Driving with a disability has always been possible, but it has also always been a challenge. Purchasing an accessible vehicle can be quite expensive and retrofitting your existing vehicle to meet your accessibility needs can sometimes be even more expensive. For years, it was left up to each individual driver’s creativity to outfit their vehicle for accessibility because companies that specialize in vehicles for the disabled simply didn’t exist.
Today, there are a number of different companies that will help you finance an accessible vehicle and assist you in finding the right adaptations for your vehicle. One of the advantages of so many companies is that you can comparison shop. You are no longer obligated to purchase your vehicle or adaptive equipment from one company, or left to put something together on your own to make your vehicle drivable.
Adapting a Vehicle
Unlike most companies dealing in adaptive equipment for the disabled, the founder of Drive Master has actual, firsthand experience as a person with a disability. Alan Ruprecht, the owner and operator, founded the company after becoming severely disabled from adult polio and finding the hand controls and adaptations for automobiles of the day too costly and too poorly manufactured. More than 55 years later, Drive Master offers a number of services, vehicle adaptations such as steering and brake modifications, push-pull hand control systems and professionally trained customer service technicians.
For over 25 years, Mobility Products and Design has been adapting vehicles to meet the needs of disabled drivers. The adaptive products that this company offers range from a simple easy-to-grip foam cover for the steering wheel to tractors and golf carts with hand controls.
Buying an Accessible Vehicle
Ford Mobility Motoring offers financial assistance with the cost of installing adaptive equipment in a new Ford, Lincoln or Mercury vehicle. There are four simple steps that you need to complete before you can qualify for the program, including visiting a driver assessment center to get your driving skills and adaptive equipment needs assessed.
Rollx offers a wide variety of new and used full size vans or minivans. Rollx deals in Chrysler and Dodge and offers services such as financing, rebates and nationwide delivery. IMS and Braun are two of the more popular companies that sell accessible vehicles and offer conversions.
There are numerous other companies that offer vehicle adaptations and accessible vehicles. Disabled drivers aren’t just limited to vans as their vehicles anymore, either. Almost any type of vehicle can be fitted with hand controls and other accessibility devices. The PT Cruiser, the Scion XB and the Honda Element are just a few. It all depends on your style and the type and size of the wheelchair that you have. Check out this YouTube clip to see an accessible full size pickup.
Finding an Accessible Driving Program
Drivers with disabilities often require special instruction to learn to drive. The hand controls and other adaptive equipment in the vehicle can sometime require a professional to teach the driver how to use it. The first step for most people with a disability is a skills assessment to determine if they are able to drive. Ask your physical or occupational therapist to recommend a driving program if you are interested in learning. Your local DMV may even be able to help you.
Megan Abrams - I have lived with the effects of a childhood stroke for more than half my life and offer a uniquely personal perspective on disability.
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