important part of the Herts Ability family, bringing kindness, knowledge and encouragement to every client he meets.

Here’s why we’re celebrating him today!

🏆 Award-winning customer service

David was recognised by Driving Mobility for his outstanding customer service - and we couldn’t agree more!

🚗 He’s walked the same path

David experienced the driving assessment process himself, starting as a complete novice with vehicle adaptations before passing his driving test just 10 months after beginning lessons with our team.

💬 His favourite part?

“I’ve been through the assessment process myself... It’s rewarding to share that journey with clients and help ease any nerves.”

🏉 Weekend warrior

When he’s not helping clients gain confidence and independence, you’ll find him playing wheelchair rugby every weekend! 💪

Thank you, David, for 12 years of dedication, compassion and positivity. You make Herts Ability a better place every single day, and we’re so lucky to have you on the team!

Help us wish David a happy work anniversary in the comments! 👏

Driving Mobility

What if your next job gave someone their independence back? At Herts Ability, every assessment, every lesson and every c...
22/07/2026

What if your next job gave someone their independence back?

At Herts Ability, every assessment, every lesson and every conversation has the power to change a life.

We’re growing our specialist team and looking for passionate people to join us in two rewarding roles ⤵️

🩺 HCPC Registered Occupational Therapist

📍 Welwyn Garden City + outreach across Hertfordshire, Luton & Harlow

💰 £32,073–£46,580 (pro rata)

🕘 Full-time or Part-time | Monday-Friday

🚘 Specialist Disability Driving Instructor

📍 Welwyn Garden City

💰 Up to £35,000 FTE

🕒 Flexible working | 1-5 days per week

Whether you’re an experienced Occupational Therapist, a Band 5 ready to progress, or a qualified DVSA Approved Driving Instructor looking for a career with greater purpose, we’ll provide the specialist training and support you need to thrive.

💙 Why Herts Ability?

✔️ Specialist training & career progression

✔️ 12% employer pension contribution

✔️ Private healthcare

✔️ Flexible working options

✔️ Supportive multidisciplinary team

✔️ Life insurance & enhanced annual leave

✔️ A career where your work truly matters

You’ll help people with disabilities, medical conditions and neurodivergence gain, regain or retain their independence - opening doors to work, education, family life and so much more.

📩 Apply today:

🩺 Occupational Therapist: https://www.hertsability.org.uk/about/current-vacancies

🚘 Specialist Disability Driving Instructor: https://www.hertsability.org.uk/about/current-vacancies

❤️ If this isn’t for you, a like, comment or share could help the right person discover their next career.

Address

Suite 4, Wentworth Lodge, Great North Road
Welwyn Garden City
AL87SR

Opening Hours

Monday 9am - 5pm
Tuesday 9am - 5pm
Wednesday 9am - 5pm
Thursday 9am - 5pm
Friday 9am - 5pm

Telephone

+441707324581

Website

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