ST. ALBANS — SKILLS, Inc. has received a $10,000 grant from the Community Building 2024 fund of the Maine Community Foundation (MaineCF) to support Opportunities Driving School, SKILLS’ driver education program.

“This grant is a much-appreciated boost for Opportunities Driving School and its mission to support people with intellectual and developmental disabilities, brain injury, autism, and other disabilities in expanding their driving abilities and options. Driving is an important aspect of increasing independence, especially in our region,” said Kristin Overton, executive director of SKILLS, Inc., in a news release. “We’re pleased to report that the first few months of Opportunities Driving School have been an incredible success with all eight  individuals across two classes successfully receiving their permits and we look forward to what the future brings for all who participate in it.”

Opportunities Driving School prepares participants for driving through the State of Maine permit test and driver’s license test. It includes options for all stages of travel skills-building, including time on a simulator, passenger training, and a licensed Drivers Education School with 30 hours of classroom instruction, 10 hours of driver instruction, and continued support for participants. The program is available and free of cost for MaineCare members covered under sections 18, 19, 20, 21, and 29 and will be open to non-waiver members as well starting on Jan. 1, 2025 thanks, in part, to the MaineCF Community Building Fund.

For more information about Opportunities Driving School, including how to register, contact one of its Driving Education Coordinators at driversed@skillsinc.net or 207-938-0200.

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