Localiza&Co has just launched a website that offers detailed guidance for people with Down syndrome and other intellectual disabilities who wish to obtain a National Driver’s License (CNH). The initiative is an evolution of the Autoescola Xtraordinária project, launched in March 2023 in partnership with Instituto Mano Down, with the aim of promoting inclusion and raising awareness in society about the issue.
The website is the result of the success and learning accumulated throughout the Autoescola Xtraordinária project, which enrolled 30 students in partner driving schools, one of whom has already obtained his license and the others are in the process of undergoing medical and psychometric exams or taking practical or legal classes. The digital platform was created to share the knowledge acquired and continue to inspire and assist families and people with intellectual disabilities on their journey to obtain their driver’s license.
“From the beginning of the project, we understood that the knowledge acquired needed to be widely shared, because at Localiza, we genuinely care for each other and generate value with a long-term vision for society. The website is a way to make this information accessible to people with Down Syndrome who dream of obtaining a driver’s license,” says Daniel Linhares, executive director of People at Localiza&Co.
The idea of creating a website with tips came from Giovanna Bayara, a communications planning analyst at Maloca 73, who developed the page in-house at L&CO. Giovanna participated in Oxigênio – an internal program aimed at recognizing and developing high-performance analysts. “While I was participating in the Autoescola Xtraordinária project, I realized that it shouldn’t end when the 30 students got their driver’s licenses, so I thought of the website to help even more people feel prepared for this journey,” she explains.
In addition to tips for those who want to get their driver’s license, the website offers a course developed by the Mano Down Institute aimed at driving schools that want to prepare themselves to better serve people with T21 and other intellectual disabilities. The content is free and can also be accessed through the website.
Tips for getting your driver’s license
On the website, users can find a complete guide with practical tips, from basic requirements such as minimum age, reading and writing ability, to specific care such as the need for updated eye exams, considering that studies indicate that people with Down syndrome are more likely to have vision problems. As a result, they may fail the medical exam stage, which can delay the process.
In addition, the website highlights the importance of a family and social support network, which can be crucial in making the process smoother and more effective. The platform also offers a list of institutions affiliated with the Brazilian Federation of Down Syndrome Associations, allowing users to locate the closest one in their region for additional support. To access the website, click on the link.
