STRIVE for Independence

Fantastic experience: My son took Driver's Ed in high school but did not feel ready to get his driver's license when he was 16. Knowing he would have to drive to college after graduation, he agreed to get private "refresher" lessons his senior year. STRIVE was the perfect option for him due to the 1:1 lessons and the Occupational Therapist driving instructors who were able to help him work through his ADHD & anxiety to become a confident and successful driver. The office staff was also very knowledgeable and pleasant to work with. He drove mostly with Nicole and Brandon, and they both were excellent instructors! He passed his driver's license test the first time and is now commuting independently to college 4 days a week. I highly recommend STRIVE for teens (especially neurodivergent teens) who may need some extra help to achieve the milestone of becoming a licensed driver. Although it was expensive, the service received was priceless!

Fantastic experience: My husband had an evaluation by Nicole at Strive For Independence. The professionalism exhibited by Nicole and the office staff were exemplary. It’s hard to find an Occupational Therapist with the level of specialization. She has a friendly demeanor and professional at the same time. She has a calm and positive personality. We highly recommend Strive for Independence.

Fantastic experience: STRIVE was very thorough, professional and friendly . We covered many areas that tested my ability and I felt competent and confident on completion of my evaluation. Wonderful people who truly understand the challenges of re-gaining driving abilities and leave you with a feeling of having been thoroughly evaluated. I would highly recommend STRIVE for anyone needing special testing.

Fantastic experience: Highly skilled, responsive, and compassionate staff. Instilled confidence, while keeping things real. (No false promises). Highest possible praise for their process for helping people who want to see whether or not they are ready to drive.

Fantastic experience: I had a fantastic experience learning to drive with Nichol! She made the lessons both fun and engaging, which really helped me stay motivated. I appreciated how she provided a lot of helpful feedback, always encouraging me to improve and build confidence behind the wheel. I highly recommend her as a driving instructor she's knowledgeable, patient, and made the learning process enjoyable. Thank you, Nichol!

Fantastic experience: Courteous, efficient, professional, personable. Excellent restaurant recommendation.

Fantastic experience: Strive was simply the best!! Each staff member is wonderful and thorough, and the instructors all truly care about the patient, not just the end goal. We needed to get our car modified in order to add a left accelerator pedal, and Strive was with us and engaged through the evaluation, modification, AND all the training. So, so thankful for how God has used Strive to help me -- a twenty-two year old, post brain injury conquer what I had deemed impossible: learning how to drive and getting my driver's license!

Fantastic experience: 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!!

Fantastic experience: 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.

Fantastic experience: 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!

Positive experience: 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.

Fantastic experience: 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..

Fantastic experience: 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.

Fantastic experience: Once again Anne Hagberg has been a great help with getting my van arrangements made.

Fantastic experience: 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

Fantastic experience: 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!

Fantastic experience: I was very nervous when I went there, and the people at Strive were very kind and understanding. They were very professional and thorough in their examination, and I would whole heartedly recommend them., L. Merel

Fantastic experience: Nicole T was professional, competent and compassionate working with my mother following a recent doctor’s referral. My mom lost her ability to drive but retained her dignity in the process. And for that, I’m grateful to STRIVE. DV, Bloomingdale IL

Fantastic experience: THANK YOU for being terrific, thorough, positive, and a pleasant experience! ....and we worked with Brandon, OT, a wonderful person! We would recommend this place to anyone in need!

Fantastic experience: Anne Hegberg was the absolute best throughout the process! Very thorough, knowledgeable and supportive. I highly recommend Strive for anyone wanting to work with an OT to drive independently.

Fantastic experience: I had a very pleasant experience with STRIVE for Independence. All instructors are professional and experienced driving instructors. They provided the training and independence that I needed. In addition to being professional, they were patient and honest with me. They took great care in explaining every detail I needed in learning how to use hand controls. Each instructor was very calm, especially Danielle, which helped me to be calm as well. I trained with their vehicles and now I'm driving my own car with confidence. I highly recommend their program.

Fantastic experience: My 16 year old son had a right leg sports injury causing him to require nerve surgery in 3 places. As a result he was also diagnosed with a neurological pain disorder. Since September he has gone from being in a wheelchair, to a walker, to a cane to now where he has completely re-learned how to walk. STRIVE for Independence was the last step to getting him back to his life by evaluating his driving safety (especially since he only had his license 6 weeks prior to the injury). The staff were kind, encouraging, insightful, compassionate and tough. I could not recommend them more! The only downside was the cost we needed to pay out of pocket, however getting his indepence back made it worth every penny. Thank you SFI!!

Negative experience: They charged me $25 just for one phone call! I wanted the drivers evaluation for senior drivers for my 90 year old mother. I registered on line which required putting your credit card on file and a $100 deposit. I submitting the order electronically and had a phone call from the scheduler during which a few questions. During that conversation I realized my mother’s license was expired. I told the scheduler I wanted to wait until my mother got her license renewed. A few days later I emailed them and asked for my deposit back. I was advised that it would only be for $75 as they keep $25 as an administrative fee. I did everything electronically and had one phone call with the scheduler and for that they charged me $25! I think that’s terrible.

Fantastic experience: I had a wonderful experience working with all the clinicians at Strive. I'm grateful for their support throughout my journey of feeling more confident when driving with my bioptics. I want to also specifically thank Nicole for her kindness and support throughout the process.

Fantastic experience: From start to finish it was so easy and a pleasure to work with all the ladies at Strive. They were all so happy and encouraging. Finally got some of my independence back and I have them to thank.

Fantastic experience: Thank you for taking the time to evaluate our son and share potential options to possibly add to his independence.

Fantastic experience: EVERY single person working at Strive is fantastic!!! 100 stars isn’t enough to convey how wonderful they were through our journey and what they’ve done for my daughter! Being able to drive as opposed to not is a game changer! If it weren’t for them her future would consist of public transportation, walkable cities (expensive) or depending on others for rides. Learning from them, which is learning from the best, will change the course of your future. I can’t recommend them or thank them enough!

Fantastic experience: Loved working with everyone!!! Nicole was fantastic!! My daughter was comfortable and learned a lot. Very helpful! Thank you.

Negative experience: No stars here Anne refused to give me further sessions after failing me isn't it their business and also Leslie was very condescending by and treating me like a childand saying?"your almost there you on ur way" and greeted me at door demanding my credit lard. I shud of gone with my gut feeln and left when she handed me bad cream for my coffee and she said it's OK til I poured it in to show her its curdled. How ignorant! I went to another rehab facility where I passed with flying colors! I would never remind Strive. Very .unproefssional

Fantastic experience: Excellent service with great people!

Fantastic experience: Everyone at STRIVE for Independence is so professional, knowledgeable, and kind. It was a true privilege working with them and I am deeply grateful. The world needs more people and companies like them! I would highly recommend STRIVE for Independence to anyone.

Fantastic experience: The ladies at strive for independence were very friendly and welcoming , also very knowledgeable. Anne was very professional and she made me comfortable on my driving session. Leslie also was very professional and she got me signed in with no problems . I recommend this place.

Fantastic experience: Thanks to STRIVE for Independence, I got my driver's license. The instructors were very helpful and kind. They always made sure I was comfortable while driving and prepared me well for my road test.

Fantastic experience: Staff was caring and willing to do whatever it takes to coach me techniques to improve my driving. They are not judge mental, a welcome contrast to other driver rehabilitation specialists. Passed my Illinois Secretary of State driving test on July 31,2022

Fantastic experience: When needing services from STRIVE Independence, it can be very scary for a parent! Anne and the team at Strive walked us thru every step with our son who drives from his wheelchair! Amazing service, always ready to assist and answer questions! We are ready to go to DMV and get his license, and no doubt he will do fabulous! Thank you for all your wonderful help! Highly recommend these guys!

Fantastic experience: Nicole and the team at Strive are great!! It was a pleasure to work with you all.

Fantastic experience: Amazing Place! I have come here since last July I believe. Ms. Nicole Thonn is the instructor who has been taking me out to drive for most of the sessions that I have been coming to almost every Saturday. She is so patient, friendly and nice! I definitely recommend this driving instruction facility for anyone with some type of disability or any who struggles with driving. This place has really helped me out and without this place I probably would either not be driving or not be at the level that I should or would like to be at! Thank You so much for helping me come to the level where I am at!

Fantastic experience: It gives me great pleasure to write a Google review for this stellar organization. I came in contact with them in order to obtain a second opinion after having a very negative experience with another driving program. In the previous experience, the car I was given to drive was woefully out of date, badly in need of cleaning and had handling issues. The tester was very authoritarian and negative and seemed to be looking for things about which to be critical. Enter Strive for Independence. It became abundantly clear to me from the very first telephone call that this was an organization that is mission driven and client centered, one that was going to collaborate with and advocate for me in my goal of returning to safe driving after a serious health episode. Their mission was clearly reinforced with every encounter I had with them from the beginning phone call to the conclusion of our work together. My initial conversations were with Nicole and I could hear the enthusiasm in her voice immediately, that she was definitely in sync with me about my motivation to return to driving after a month’s long hiatus. I eventually worked with Danielle who I found to be very warm, engaging, reassuring and knowledgeable. I particularly liked her focus because she had a concentration in working with the older adults and retirees. Being in my 70’s I have begun to experience some of the agism that goes on in our society and I so appreciated her focus, understanding and respect for my life stage. She quickly understood that I don’t drive much because I’m retired and so she geared the lesson to the type of driving that I do. I found it very refreshing to have somebody listen to me and ask me questions that reflected a genuine interest in me. I can’t say enough about this experience and the positive regard I have for Strive. I met my goal and I healed from my first experience in road testing. I can recommend Strive for Independence with no hesitation!

Fantastic experience: The instructors/evaluators here are exceptional. They are friendly and professional. Before coming here I had an evaluation at another site, where the evaluator was very severe and the equipment was out-of-date. STRIVE is completely different: their entire staff is welcoming and friendly, and they really listened to me. Plus they use very modern testing equipment and cars. I felt relaxed, and truly enjoyed my behind-the-wheel practice sessions.

Fantastic experience: I had a wonderful experience at Strive for Independence. From my first phone call seeking information to my last lesson I have only good things to say. I worked with the occupational therapist named Danielle and she was terrific--very warm, positive, and encouraging. She made sure I exhibited the qualities of a safe driver and offered concrete tips for navigating traffic and parking more easily. I highly recommend Strive for Independence for their wonderful customer service, their ease of scheduling, and excellent instruction.

Fantastic experience: I worked with Nicole and she was AMAZING! I’ve unfortunately dealt with another facility/instructor and it was a night and day difference! She was super professional, informative, sweet, and seemed to genuinely care! (Unlike the other instructor ) I would definitelyyy recommend them!

Fantastic experience: Excellent communication. Teaching students important details. very professional.