Inspiring Conversations with Julia McVicker of Adaptable Therapy Services

Today we’d like to introduce you to Julia McVicker.

Hi Julia, thanks for sharing your story with us. To start, maybe you can tell our readers some of your backstory.
Supporting my local community is at the heart of what I do.
Since beginning my career as an Occupational Therapist in 2005, I have been dedicated to helping individuals maintain their independence, mobility, and connection to their communities. Growing up in Georgia and continuing to serve clients across my home state, I founded Adaptable Therapy Services, a woman-owned business, to provide specialized driver rehabilitation and community-based therapy focused on real-world function and safety.

Through the Adaptable Driving Program, I assist adults with medical conditions, disabilities, and age-related changes in remaining safe and confident in their mobility. The comprehensive services at Adaptable Driving, include clinical driver evaluations, behind-the-wheel training with adaptive equipment, and counseling for clients and families navigating important driving-related decisions. The driving program also offers senior safety evaluations and supportive guidance through life changes such as driving retirement.
Our specialized program doesn’t stop there as we work with individuals who need to use adaptive tools to return to or begin driving. We work with clients on left foot gas pedals, hand controls for gas and brake and a variety of in car adaptations for driving independence.

Looking ahead, Adaptable Therapy is expanding the programs to include services for adults with autism, supporting their goals of independent community mobility and driving. This next chapter reflects the ongoing commitment to helping every client move forward with confidence, safety, and purpose.

We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
Like any growing business, the journey has had its challenges, but each one has been an opportunity to learn and improve. Starting a specialized therapy and driver rehabilitation program meant completing additional certifications in Driving Rehabilitation and working with and training new staff in a variety of areas across Georgia. Additional complexities included navigating complex regulations, coordinating with healthcare providers, vehicle vendors, and ensuring access to adaptive equipment for clients—sometimes in remote or underserved areas.

As a small, woman-owned business, managing resources and balancing administrative demands with hands-on client care has also been a learning curve. Balancing entrepreneurship and parenting could be its own book but having the support from my family has made the difference in the business growing and thriving. Spending time on hobbies and interests helps reduce daily stress and I have a love of baking all things sourdough. My family would say it’s an obsession, but it is very therapeutic to keep both your mind and hands busy with work or pleasure.

I try to keep in mind that every challenge has reinforced why I do what I do: helping individuals maintain independence, safety, and confidence in their daily lives. Seeing clients achieve their goals—and knowing my work directly impacts their ability to live fully in their community—makes every obstacle worthwhile.

Appreciate you sharing that. What should we know about Adaptable Therapy Services?
Adaptable Therapy Services: Helping Our Community Stay Safe, Confident, and Independent on the Road

Adaptable Therapy Services is a locally owned occupational therapy practice that specializes in driver evaluation, training, and rehabilitation for adults and seniors with medical conditions, disabilities, or age-related changes. Through our Adaptable Driving Program, we help individuals maintain or regain safe driving independence — or make confident, supported decisions about when it’s time to retire from driving.

Our approach is highly personalized. Each client receives a thorough, one-on-one evaluation that looks at the physical, cognitive, and visual skills needed for safe driving. We also offer behind-the-wheel training, adaptive equipment consultations, and education for families and care teams. Whether we’re working with a senior driver, someone recovering from an injury, or an adult with a developmental disability learning to drive for the first time, our goal is the same: to promote safe mobility, confidence, and quality of life.

What sets Adaptable Therapy Services apart is our blend of clinical expertise and compassion. As a certified Driving Rehabilitation Professional and occupational therapist, I take pride in helping clients navigate life transitions with dignity. We collaborate closely with local physicians, rehabilitation centers, and vehicle modification specialists to ensure that every recommendation is safe, practical, and tailored to the individual.

Brand-wise, I’m most proud that Adaptable Therapy Services stands for independence with integrity. Our work isn’t just about driving — it’s about helping people stay connected to their families, communities, and the activities they love.

For local readers, I want you to know that Adaptable Therapy Services is more than a business — we’re a community partner dedicated to safety, education, and empowerment. Whether you or a loved one are adjusting to physical changes, exploring adaptive driving options, or seeking reassurance about safe driving, we’re here to help you navigate that road with confidence and care.

How can people work with you, collaborate with you or support you?
How to Work With or Support Adaptable Therapy Services

There are several ways people can connect and collaborate with Adaptable Therapy Services including visit our website at www.adaptabledriving.com.

Individuals and families can schedule a comprehensive driver evaluation or training session directly with us. We work with adults of all ages — from those recovering from a medical event to seniors who want to ensure they’re driving safely. Referrals are also welcome from family members, physicians, rehabilitation specialists, and case managers.

Healthcare providers and community organizations can partner with us to offer educational presentations or in-service training on topics such as aging and driving, adaptive equipment, and safe driving retirement planning. We also collaborate with vehicle modification specialists and driver training programs to ensure clients have access to the right supports and technologies.

For those looking to support our mission, spreading the word is one of the most impactful ways to help. Sharing information about our Adaptable Driving Program helps more families find trusted, local resources when navigating driving-related changes or concerns.

At Adaptable Therapy Services, collaboration is at the heart of what we do — because helping people stay safe, confident, and connected on the road truly takes a community.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.adaptabledriving.com
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/adaptabletherapy/
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/adaptabledriving
• LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/julia-mcvicker/
• Youtube: https://youtu.be/8lpwqVhlobw
• Other: https://linktr.ee/adaptabledriving

Image Credits
Rachel Dodd Photography