Why is peer support important?

By sharing lived experience, peer support mentors can provide practical guidance and understanding of your experiences with spinal cord injury. A peer support mentor can help you to solve challenges and create strategies that can help you to continue living a fulfilling life after a spinal cord injury.

How do I meet other people who have experienced spinal cord injury?

Ask us about joining a ‘Push Thru’ event, where you can meet other people living with spinal cord injury in your region. These events are inclusive, an opportunity to encourage others, share your experiences in a welcoming environment and be inspired. We also facilitate an inclusive community through our recreation programs and peer support groups.

How can peer support help me?

Peer support can empower you to feel seen and connected. You can learn new skills and strategies, discover new perspectives and provide encouragement to others. Our Peer Support Program gives you someone to talk to who has experienced spinal cord injury.

Transportation after spinal cord injury

Practical tips for getting around

Getting around after a spinal cord injury (SCI) can take planning and adjustment, but there is a range of accessible transport options and supports available to help you stay independent and connected to the community.

Whether you’re using access taxis, public transport, driving again or travelling with support workers and family, understanding your options can make day-to-day travel easier and less stressful.

Booking access taxis

Accessible taxis can be an important transport option for people using wheelchairs or mobility equipment.

In Adelaide, you can book wheelchair-accessible taxis through Access Taxis.

Tips for booking an access taxi

When booking, it’s helpful to:

Check availability for the time you need
Book ahead where possible, including return trips
Confirm the taxi that suits your wheelchair type and height
Understand whether you require an access van or a larger access bus
Ask for a booking reference number
Allow extra travel time in case of delays

It can also help to avoid peak school drop-off (typically 8 am to 9:30 am) and pick-up times (typically 3 pm to 5 pm), as wait times may be longer.

If booking online or through an app, you should receive a confirmation or booking number automatically.

Returning to driving after SCI

Many people return to driving after spinal cord injury with the help of adaptive equipment, vehicle modifications, and specialised training.

Returning to driving can support:

Independence
Employment opportunities
Community participation
Confidence and flexibility

Driver training and vehicle modifications

Specialist Occupational Therapists and driving instructors can work with you to:

Assess your driving capacity after injury
Recommend vehicle modifications
Support licence assessments and training
Trial adaptive driving equipment

This may include equipment such as:

Hand controls
Spinner knobs
Modified seating and transfers
Electronic driving aids

At estara, our driver-trained Occupational Therapists can support people through the process of returning to driving or learning to drive for the first time after injury.

Additional information:

SCIA – The Ultimate Guide to Driving with Disability

Disability parking permits

If you regularly travel by car, you may be eligible for a disability parking permit.

A permit can help improve access to:

Accessible parking spaces
Medical appointments
Community facilities
Shopping centres and venues

More information about disability parking permits in South Australia is available through:

SA Government – Disability Parking Permits

Accessible public transport

Accessible public transport can also be an option for many people living with a disability.

Adelaide Metro provides information about:

Accessible buses, trains, and trams
Mobility aid access
Travel assistance
Accessibility features and services

Learn more:

Adelaide Metro – Access and Disability Information

Finding the right transport solution for you

Everyone’s transport needs are different. Some people prefer public transport, while others rely on access taxis, support workers, or adapted vehicles.

The right option will depend on:

Your mobility and function
Your confidence in travelling independently
Your lifestyle and daily routine
Access to funding or supports
The environments you regularly travel to

With the right supports and planning, accessible transport can help you stay connected to work, recreation, appointments, and community life.

Need some advice? Chat to our friendly Occupational Therapists or our lived-experience peer-support staff.