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Karl Kates

Karl Kates Profile Photo

Founder - Drive Wise Academy

Karl Kates is an educator, adaptive driving specialist, and founder of Drive Wise Academy. With a background in special education and adaptive driver training, Karl has dedicated his career to helping individuals of all abilities gain the skills, confidence, and independence that come with safe driving.

Through Drive Wise Academy, Karl works with teens, adults, and individuals with disabilities or unique learning needs, providing personalized instruction tailored to each student’s goals and abilities. Passionate about accessibility and inclusion, Karl believes that everyone deserves the opportunity to experience the freedom and independence that driving can provide. His work focuses on breaking down barriers to driver education and empowering students to succeed both on and off the road.

July 28, 2026

216 - Everyone Deserves the Chance to Drive with Karl Kates

In this episode of The Inclusive Dad podcast, host AAron welcomes Karl Kates, founder of Drive Wise Academy, to explore how inclusive driver's education is changing lives. Karl shares how decades in special education inspired him to help people with disabilities, anxiety, and unique learning needs gain the confidence to drive safely. From teaching the first person with Down syndrome in Iowa to earn a driver's license to adapting vehicles for wheelchair users, Karl proves that success comes from ...
Guest: Karl Kates