Get in, drive off and start living! Sabina is embarking on a new chapter in her life.

“Sometimes I still can't believe I've done it.” When Sabina talks about her first car, it becomes clear that it's
about much more than just mobility. For the 46-year-old employment agent, inclusion consultant and keynote
speaker from Munich, owning a car was not just about comfort; it was a symbol of equality in everyday life. At
the top of her bucket list was: 'Being independent on the road — when I want, where I want.' Now she has
reached this milestone.

From the first attempt to intensive training.

Her journey began in 2016 with a mobile driving school in Munich. However, this was not the ideal solution, so
after three years, Sabina decided to undergo intensive training at the PARAVAN Mobility Park in Aichelau. She
passed her practical driving test there in 2021. The close support provided by the PARAVAN mobility advisors
helped alleviate her fears. “Above all, the positive examples encouraged me to stick to my plan.”

She started her practical training with PARAVAN driving instructor Ralf Buhmann in 2021, and after just under
four weeks, she passed her test. “Ralf and I didn't see eye to eye at first, but then we became friends,” she
recalls. She kept making the same mistakes, but after a few words of clarification, she got the hang of it.
‘What he said was right.’

Patience, applications and renovation: it will be four years until the keys are handed over.

However, it would still be some time before she could take delivery of her own vehicle. First, she had to submit
an application to the relevant cost bearers, including a medical report, a technical needs analysis and cost
estimates. It was a process that required patience, perseverance and support. 'It didn't go entirely smoothly,'
she recalls. But her case worker helped her. Above all, communication between the technical advisor and the
customer was difficult: 'Apart from the bureaucracy, I was busier with application forms than with the actual
mobility itself.” The car came from PARAVAN, which helped speed things up. Then it was time to wait for the
decision. Ultimately, it took four years.

The vehicle of choice was a customised VW T6.1, tailored to Sabina's individual needs at the PARAVAN
Mobility Park in Aichelau. Also on board is the Space Drive digital driving system, which Sabina operates with
her right hand using a gas-brake slider. Light steering with a hand knob enables precise control, while the
PARAVAN cassette lift ensures barrier-free access. With the help of the Paravan transfer console, Sabina can
move directly from her wheelchair to the original driver's seat, and she's ready to go. She deliberately decided
against a touch system or voice control. "That irritated me a little at driving school," Sabina reports. "It was the
best solution at the time — let's see if it stays that way."

What was the first drive after the adaptation like? Emotional. “When I saw the car, I was moved to tears,” she
recalls. Paravan driving instructor Ralf Buhmann, who had already guided her through her training, was by her
side again for her first test drive in four years. “Let us know if anything needs adjusting and we can fix it now,”
he says, checking the position of the right armrest.

After the first driving lesson, she concludes, “It was nice, but I noticed that I had become a little anxious.”
However, with each passing day and kilometre driven, her confidence is slowly returning.

Arriving in everyday life: travelling in Munich.

Everyday life has now begun. Sabina now drives to work independently. She used to rely on a transport
service, but with three appointments and 14 locations in Munich, she lacked the necessary flexibility. 'Great,
but still exciting.' So, what does this new freedom mean for her? Self-determination. Independence.
Participation. And, finally, flexibility at work. Until now, this new freedom had not felt real to her. 'It's very
liberating and overwhelming,' she says. Now, she can lead a completely independent life in her car. 'But I also
feel very privileged and grateful.' It's now time to get used to city traffic in Munich.

And the journey continues: Next up is a visit to her mother. After that, she plans to go to the seaside next year.
‘Italy would be my next big destination. I'm really looking forward to a quiet weekend, but even more to
everything that's coming up.”

She has now ticked one item off her bucket list. Sabina is now taking the wheel. Literally. “Now it's time to
enjoy.”