STRIVE for Independence - Lombard, Illinois

Nina G. (. V. 4. E.

I cannot express enough how thankful we are for Strive for Independence. They played a pivotal role in helping my son not only learn how to drive but also overcome some of the fear and anxiety that often come with it. The team’s unique approach truly sets them apart—they are not just driving instructors, but skilled therapists who understand the specific needs of individuals requiring more in-depth assistance.

From the very beginning, it was clear that they genuinely care about their clients. They tailored the training to meet my son’s pace and provided the necessary support to build both his driving skills and his confidence. What really impressed us was how well they understood the challenges my son faced. They worked patiently and compassionately with him, allowing him to gain independence behind the wheel while also easing his worries.

I highly recommend Strive for Independence to anyone who needs one-on-one driving instruction, especially for individuals with disabilities or medical conditions. Their expertise, combined with a thoughtful, personalized approach, made all the difference for my son, and we are incredibly grateful for the progress he has made.

Thank you Nicole and Danielle! You are amazing!!

Gomerman

I have nothing but great things to say about this organization They are helping individuals with disabilities regain freedom and independence. The therapist were extremely knowledgeable as well as professional. This is an excellent place for a driver rehabilitation. A well deserved five star review..

Judith A.

Went to STRIVE for Independence in Lombard for a driving evaluation for my husband. The staff was very caring and thoughtful. When I called STRIVE, Viktoria gave us an appointment and went into great detail explaining STRIVE and she greeted us at the office. She was so sweet and helpful. The evaulation took about 2 hours. After the written and driving evaluation with Nicole, we met in her office and she explained everything in a kind and thoughtful manner. This was all done in such a manner that, as hard as it is to give up your driving privilege, my husband accepted it without argument.

Michelle H.

STRIVE for Independence, the OT run driving program that my daughter worked with to learn to drive, is AMAZING! They are truly masters at what they do and how they teach. To say they are extremely comprehensive in assessing every aspect of a student's ability is an understatement! They notice and address everything. They are also wonderful people with terrific personalities who engage their students and partner with them in the important process of learning to drive. I know this, not only from my daughter's accounts, but also from sitting in the waiting room observing their interactions, in person and on the phone, with all of their students and families. My daughter is an excellent driver as a result of their terrific skill in teaching. I no longer have any concerns about her driving. She took her driver’s road test and easily passed on her first try. Their comprehensive teaching approach and expertise in breaking down elements of every aspect of driving is something all new drivers, as well as those re-learning to drive, should experience. My daughter and I enjoyed the process so much that we were sad to have it end, despite the frequent drives from downtown to Lombard. I am so grateful to STRIVE for their work, I HIGHLY recommend them!

Jennifer H.

The whole team at STRIVE was amazing from the first moment I contacted them. My family was on the fence about my 83-year-old mom's ability to continue to safely drive. We decided that we needed a professional evaluation. But, this can be such a sensitive topic. We were apprehensive about how the process would go. Brandon was my mom's occupational therapist for an in-clinic and a road evaluation (2.5 hrs). He did an incredible job making my mom feel comfortable and walking her through the steps. While the ultimate decision was that my mom should stop driving, Brandon could not have handled it better in terms of bedside manner, using just the right balance of gentle directness and positive, empathetic support. The staff making appointments and greeting us were also super. They even called me back a second time after my first call with them because they wanted to make sure that I fully understood the process. STRIVE made this experience, which many families dread, easier and I'm grateful for that.

Ahmed E.

I was referred to Strive by my OT friend who recommended them so I can get cleared to Drive after my stroke. I was definitely nervous going in that it would be a day long "test", however quickly after meeting my instructor Nicole, I felt at ease. Nicole was super nice and supportive and honestly I felt like I was with a friend who cheered me on after every test I passed. Everyone I talked to at Strive I felt was an advocate to help us succeed. Sincerely Thank you Nicole and everyone at Strive

Wendy C.

The instructor did a great job of making me feel comfortable and getting me past my jitters. Problem is they are understaffed because my evaluation after brain injury was supposed to be typed and emailed to my doctor who is responsible for clearing me to drive again. I was told my evaluation would be entered in a few days but it's been 6 business days later and still not entered. I'm sure my instructor is busy evaluating other people so why don't they have an employee designated strictly for typing? My instructor used worksheets with questions that he either wrote a short answer or circled or checked off the answer so it's not like someone would have to decifer his hand writing. Very disappointing I passed my evaluation to be cleared to drive and I'm still waiting a week later because my doctor doesn't have the report. I would recommend going to Strive but not if you are in a big hurry like me because I'm unemployed and have no way to get to an interview unless I pay money for Uber after already paying Strive several hundred dollars.

joyce W.

Dream come true for my HS son and me! Strives amazing therapists worked with our Dist 87 Special Educ team, and local eye therapist jointly determined my son could learn to drive and the Dist would support it. He has done it! Life changing! The Strive team is skilled and kind. It was a fantastic experience all around. Grateful to the team!