Changing Gears

03/11/2026

🚗 **The referral that arrives too early… What happens when a participant isn't quite ready for an OT driver assessment?**

For many NDIS participants, the journey towards driving independence doesn't begin behind the wheel. It begins with something that can often be overlooked: obtaining a Learner Permit.

For participants living with autism, ADHD, anxiety, ABI or cognitive processing differences, the Learner Permit test can be a significant barrier.

But that doesn't mean they're not capable of becoming safe, confident drivers. Sometimes, they simply need the right support before taking the next step.

In her latest article, Linda Jane explores:
🔹 Why some participants reach OT driver assessors before obtaining their Learner Permit.
🔹 How Get My L's helps participants overcome barriers to learning road rules.
🔹 How capacity-building support prepares participants for the next stage of their driving journey.
🔹 Why collaboration between Changing Gears and OT driver assessors matters.

At Changing Gears, we believe every participant deserves the opportunity to build confidence, independence and mobility.

**It's not about replacing the OT assessment. It's about helping participants arrive ready for it.**

📖 Read the full article here:
https://www.linkedin.com/pulse/referral-arrives-too-early-why-some-participants-reach-linda-jane-6e4rc/

If you're an OT driver assessor or Support Coordinator, we'd love to hear your thoughts!

👍 Like | 🔄 Share | Follow Changing Gears

If you're an OT driver assessor working with NDIS participants, you have probably had this referral. A Support Coordinator contacts you.

30/10/2026

It’s your turn to achieve something big! 🚗💚

Our next 4-day Get My L’s program is open, and spots are now available.

Get My L’s helps people prepare for their Learner Permit test in a supportive, small-group setting. If you’ve been putting it off or aren’t sure where to start, we’ll take you through it step by step.

✅ 4-day structured program
✅ Supportive, patient trainers
✅ Registered NDIS provider

Let’s make your Learner Permit dream a reality. That’s how Changing Gears helps you succeed.

📞 0430 217 401
📧 [email protected]
🌐 www.changinggears.org

Support coordinators and families: we’re happy to talk you through how it works for participants.

28/10/2026

Myth: The learner test is designed to trick you.

Fact: It’s designed to check that you understand the road rules, and we make that understanding clear.

A lot of learners walk into their test feeling nervous, worried there will be trick questions waiting for them. The truth is, the test is there to make sure you know how to stay safe on the road. When you understand the reasons behind the rules, the questions start to make sense.

Through our Get My L’s program, we help NDIS participants prepare for their learner permit at a pace that suits them, with clear explanations and plenty of support along the way.

Ready to get started? Call us on 03 5055 5656, email [email protected] or visit www.changinggears.org.

23/10/2026

🚗 **GET MY L’S IS COMING TO MELTON!** 🎉

🌟 **Independence starts here! ****

Are you or someone you support ready to take the first step towards getting a learner permit?

The **Get My L’s NDIS Program** by Changing Gears is coming to **Melton from 7–10 December 2026!**

This supportive, step-by-step program helps eligible NDIS participants build the knowledge, skills, and confidence they need as they work toward their learner permit.

💚 Supportive learning environment
💚 Step-by-step learner permit preparation
💚 A focus on building confidence and independence
💚 Support tailored to individual needs

📅 **Dates:** 7–10 December 2026
📍 **Location:** Melton, Victoria

Know someone who could benefit? Share this post with families, support coordinators, and NDIS participants who may be interested!

21/10/2026

Ever wondered why some road rules just stick while others are forgotten the moment the test is over?

Learners who understand why a rule exists are far more likely to remember it and drive with confidence. That’s how we teach at Changing Gears. Through our Get My L’s program, we help NDIS participants learn the reasons behind the rules, at a pace that works for them.

If you or someone you support is ready to start the journey to a learner permit, we’d love to hear from you.

📞 03 5055 5656
✉️ [email protected]

19/10/2026

🚗 READY TO GET YOUR L’S? LET’S BUILD CONFIDENCE TOGETHER!

Are you an NDIS participant in Melton who wants to work towards getting your learner permit?

Changing Gears offers a supportive, step-by-step program designed to help you build your road-rule knowledge, skills, and confidence in a welcoming small-group environment.

✅ Learn road rules step by step
✅ Get tailored support in a small group
✅ Build confidence and reduce overwhelm
✅ Work towards obtaining your learner permit

📅 Dates: 7–10 December 2026
📍 Location: Melton
Cost: NDIS funded where applicable

Places are limited to ensure quality support.

📞 Call 03 5955 5666
📧 Email [email protected]

Message us to enquire about a place or discuss whether it's a good fit.

Skills today. Independence tomorrow.

15/10/2026

📢 UPDATE: Melbourne Disability Connection Expo 2026 CANCELLED

Unfortunately, the Melbourne Disability Connection Expo 2026 will no longer be going ahead on 16–17 October.

We’re disappointed that we won’t get to meet you at Booth A5, but our commitment to supporting you on your journey to independence remains as strong as ever. 💚

If you were planning to visit us, we’d still love to hear from you! Get in touch with the Changing Gears team to learn more about how we can help you build confidence and move towards greater independence.

📞 0430 217 401

Thank you for your understanding. We look forward to connecting with you soon!

14/10/2026

🚗 Support Coordinators, LACs, and families, come and see us!

Supporting someone to build independence, get behind the wheel, or access their community with greater confidence? We’d love to chat! 💚

Come visit the Changing Gears – Get My L’s team and discover how we can support participants as they work toward their goals.

Here’s what you can do at our stall:
✅ Pick up our Support Coordinator Evidence Pack
✅ Learn how Get My L’s may fit within a participant’s plan (support item 09008011663)
✅ Check out our upcoming 4-day group program dates
✅ Chat with Academy about the practical side of learning to drive

📍 MCEC | Booth A5
📅 16–17 October
⏰ 10am–4pm

Let’s talk about practical pathways to independence, meaningful participation and community access. 💚

We look forward to seeing you there!

13/10/2026

🏎️ WIN A GO-KART RIDE FOR TWO! 🏁

Ready to get your engines running? We're giving you the chance to win a go-kart ride for two people! 🎉

It’s easy to enter:
💚 Visit the Changing Gears and Academy stall at the Melbourne Disability Connection Expo.
📝 Fill in a quick entry card.

Bring a mate, a sibling, your support worker, or someone else who’d love to share the fun. 🙌

📍 Find us at Booth A5, MCEC
📅 16–17 October
⏰ 10am–4pm

🏆 The winner will be drawn on Sunday 18 October, after the expo, and notified by text message.

Come say hi, enter the draw, and you could be hitting the track with someone special! 🏎️💨

This promotion is not sponsored by, endorsed by, or associated with Facebook.