Redefining mobility, Localiza funds driving lessons for people with Down syndrome

There are 74 million drivers in Brazil. But just two with Down syndrome. Aiming to raise that number, car rental giant Localiza launched a campaign dubbed Autoescola Xtraordinária. The initiative will pay for 30 people with Down syndrome to take driving lessons and get their licenses, affording them the freedom and autonomy that millions of drivers take for granted.

While Brazilian law doesn't prohibit individuals with intellectual disabilities from obtaining a driver's license, societal prejudices can get in the way, and many people may have wrongly assumed driving just wasn't an option for them. Localiza, South America's leading rental company and one of the largest worldwide, partnered with advocates at Instituto Mano Down to develop Autoescola Xtraordinária. The program is open to anyone with an intellectual disability who is 18 years or older, literate and 'dreams of driving.'