For many drivers, commuting is as simple as turning the key and hitting the road. But for Scott Chesney, of Neptune, the process starts long before the engine turns on.

Chesney has been paralyzed from the waist down since he was 15. He uses a wheelchair and drives a modified truck with hand controls and a lift system. The equipment gives him independence, but it also requires extra time and planning.

He says every trip begins with a mental checklist: how long it will take to transfer into the truck, what he needs to bring, and whether the place he’s going will have accessible parking.

Even quick errands — grabbing coffee, stopping for gas, or running into the supermarket — take more preparation. Chesney points out that the striped access areas next to accessible parking spots are essential for him to open his door and deploy his ramp, but sometimes there blocked by other drivers.

He also notes that many people with disabilities can’t afford a modified vehicle. Public transportation and Access Link help fill that gap, giving riders a way to get where they need to go.

Chesney says commuting can be mentally and physically stressful, but staying home isn’t an option he’s willing to choose.

“Getting from point A to point B is worth it,” he says. “There’s no price you can put on being out there. It gives me a level playing field with people who are able-bodied.”

For him, every mile is part of maintaining independence — even when the journey takes extra steps.