Transportation

Megabus.Com First to Have Wheelchair Accessible Double-Decker Bus

2008-06-23T23:16:00Z

Wheelchair accessible bus travel for people with disabilities has long been a mainstay in the world of public transportation. Except when it comes to one particularly enticing and romantic sort of bus. Until quite recently, disabled travelers hoping to enjoy the ride on a double-decker bus remained locked out of the luxury these buses offer. Megabus.com is seeking to change all that by becoming the very first bus company to make double-decker buses accessible to persons with disabilities.

Megabus.com is a subsidiary of Coach USA and invested in 17 double-decker buses providing access to those in wheelchairs. The company has already added these newly equipped buses into their routes in Michigan, Ohio, Missouri and Indiana with plans for expansion. The buses themselves were built by the Van Hool company in Belgium and were designed to adhere to all U.S. regulations.

The TD925 double-decker buses rise over 13 feet and have two-door access. Passengers traveling in wheelchairs enter at ground level through the second door. The buses have been designed with luggage compartments placed toward the rear, rather than beneath the bus, to create more passenger room inside, creating enough room within these wheelchair-accessible double-decker buses to seat 79 passengers.

Making a good thing even better is the commitment by Megabus to combine accessibility with affordability. A limited number of seats are available for just $1. In order to take advantage of this unheard of offer, passengers will need to reserve their seats well in advance. Once all of the low-priced seats have been booked, ticket prices rise back to more familiar levels.

Considering the rising cost of gasoline prices and the added expense of equipping a vehicle for wheelchair accessibility, there is little reason to wonder why Megabus has enjoyed a spike in service. The combination of affordable public transportation with the long-delayed satisfaction of finally being welcomed aboard the double-decker bus that has long been a mainstay of the busing industry makes the efforts of Megabus a most welcome addition. Booking for these double-deckers are accomplished on Megabus' Web site which can be accessed by computer, cell phone or personal digital assistant.

The Adaptive Driving Alliance

2008-06-23T23:08:00Z

The Adaptive Driving Alliance (ADA) is an online entity that any driver with disabilities or anyone who is required to transport a person with a disability should make an effort to become familiar with.

What exactly is the Adaptive Driving Alliance? Nothing less than a comprehensive guide to dealers, suppliers and information about modifying vehicles to meet every individual automotive need that may arise when it comes to transporting disabled passengers and drivers. Anyone who has ever faced a question about such topics as wheelchair lifts, vehicle conversion, or even rental information should be aware of the Adaptive Driving Alliance.

Only the most knowledgeable dealers and specialists are associated with this highly informative outlet. The ADA provides a resource of trained specialists who are intimately familiar with automotive modifications for disabled drivers and passengers. Every single person who is offered membership in the ADA must receive certification from the Alliance's Quality Assurance Program (QAP). The QAP, in turn, is overseen by the National Mobility Equipment Dealers Association (NMEDA), which offers a highly esteemed accreditation program for dealers of such items as hand controls, scooter lifts, and vehicle conversions.

What this means is that when you get in touch with a member of the Adaptive Driving Alliance you can be confident that you are getting information from a qualified expert who actually understands the needs associated with the transportation requirements of people with disabilities rather than just some applicant who was merely required to watch a 10 minute training film and pass a multiple choice test. Because the certification process is taken seriously the best thing about the Adaptive Driving Alliance is the confidence its members inspire.

This commitment to quality extends to those who will actually be driving as well. The ADA offers a driving evaluation program to ensure that those who may be behind the wheel of a modified vehicle are trained to use the accessibility features responsibly.

In cases where modifications are done to a vehicle's steering, acceleration or braking features, in fact, the ADA usually requires that the primary driver of the vehicle be evaluated and trained by someone who has already received driver certification. Unless the ADA member is satisfied that the driver fully understands how such elements as hand controls and lifts operate, the evaluation cannot be completed.

The Adaptive Driving Alliance is also a wealthy resource for locating local and national dealers. You can either conduct this research on your own or, if you aren't exactly sure what you are looking for, you can get personalized assistance to guide you in searching for the automotive modifications you need.

Rather than spending countless hours searching through pages of search engine results you can take advantage of the ADA to not only reduce the amount of time you spend wading through dealers and suppliers, but you can search with confidence that every dealer and supplier has met the Alliance's standards of excellence. There is simply no more useful site on the internet for those looking for answers to all the questions associated with automotive modifications for transporting people with disabilities.

Adapting Your Wheels

2008-04-25T16:21:00Z

In 1988 I bought a brand new Dodge Shadow. It was the last unmodified car I would own. About 10 months after making the purchase, I had a serious crash and the car was destroyed. I developed a spinal cord injury that necessitated the use of hand controls to operate my car. This was my introduction to automobile adaptations.

The automobile modification industry is small. According to the National Mobility Equipment Dealers Association (http://www.nmeda.org/), there are roughly 800 conversion companies throughout the United States. Out of the millions of vehicles produced each year, only about 20,000 are modified for use by people with disabilities.

Adaptations make driving possible for those with spinal cord injuries, amputees and sufferers of severe arthritis. Where would they be without hand controls, left-foot accelerator pedals, and entry ramps?

Mechanical devices such as hand controls have not changed much over the years, aside from minor cosmetics that make them look less blatantly added-on. But electrical adaptations are becoming more a part of everyday modifications. Auxiliary switches are put within easier reach of drivers. Voice control devices are taking the place of many manual controls. In my mind one of the most important achievements in recent years is the rear-view camera. For mobility impaired drivers, these devices are a real boon. If you’re a quadriplegic buying a lowered-floor minivan, chances are you will not be able to see behind you without extensive use of the mirrors. Even then, that blind spot below the rear window is very large. Cameras help. They’re great for parking and watching out for wayward kids or pets.

Many consumers believe that any vehicle can be modified to hold any kind of adaptive device, but this isn’t true. Most foreign-made minivans, for example, don’t have the room to hold a ramp or lift. And, depending on the way the vehicle bodies are constructed, it may be impossible to drop the floor or raise the roof.

Every year vehicle manufacturers make changes in the electrical systems and physical layout of their products. Secondary control system manufacturers (for heater, radio, directionals, etc.) are having a hard time adding auxiliary switches into electrical systems. Installing something as simple as a remote horn button is becoming a problem. In my car the hand control is bolted onto the steering column. But these days many vehicles don’t have solid steering columns. Prospective consumers should consult with modification experts to make sure their dream vehicles can accommodate the required adaptations.

The automobile industry has worked closely with adaptive equipment manufacturers and installers over the years to make sure people with disabilities have a wide selection of vehicles from which to choose. All the major manufacturers conduct focus groups to test their designs. Several of them use “virtual cars” and “aging suits” to simulate various medical conditions and disabilities.

Because of tools such as these, many of the ideas that began with the adaptive equipment business have been taken over by the automobile manufacturers. Automatic sliding doors for vans are one example. Today every van on the road has one or more, but they were first introduced 25 years ago as adaptive equipment.

If you need to have a new or used vehicle modified, it’s best to have someone with medical knowledge conduct a full evaluation first. There can be many implications to driving with a disability. An individual’s strength, dexterity, and visual perception all come into play. The best way to find a driver evaluation program near you is by contacting the Association for Driver Rehabilitation Specialists (http://www.driver-ed.org/).

Transportation Resources

2008-04-08T21:01:00Z

Associations

Association for Driver Rehabilitation Specialists (ADED)
www.aded.net
Since 1977, ADED has worked to help people with disabilities learn to drive and help professionals learn to teach people to drive who need modification. The site provides information on certification, fact sheets, scholarships, etc. Free newsletter, “News Brake.”

Disabled Drivers & Passengers, National Highway Traffic Safety Administration
www.nhtsa.gov
This section of the government site provides info on rules and regulations regarding driving with a disability. The research reports range from safety assessments to literature reviews.

National Mobility Equipment Dealers Association (NMEDA)
www.nmeda.org
NMEDA is a non-profit trade association that works to provide persons of a disability in finding transportation, whether it me modification of their vehicles or transportation provided by others. Under the member directory, visitors to the site can find a dealer near them to assist them in modifying their vehicle.

Easter Seals Project ACTION
http://www.projectaction.org
The website for Project Action is a U.S. DOT & FTA funded program to address accessible transportation in the community. Easter Seals Project ACTION works to bring together transportation and the disability community. Offers information on taxis, fact sheets, accessible rural transportation and accessible travel info.

U.S. Department of Transportation
www.fta.dot.gov
Website for the U.S. Department of Transportation’s Federal Transit Agency (FTA). Here you can find information on rule making, ADA complaint forms, completed compliance review reports, Letters of Finding responding to riders’ complaints, and current policy guidance.

Web Resources

Car Talk
www.cartalk.cars.com
http://www.cartalk.com/content/features/Special-Needs/
This section of Car Talk provides information for special needs drivers. Covers basic information, applicable to those who are new to adaptive driving. Question and answer section, remarkable stories section in which people with disabilities tell their car stories, additional resource section as well.

Mobility Advisor
www.mobility-advisor.com
This site provides information on general mobility. From wheelchairs to ramps to accessible cars, mobility advisor provides a number of articles on many mobility topics. Also a small section on wheelchairs for dogs. Live chat room and an area to donate wheelchairs.

Ride Safe
www.travelsafer.org/
This site gives information for wheelchair users on using public transportation. Gives simple step-by-step directions for strapping down a wheelchair, so the passenger may ride safely. The Glossary terms provides all the vocabulary one would need in discussing this procedure.

United We Ride
http://www.unitedweride.gov/
The United We Ride (UWR) new website for the Federal Interagency Coordinating Council on Access and Mobility (CCAM). Assessment and planning section provides information for the user on transportation planning, handbooks, and toolkits. Technical assistance tab.

How to Travel More Safely While Seated in a Wheelchair

2008-04-07T21:36:00Z

Seats in cars, vans and buses are designed for safety and comfort. Wheelchairs are mostly designed for mobility and function. Yet, some wheelchair users stay seated in their wheelchairs while traveling by motor vehicle. This may be because of convenience or independence, or it may be for other reasons. Since most wheelchairs are not designed for use as a seat in motor vehicles, what are the best practices? This article provides information on how wheelchair users can travel more safely.

Three things are needed to provide occupant protection in motor vehicles:
1. Use a wheelchair that has been crash-tested.

2. Always secure the wheelchair to the vehicle facing forward with a crash-tested securement system – using either a 4-strap tiedown system or a wheelchair docking system.

3. Always use a crash-tested lap and shoulder belt.

What are crash-tested wheelchairs?
Crash-tested wheelchairs have passed a voluntary safety standard called: ANSI/RESNA WC19 – Wheelchairs Used as Seats in Motor Vehicles. They have several important features:

Lower risk of injury to the wheelchair rider in a vehicle crash
Easier and faster wheelchair securement: They have four securement points where tiedowns are attached that are labeled, easy to find, easy to reach, and provide clear paths for tiedowns
They provide improved wheelchair stability and safety during normal travel
They have been tested and rated for how easy they are to use seatbelts with
They have the option of a wheelchair-anchored pelvic safety belt

How do I find a crash-tested wheelchair?

Look for the words: WC19-compliant, WC19 wheelchair, transit-option wheelchair.
Find a list of crash-tested wheelchair models at: http://www.rercwts.org/wc19.html, Phone: 412-586-6905,
Mail: RERC on Wheelchair Transportation Safety, 2310 Jane Street, Suite 1300, Pittsburgh, PA 15203.

What is a crash-tested wheelchair securement system?
Always use a securement system that has been crash tested and labeled as meeting SAE J2249. There are two types of wheelchair securement systems:

4-point strap securement system - This is the most common type of securement system used on public buses and paratransit vans. It is also used in some personal cars and vans. It has four straps that are used to attach the wheelchair to the motor vehicle.
Docking-type securement system - This kind of securement system is usually only used in personal vehicles. It has one part that is permanently attached to the wheelchair, and a second part that is permanently attached to the vehicle.

Why do I need an extra lap belt and shoulder belt?

Your wheelchair may have a lap belt on it that LOOKS like a safety belt. You may even have a chest strap or chest harness – but be careful!!
These are not usually crash-tested seatbelts – and they are not made to protect you in a crash!
Always use a crash-tested seatbelt system that includes a lap and shoulder belt

How do I get a crash-tested securement and seatbelt system?

For buses and paratransit vans, these systems are best installed by the vehicle maker.
For personal vans, find a National Mobility Equipment Dealers Association member (NMEDA) who has successfully completed the NMEDA accreditation program. Contact NMEDA directly: Web: http://www.nmeda.org/, Phone: 800-833-0427, Mail: NMEDA, 3327 W. Bearss Ave., Tampa, FL 33618

Hand Controls 101

2008-03-27T15:22:00Z

Driving with hand controls is the sometimes bothersome—yet necessary—result of a disability that affects your legs. If you want to drive safely and get your driver’s license, hand controls are the only option for many people. Fortunately, dozens of different models exist to suit every need and level of ability.

One significant thing regarding people who use hand controls is the surprisingly wide variety of disabilities and conditions they have, ranging from people with SCI to stroke survivors. You just never know who may be operating their vehicles sans feet when you fly by someone (or pass them angrily) on the road. These drivers are more common than you think.

If you’re curious about the important “how-tos” regarding hand controls and are interested in finally trying a pair out for yourself, the following “Hand Controls 101” lesson will hopefully be useful.

Must-Knows
• Research all the different types of hand controls on the market; there are many. Some are very basic, even portable, and can be moved from vehicle to vehicle with ease (you’ll usually see this type of hand control as the typical model available with rental cars, which is the “lever” model and located to the left of the wheel). A good method for researching the best hand control suitable for your disability is to simply Google “hand controls” and “<insert your disability here>.”

• Hand controls can be expensive, especially if you’re a quadriplegic or have some other type of upper-extremity disability. Air-powered and electronic hand controls (especially the latter) are the typical MO for people with upper-body impairments. Electric hand controls are considerably more expensive, but don’t think that getting this kind of control is nothing but a pipe dream because your income isn’t very high. Many states have a Rehabilitation Services office that will sometimes pay for your hand controls (or even your vehicle in some states, although this is rare). Do your research.

• For people with very little arm movement (even those who drive their wheelchairs with their mouths), driving may still be an option. There have been several ingenious inventions over the past decade that allow these people to drive their vehicles using their wheelchair joysticks. The technology is very complicated and very expensive, but the facts that it exists and that it is widely available provide two notable “upsides” to the issue. “Adapted driving experts” who work at major rehab hospitals across the country can help you better understand all of this “high-tech” information.

• Expect to take lessons; they’re usually required. Almost every state requires people with disabilities who want to use special hand controls to first get the “go ahead” from an adapted driving expert at one of your local rehab centers. Don’t fight this inevitable truth. You may have been an excellent driver before your disability, but for the safety of everyone else on the road, these lessons (and tests) will enable the specialist to: a) figure out IF you will be able to drive safely and b) once that safety level is established, determine the exact driving modifications you will need. I even paid for private, one-on-one driving lessons from one of these experts, just so I could finally feel comfortable behind the wheel.

The above info just scratches the surface of the world of hand controls. Remember, Google is your friend, but be sure to back up what you find with advice from an expert.

Purchasing Adaptive Vehicles Online

2008-03-03T16:52:00Z

The following web pages and information are brought to you by NMEDA. NMEDA is a non-profit association of mobility equipment dealers, driver rehabilitation specialists, and other professionals dedicated to broadening the opportunities for people with disabilities to drive or be transported in vehicles modified with mobility equipment.

The information outlined in this site is designed to inform you, the consumer, of the differences between purchasing new modified vehicles on-line as compared to in-person. NMEDA supports face-to-face sales performed by local or regional establishments; the method NMEDA believes provides the best product fit, service, and safety for the consumer.

We want to assist in educating you about the importance of industry standards, safety, service, training and value when purchasing a new modified vehicle. Whether you decide to purchase your next vehicle from an internet seller or in-person, the following information will help you make an educated purchase that is appropriate for you.

Click on the following listings in the index for answers to the common questions concerning purchasing a modified vehicle. Any terms underlined may be clicked for further information.

1. The Sales Process

2. Appropriateness of the Product

3. Compliance with Industry Standards and Regulations

4. Safety

5. After Sale – Service and Warranty

6. Value

7. Industry Links

Navigating New York City

2008-02-26T21:19:00Z

Even if you don’t use a wheelchair, and I do, New York City can be intimidating. One of the best sources of information for visitors is the city’s official tourism website produced by NYC and Company (www.nycvisit.com). Also invaluable is the free online book, Access New York: A Guide to Accessible Travel in NYC, which is published by the mayor’s office.

Getting There
New York has three major airports that handle more daily flights than any other city. Before booking a flight, consider how you will get from the airport to your hotel. When I was able to transfer easily from a wheelchair, we hired a car or took a taxi. As transferring has become harder, I prefer to stay in my wheelchair. At the Newark (New Jersey) airport, a wheelchair user can easily hop on the AirTrain and ride to New York Penn Station at a cost of $11.55. From there you can walk or hail a cab.

On our most recent trip, I discovered two services that would take us from the airport to our hotel. Vega Transportation (888-507-0500) charges $150 per trip for a “white glove” wheelchair-accessible service. (The company came highly recommended by an employee of NYC and Company whose wife has MS and uses a wheelchair.)

Not wanting to spend $300 getting to and from the airport, I called Super Suttle (#). The shared ride ground transportation company has two wheelchair-accessible vans (one was in the repair shop during our visit.) A reservation for accessible transportation must be made several days or even a week in advance of your trip.

Our flight arrived in New Jersey at 10:30 a.m. By the time we deplaned (wheelchair users are the last passengers to exit) and recovered our missing suitcase which had been sent to Lost and Found, we finally called Super Shuttle to confirm our pick up at 11:40 a.m. Within fifteen minutes, our driver, Howard, strolled into the airport and escorted us to a van with a wheelchair lift. The cost of our ride was $17 per person plus a tip.

Getting Around

On Foot
Manhattan is 13.4 miles long and 2.3 miles wide at its widest point. Twenty north-south city blocks equal a mile. Walking is the simply the best way to see the city. I used my manual wheelchair and Jim pushed me along sidewalks crowded with pedestrians. More streets have curb cut outs than on our previous visits, but they are broken, worn or dangerously steep. Pedestrians move quickly and often don’t wait for a green light.

By Bus
Busses are equipped with wheelchair lifts and cost $2 per ride—no matter the distance. Talk to your hotel concierge and get a map. Purchasing a Metro Card will save you money.

Subway (No way)
“Do not use the subway,” was the advice we received from a New York City visitor counselor. She explained every stop does not have an elevator and those that do are often broken.

Taxi
If you take a cab, catch one on a side street instead of a major thoroughfare. Our experience has been most drivers don’t assist you with placing the wheelchair in the trunk—and it’s a tight fit. New York City has more than 12,000 taxis and less than 60 are wheelchair-accessible. In 2007, fifty new wheelchair-accessible cabs were unveiled. During our four day visit, we saw only one (the universal wheelchair symbol is on the side of the vehicle.) After hailing the cab, the driver pulled over to the curb and stepped out of the van. He lifted the hatch and extended a manual ramp. I rolled into the cab and we were off in less than three minutes. I felt like a real New Yorker as we drove nearly 50 blocks. The $20 fare (including tip) was worth every penny.

Resources

-NYC and Company, (www.nycvisit.com)
-Super Shuttle, 212-258-3826 (www.supershuttle.com)
-Access New York, http://www.nyc.gov/html/mopd/downloads/pdf/access_ny_review_2006.pdf. Call 212/788-2830 for a free copy.
-Visitor Information Counselors, call 212/484-1222. Five New York City Official Visitor Information Centers are located in: Midtown Manhattan; Downtown; Chinatown; Harlem; and the Financial District.
-City Pass, (www.citypass.com)

Riding the Bus 101

2008-01-13T02:35:00Z

When was the last time you took an intercity bus or a charter motor coach tour? If the answer is never, then you’re not alone. According to a 2002 Bureau of Transportation Statistics study, less than 5 percent of Americans, with or without disabilities, who travel long-distance use either mode of transport. But given the recent hassles with air travel, maybe it’s time to reconsider ground transport, at least for shorter trips.

For one thing, you’ll be surprised how roomy intercity buses are compared to the cheap seats on airplanes. There’s also no security line; no hard, narrow aisle chair; and you have the choice of staying in your own wheelchair or transferring to a seat. The price is also right, with many companies offering a free or discounted companion fare to individuals who need assistance during travel.

To ensure a trouble-free and accessible trip, you do, however, need to know your rights and obligations under the ADA. The Department of Transportation (DOT) Final Rule for Over-The-Road Buses (OTRB) only came fully into effect in October 2002 and has differing requirements based on the size of the bus company and the type of service provided—fixed route scheduled service, charter/tour service, or a mixture of the two.

At present, if you need a lift-equipped bus, you must give 48-hour advance notice. In return, the carrier is supposed to send you a written confirmation. Not until 2012, when the fleets of large, fixed-route carriers like Greyhound are required to become 100 percent lift-equipped, will advance notice finally be eliminated for the bulk of accessible trips. Even now, however, “if the request is made closer to the time of travel, the operator must make a reasonable effort to locate an accessible bus …” If you’re traveling with a group and someone else arranges the charter, then call the organizer again prior to the 48-hour deadline to confirm that the lift-equipped coach was indeed requested.

Under the OTRB rule, an “accessible” bus is required to have a lift and at least two wheelchair securement locations. Lifts must accommodate not only wheelchairs but also “persons using walkers, crutches, canes, and braces or who otherwise have difficulty using steps.” Drivers may not be aware of the latter requirement, so you may need to insist on your right to use the lift if you don’t have a wheelchair or scooter.

While accessible onboard toilets are not mandated, assistance must be provided to enable passengers with disabilities to leave and return to the bus during rest stops like everyone else. On express runs of three hours or more without a rest stop, if a passenger with a disability is unable to use the inaccessible restroom onboard and requests an unscheduled rest stop, the operator “must make a good faith effort” to comply.

Small carriers (i.e., those with less than $7.7 million in gross annual operating revenues) offering fixed-route service “can choose to provide equivalent service to passengers with disabilities.” However, the alternative vehicle provided, typically a mini-bus or van, “must permit a wheelchair user to travel in his or her own mobility aid.”

Although accessible motor coaches are now in plentiful supply all over the U.S., you may still encounter bus companies that say they do not provide lift-equipped service or tell you to call another carrier. Should this occur, go to the DOT website (www.dot.gov) and file a complaint. Thanks to such complaints and resulting enforcement actions by the DOT, even the Chinese bus companies in New York City, like Eastern and Fung Wa, are now investing in accessible coaches.

Sweet Chariot: Cool Cabs Hit the Street

2008-01-13T02:32:00Z

For many long years, millions of wheelchair users who wished to participate in community life have been forced, for lack of accessible means of doing so, to risk their own well-being in order to achieve it. They have had no choice but to take dangerous chances, to brave adversity and inclement weather, and to risk their health and sometimes their lives in trying to join the rest of society. They have waited for their buses and vans with apprehension, in heat and in rain and in snow, in fear of being late (again), or of being completely ignored by drivers who chose to avoid involvement with the needs of their less mobile scheduled passengers.

Mechanical lift troubles, wrong directions, miscommunications, and people too fed up to care anymore have been decisive factors in whether or not wheelchair users will get to work, or anywhere else for that matter, rather than careful planning, logic, or the law.

But their agonized pleas have finally been answered. Not, as you optimists might imagine, by new, effective legislation, adequate funding, and earnest enforcement, but by the little company that could.

To rewrite an old adage, sometimes an idea is good enough to be true. Standard Taxi (formerly Standard Motors) has created a completely new vehicular concept, a new design for a taxi that will carry ambulatory passengers, wheelchair users, and extra baggage all at the same time. Designed to provide accessibility as well as more space and simplified maintenance, no one can deny it represents not only a milestone in vehicular utility but a turning point in the expansion of access to the general public as well. It accommodates three to four people and not only one wheelchair user—but two.

No, it’s not huge. In fact, it’s about the same length as a yellow cab, but about a foot taller. It’s anything but space-age sleek; 21st century aerodynamics are so conspicuously absent from its square corners, flat surfaces, and ultra-simple lights that you might mistake it at first for a child’s toy matchbox car that wandered into a growth ray. But how it addresses and answers the need for adequate and usable space is stunning in its simplicity. And since beauty is in the eye of the beholder, millions of eyes will soon behold it as the most beauteous vehicle to ever pull around the corner of their block.

Under the Americans with Disabilities Act, transit bus companies are required to provide paratransit service to people with disabilities who are located within ¾ mile of a fixed transit route because they cannot be served on that main route. This involves the passenger calling the company at least 24 hours ahead of time and making sure to be ready when (and if) the transport shows.

Costs for additional vehicles, equipment, dispatching, and communication errors can hamper effective operation, and efforts to find solutions to these and other problems require continuous and renewed attention. Due to the wide variety in the needs and scheduling demands of passengers, county efforts to provide accessible buses may result in buses driving their routes mostly empty. Conversely, the demand and expectations of people who need accessible transportation is likely to grow rapidly in years just ahead, both in view of the fast-expanding elderly population throughout the country and in response to this new product availability.

Many wheelchair users have resorted to accessible minivans, but this is not for the small bank account. Converting one into an accessible vehicle also demands ready funds. Most mechanical lifts and ramps may be well designed and effective when they work, but many’s the story of someone stuck inside their vehicle on a hot (or freezing) day because of a malfunction or a broken part. The beauty of the Standard Taxi is that it solves the problem without relying on mechanics, by building a floor down close to the ground. A little more care must be used in how one drives, but how could that be a bad thing?

Rolling into the Standard Taxi is a breeze: it features a side ramp from the low floor, 56” of entry height and a 31” wide door. Once inside, a wheelchair can turn right and pull into the front passenger space. The space between the back bench and driver’s seat will accommodate a stroller, bags of merchandise, luggage, or a second wheelchair user. The trunk is large by taxi standards, low to the ground, and has no back wall to lift things over. Inside, over the trunk, is a back bench that will seat three or four across, and in the front, the driver’s seat is housed within a plexiglass surround.

The Standard Taxi has a steel chassis, and proposes a GM 150hp V-6 engine. Whether it would run on compressed natural gas, gasoline, or other fuels has not yet been scribed in stone. It offers rear seat head restraints, shoulder belts, and exit lighting. The body features interchangeable door panels and fenders and shock-absorbent bumpers, reflecting the designers’ attention to longevity and toughness.

Available at a moderate price (estimated at $25,000) the Standard Taxi will provide affordability to private and public companies alike. Resale of the vehicles, at an even lower price, will hopefully boost its success. The company is currently carrying out its final engineering and government testing procedures, and production is scheduled to begin in 2008.

For more information, prototype photos, articles, and how to (affordably) reserve one for your very own, visit www.standardtaxi.com and www.unitedspinal.org.

Renting Accessible Vehicles: a How-To Guide

2008-01-10T23:16:00Z

Today it’s easier than ever to rent a vehicle that will serve your needs as a person with a disability. Several major car rental agencies in the United States offer cars for the physically challenged and several companies exist that offer accessible vans throughout the United States and into Canada. Whether you’re planning to attend a special event in-town, take a short excursion, or go on your dream vacation, a little time spent planning ahead can make your adaptive car or van rental a pleasant and safe experience. Consider the following before you reserve a vehicle:

Why you’re renting
People rent vehicles for a wide variety of reasons, including local excursions, vacations, and special occasions like weddings, funeral, graduations, and reunions. You might also want to try out various options by renting before purchasing specialized equipment and/or an accessible vehicle. Trying before buying can help you assess features before making a big purchase.

1. Your physical abilities and accessibility needs.
If you’ll be the driver, think about what accessible equipment you’ll need. Major automobile rental companies can easily install hand controls and spinner knobs (let them know if you’ll need left or right) and offer other assistive and adaptive devices, including left foot accelerators, transfer boards, swivel seats, and panoramic mirrors for vehicles in their standard fleet. Accessible van rental companies—devoted entirely to meeting the needs of disabled persons—provide mini and/or full-size vans with wheelchair ramps or lift systems, raised roofs or lowered floors, four-point tie downs, power driver seats, and remote control power doors and power ramps. They can also provide hand controls and spinner knobs. Keep in mind that not every location offers both transport-type vehicles that enable you to transport a person with disabilities and vans that are drivable by people with disabilities.

In addition to your driving and/or seat needs, think about any assistance you’ll need getting in and out of the vehicle. While transferring unassisted or with a transfer board might be manageable for an occasional transfer, if you’ll be traveling for an extended period you might want to consider a van with a lift rather than a smaller vehicle.

2. Who will be driving.
Most automobile rental companies require drivers to be at least 21, but some—especially accessible van rental companies—require a minimum age of 23 or 25. If the person with a disability is not going to be the driver, he or she can still rent the car and charge it to a credit card as long as their driver meets the minimum age requirements and has a valid driver’s license. If you’ll be traveling alone, Dale Richardson, president of Wheelchair Getaways, recommends renting from a company that will meet you with the vehicle to show you how to use the equipment. Some adaptive rental companies can also provide drivers or point you to companies in the area who provide this service.

3. The size vehicle you’ll need.
Think about how many people you’ll be traveling with, how much luggage you’ll be bringing, whether any of the bags will be oversized, and whether you’ll need space for one or more wheelchairs or scooters. While a smaller vehicle might be fine for short excursions, consider renting a larger vehicle for longer trips so everything—and everyone—fits comfortably.

4. When you’ll be traveling.
Since rental companies have limited stock on hand, it’s best to call as soon as you know your plans. Most companies require a minimum of 24 to 48 hour advance reservations for adapted vehicles, but some companies may be able to accommodate shorter notice.

If you’ll be traveling during peak times, make sure you plan far in advance—weeks or even months. Thanksgiving, Christmas, school breaks, Rose and Super Bowls, and large conventions are among the busiest rental periods. Traveling to tourist destinations, like popular Florida attractions and great snow in Colorado, during peak season are also busy rental times. According to Tammy Smith, president of Wheelers, the oldest accessible van rental company in the United States, another peak time is Mother’s Day, when people rent vehicles to take mom out to celebrate the special day. If your travel plans are flexible, Smith recommends calling ahead about vehicle availability before making plane or train reservations; sometimes changing your dates by a day or two may mean a vehicle will be available.

5. How long you’ll need the vehicle.
Companies generally offer multiple day/week and/or special weekend rates. Weekend rates usually run from 12 noon, Thursday to Monday. Expect to pay between $80 and $135 per day for accessible van rentals. Automobile rental companies offer accessible equipment at no extra charge from their usual rates. Shop around for the best price, which can vary widely between the major companies.

6. How far you’ll be traveling.
An adapted sedan might be fine for short excursions or running errands around town, but if you’re taking a longer trip with the family, you might want to consider renting a mini- or full-size van instead. Wheelchair users often find accessible vans safer and more comfortable for longer excursions. Keep in mind that some dealers offer unlimited mileage while others charge per mile over a set number of miles. Always ask, and read the contract thoroughly before signing.

7. Will you be traveling by air or train or otherwise need delivery?
If you’re renting an accessible van, find out ahead of time if the company will meet you at the airport or railway terminal. This helps alleviate the stress that can accompany traveling. If you’re using one of the car rental companies, most offer accessible vans for pickup but call ahead to make sure they’re aware of your needs for both pick-up and drop-off of the vehicle. The company can provide special transportation if their regular shuttle buses aren’t accessible. If you’re renting a vehicle from a location other than an airport or major train hub, find out if the company offers delivery to your door. Most accessible van companies do, as does Enterprise Rent-a-Car.

8. How often you’ll be renting.
If you are a frequent traveler consider joining a rental company’s Preferred Customer program that will speed up your reservations, pick-up and drop-off process.

9. Other things to consider
• Find out how the rental fleet is. Richardson points out that since accessible vans have many modifications, this leads to a high maintenance rate. While some accessible van companies rent used vans that are also up for sale, Wheelchair Getaways prides itself in having the newest rental fleet available with each vehicle being no more than five years old with less than 60,000 miles driven.

• Plan ahead if you’ll need a scooter or wheelchair when you arrive at your destination. Accessible van rental companies also rent these.

• Companies should allow you to bring your service animal, including guide dogs, signal dogs, or other individually trained animals who work or perform tasks for the benefit of an individual with a disability. You shouldn’t be required to provide any type of identification or certification of the animal having been trained. You also shouldn’t be required to be separated from your service animal at any time.

• Some companies provide information on local accessibility, including tourist attractions, restaurants, and lodging, so ask a representative if you think you might need this information.

Once you’ve decided on your rental needs, call one or more of the toll-free numbers listed below to reserve a vehicle and, if needed, to discuss options for traveling between airport terminals and off-site rental car lots. Some companies have a line devoted solely to people with disabilities, while others will transfer you to a dedicated line once you’ve identified yourself as an individual with a mobility issue.

AVA Accessible Vans of America
888-282-8267
www.accessiblevans.com

Wheelers Accessible Vans
800-456-1371
www.wheelersvanrentals.com

Wheelchair Getaways
800-642-2042
www.wheelchair-getaways.com

Rainbow Wheels of Florida (Florida Only)
800-910-8267
www.rainbowwheels.com

Alamo Rent-A-Car
800-651-1223
800-522-9292 TTY
www.alamo.com

Avis Rent-A-Car
Avis Cares® Program
800-331-1212
800-331-2323 TTY
www.avis.com

Budget Rent-A-Car
888-221-1203
800-826-5510 TDD
www.budget.com

Dollar Rent-A-Car
800-800-3665
800-232-3301 TTY
www.dollar.com

Enterprise Rent-A-Car
800-325-8007
866-534-9270 TTY
www.enterprise.com

Hertz
800-654-3131
800-654-2280 TDD
www.hertz.com

National Car Rental
888-273-5262
800-328-6323 TTY
www.nationalcar.com

Read more:
For information on other types of accessible vehicles, see New ATV Models are Accessible For All Abilities.

Check out Get Up and Get Out: Accessible Outdoors to learn about ability-equipped RV's and accessible campsites.

For accessible transportation information, see Transportation Resources.

Consumer Guide to Adaptive Vehicles – What You Need to Know

2008-01-10T23:15:00Z

Starting to drive again is one of the landmark steps for people who have experienced a spinal cord injury or loss of limb. The good news: there are now many options available in adaptive vehicles. Whether you are retrofitting an existing vehicle using the most recent assistive technology (also known as adaptive technology), or starting from scratch to outfit a new vehicle, the following information will help you make wise choices that fit your personal circumstances.

Who does what? Who has the answers you need? And what do you need to do before you’re “approved” to start driving again? Read on.

Who Does What?

Manufacturers
Manufacturers fall into two categories:. the manufacturers of the original vehicles (companies like Ford, Toyota, GM, etc.), also referred to as OEMs (original equipment manufacturers), and manufacturers of adaptive equipment. These companies either manufacture components that “bolt on” to an OEM vehicle or they perform substantial structural and mechanical alterations to the vehicle such as raising the vehicle’s roof and door or lowering the vehicle floor. Those that manufacture “bolt on” products are referred to as equipment manufacturers and those that perform substantial structural modifications are referred to as second stage manufacturers, alterers, or modifiers.

Dealers or retailers
These are the companies that you, as the consumer, will interact with. They are your retail source for adaptive equipment. They either sell you components and modifications for your existing vehicle or sell you a complete and fully modified vehicle. They are the representatives and distributors of products from many of the second stage manufacturers, alterers, or equipment manufacturers.

Driver evaluators and trainers
These are the professional individuals that determine the equipment needs of disabled persons who wish to drive a vehicle independently. They also provide the required training that disabled individuals need in order to effectively and safely drive a modified vehicle. Locate local evaluators and trainers through the Association for Driver Rehabilitation Specialists (www.driver-ed.org) under CDRS Directory.

National Mobility Equipment Dealers Association (NMEDA)
NMEDA is the industry association that establishes and administers quality and safety standards for those who sell adaptive vehicles and mobility equipment, including wheelchairs. As part of this process, it facilitates a Quality Assurance Program (QAP) for industry dealers. The NMEDA website (www.nmeda.org) also provides contact information for Veterans Administration and Vocational Rehabilitation agencies as well as OEM rebate programs.

The Purchasing Process
The first step is contacting a dealer or retailer in your area who is knowledgeable about evaluating both your physical needs and the best adaptive technology solutions for your individual circumstances. (The NMEDA website will have contact information for the dealer closest to you; find at www.nmeda.org/directory/dealers). The dealer will talk with you about your needs, desires, and constraints and then recommend the vehicle(s) and equipment choices that best fit your needs and budget. NMEDA suggests that as part of evaluating your options, you may want to consult several dealers and gather several recommendations before making a purchase decision.

Once you’ve made your choice, the dealer will then do one of three things:
• Modify your vehicle with purchased components from equipment manufacturers and/or internal manufacturing processes, or
• Purchase a modified vehicle from a second-stage manufacturer or a modifier and then add the final “touches” with components from equipment manufacturers, or
• Send your vehicle to a second-stage manufacturer, or modifier for structural modifications before adding the final “touches.”

What Do Driver Evaluators Do?
Driver evaluators and trainers fit into the process in several ways:
• You may consult with them before you search for dealers to determine what adaptive equipment you need. This process may include having you drive several vehicles equipped with different adaptive technologies to see what best suits you. The evaluator will document your needs in a written “prescription,” which you’ll then take to a dealer will use it to price the specified options.
• If you have been evaluated by a driver trainer, he or she will commonly come to the “fitting” phase, where your modified vehicle is tailored to your particular physical circumstances. The fitting step is where all of the adaptive equipment is positioned in locations appropriate to your needs.
• Once the vehicle is complete and you are ready to drive the vehicle independently, the driver evaluator/trainer will teach you how to properly and safely drive your modified vehicle.

Where to Buy Adaptive Equipment
There are three options for finding and purchasing adaptive equipment:
• You can visit a dealer’s physical location, where you’ll have an opportunity to with a sales representative and try out a variety of equipment options in person. (NMEDA recommends that you use a NMEDA dealer in order to ensure that industry safety and quality standards are being adhered to.)
• You can view the products online and discuss your options over the phone with a sales representative.
• You can contact private individuals who may be selling their used modified vehicle or equipment to others, either online or in person. These opportunities are commonly found among classifieds sections, either in print or online.

What to Buy
You have two choices in two categories: new or used vehicles, and new or used equipment.

New or Used Vehicles
New vehicles and equipment can be purchased from adaptive technology dealers, such as those belonging to NMEDA, who specialize in knowing both how to assess your specific driving needs related to your disability and the adaptive technology options available to meet those needs. As noted, you can find a dealer in your area by visiting www.nmeda.org.

New or Used Equipment
Used vehicles and equipment can also be of great value, but will probably require a greater investment of time and possibly money to determine the condition and history of the vehicle and/or equipment.

Also, although used equipment purchased from dealers usually includes warranties, items purchased online or from private individuals probably will not. Consequently, if considering this option you’ll want to be especially diligent about determining whether a give purchase will truly meet your needs. At a minimum, you’ll want to verify that the products will work in your vehicle; are right for your physical size, weight, and disability; will work with your wheelchair (if appropriate); and does not include parts that are obsolete or worn out (e.g., wheelchair tie downs.) Also, you’ll need to find a qualified individual to install adaptive equipment purchased in the private market if you are not able to do it yourself. (Most dealers won’t install equipment that they did not sell.)

What equipment? As stated previously, there are many equipment manufacturers. You may want to research your equipment options online before either visiting a dealer or considering used equipment (or after visiting a dealer and learning what equipment they sell). One way to do that is to visit manufacturers’ websites, many of which are very informative. Also, if working with a dealer, you can contact most manufacturers to verify if your dealer is an authorized distributor of their products and confirm that the dealer’s recommendations are appropriate and applicable to your vehicle and physical circumstances.

For wheelchairs being transported in vehicles, you may also want to check out the RERC on Wheelchair Transportation Safety, www.rercwts.org, which provides important information about WC-19 compliant wheelchairs (i.e., wheelchairs designed to be safe while being transported in a vehicle).

Things to Consider Before Making Your Purchase

Your Wheelchair or Scooter
The size, dimensions and features of your wheelchair or scooter can greatly influence the vehicle and equipment that will work best for you and can therefore greatly affect the cost of your adaptive equipment and vehicle modifications. If you’re working with a dealer, it’s always preferable to contact a dealer and discuss your needs and desires for your vehicle prior to purchasing your wheelchair or scooter. If you already have your wheelchair or scooter, inform your dealer if you plan to purchase a different one soon, so the dealer can recommend adaptive equipment that may be useful for your future wheelchair or scooter. (For information on wheelchair safety and compliance, e.g., SAEJ2249, visit www.travelsafer.org/.)

Will you be using the vehicle independently or with fulltime assistance? The answer to this question can greatly alter what vehicles and equipment will be appropriate for you. If you have fulltime assistance, you can possibly save considerable money by buying manually operated products as opposed to automatic products. If you will be using the vehicle alone, you’ll want to focus on adaptive equipment suited to your specific needs and abilities (that is, automated for easier operation).
Will you be remaining in your wheelchair while getting into and out of the vehicle, and while the vehicle is in motion? This question can also be dependent on your answer to the previous question. Again, your equipment and vehicle options greatly vary depending on whether you remain in your mobility aid or not when entering, exiting or traveling in the vehicle. Your physical abilities play a significant role in the options that are available to you.
Are you driving the vehicle with adaptive equipment or riding as a passenger? Driving a vehicle with adaptive controls can vary from relatively simple inexpensive modifications such as spinner knobs and hand controls to more complicated and expensive systems costing as much as the vehicle. The process of driving a vehicle with adaptive controls can be highly complex, so you may want to consult with industry professionals who can help with both the technology and training.
Where and how are you going to use the modified vehicle? Consider issues such as road conditions in your usage area, weather, number of passengers and cargo weight and size requirements.

The answers to these questions will help you determine your available options. You’ll probably also want to consult with NMEDA dealers, manufacturers, driver trainers/evaluators, and other members of the disabled community to get the best sense of what adaptive technology and equipment choices and vehicle modifications most effectively meet your needs.

Safety and Compliance
The safety of you, your passengers, and everyone else on the roadway is a paramount consideration when purchasing and using an adaptive vehicle. Some important issues to consider:

Training
Make sure you thoroughly understand your adaptive driving controls, equipment, and related systems. If you purchase online or from a private party, work with your driver evaluator/trainer to make sure you have completely mastered the equipment and understand all safety, maintenance, and usage information.

If you purchase from a dealer, make sure your purchase includes being properly trained in the use of your adaptive equipment during the “delivery process,” which is the term used to describe the method by which the dealer provides you with your completed vehicle. This process should be very thorough and never rushed. Your proper education on how to use and maintain your adaptive equipment and vehicle is crucial in reducing the chances of personal injury to you or those who use your vehicle. During this process you should receive and review with your dealer the owner’s manuals from each piece of adaptive equipment in your vehicle. This is also the time to determine your responsibilities to ensure that the equipment stays in safe and good operating condition.

Service
Because of the complexity of many assistive technologies, regular maintenance and service is critical to ensuring safe operation and reliability. However, servicing adaptive vehicles and equipment is not the same as a routine oil change. Adaptive technologies can present complex maintenance challenges, so part of your responsibility as an owner will be to understand all of your adaptive vehicle or equipment’s maintenance needs and to find service providers for those items you can’t do yourself. If you have purchased from a local dealer, they will usually offer service and maintenance support; if you have purchased online or through a private party, you’ll want to determine who is qualified in your area to provide these services for you before you need their assistance.

Compliance
Regardless of whether you purchase your adaptive vehicle or equipment from a local dealer, online, or from a private party, making sure that the seller is in compliance with industry standards and Federal regulations will help ensure that you purchase a vehicle, equipment, and/or modifications that are safe and appropriate to your needs. If you are purchasing from a dealer who is a NMEDA member, check to make sure that participate in the organization’s Quality Assurance Program (QAP), which requires that all participating members be inspected by an independent engineering firm to monitor quality, compliance and other company issues such as insurance and proper registration with the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration. (The QAP is a voluntary program and participating dealers agree to abide by industry guidelines, developed by NMEDA, in regard to the procedures and processes they follow when modifying vehicles.)

Another dealer quality and compliance indicator to check for is NHTSA registration, a program of the Department of Transportation’s National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, which develops and enforces safety regulations for OEMs. NHTSA registration ensures that adaptive vehicles, equipment, and modifications sold by dealers comply with federal safety regulations. (Call 888-327-4236 or go to www.nhtsa.dot.gov/cars/rules/adaptive/Modifier/Index.cfm to verify a dealer’s registration.)

Finally, if you are working with a local dealer, always ask them whether they conform to the Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standards (FMVSS), regulations developed and administered by NHTSA that primarily apply to OEMs, and how these regulations relate to your modifications.

Warranty and Service Considerations
If you purchase your adaptive equipment from a dealer or manufacturer, the level of service and the warranty you receive are substantial factors in the value they add. As part of your purchase decision, you should consider these questions:

Where is the service location?
If you buy from a dealer in your local market, your service location is usually the same as the sales location. If you purchase from an online retailer or personal individual, finding a service location may prove difficult, as many dealers won’t service equipment brands that they do not sell because of safety concerns.

Is after-hours service available?
This can be an important consideration if you are highly dependent on your adapted vehicle, and a system malfunction can be seriously disruptive to your life. If so, you may want to verify 24-hour or after-hours availability of technicians (NMEDA dealers provide 24 hour after hours answering service).

Can you get your adaptive equipment serviced and/or /repaired when on vacation?
If your equipment has been purchased online or through a private party, you’ll want to do a bit of research before you travel to identify where to get your vehicle repaired should the need arise. If you purchase from a dealer, they should be able to tell you what other dealers within a given geographic location can provide service for your specific adaptive equipment.

What are the terms of the warranties?
All new adaptive equipment and modifications should come with a warranty. Like vehicle warranties, warranties for adaptive vehicles and equipment vary in terms and coverage. Some warranties only cover parts and others cover parts and labor. Always require a dealer or online seller of new equipment to provide you with the written terms of all warranties during the sales process. Extended warranties should also be considered. Repairs to adaptive equipment can be very expensive and warranties can help lower the lifetime operating costs of the equipment.

Funding
Purchasing a modified vehicle can be very expensive, so it makes sense to check out all possible options for funding assistance. Some options to research:

State agencies
Every state has a Vocational Rehabilitation Program. These are state-funded programs that assist disabled individuals to get back into or remain in the work place. In some cases they provide funding for vehicle modifications. Check with your local program for qualifications.

Veterans Administration
The Veterans Administration funds adaptive equipment for qualifying veterans. Inquire at www.va.gov/about_va or 202-273-7124.

Charitable organizations and/or churches
Check with your local public library for a list of the charitable organizations and churches in your area, and ask the librarian if he or she is aware of any other resources that might be useful in your research.

Mobility rebate programs
Most vehicle manufacturers (Ford, GM, Toyota, etc.) provide rebates to purchasers of new vehicles that require modifications for disabilities. Before you purchase a new vehicle for modifications, inquire with your dealer about applicable rebates.

Special finance programs
A wide variety of programs are available for financing mobility vehicles, including loans with extended terms, leasing packages, and more. Check with your dealer for more information about special financing programs being offered.

Resources
National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA)
www.nhtsa.gov
The portal to the federal agency that regulates adaptive vehicles. From the home page select “Traffic Safety” at the top of the page then “Disabled Drivers and Passengers.”

Ride Safe Brochure
www.travelsafer.org
Information to help you travel more safely in motor vehicles while seated in your wheelchair.

Provided by the National Mobility Equipment Dealers Assn., Sponsored by SRD Bolduc Inc.

Back on the Road Again – Adaptive Vehicles for SCIs

2008-01-10T23:14:00Z

As you and your family already know, life after a spinal cord injury is never the same. Often one of the final steps in regaining your independence is returning to driving. Driving frequently leads to being able to return to work, school, and leisure activities. As with other activities of daily living you have already learned to do in a new way, you will need training and adaptive equipment to be safe and successful when returning to driving.

If you want learn to drive or return to driving following a spinal cord injury, the first step is to have a driving evaluation. A driver rehabilitation specialist will first determine if driving is a realistic goal for you; not everyone is able to drive again. If driving is not a goal for you, they will assist you in finding alternative modes of transportation or you can contact a mobility equipment dealer, who will assist you in finding an appropriate vehicle for passenger purposes. More on this later.

Ideally, this evaluation would be completed by a certified driver rehabilitation specialist.
To find an appropriate driver rehabilitation specialist you should visit The Association of Driver Rehabilitation Specialists (ADED) website, www.ADED.net. On this website you will be able to locate ADED members in your state and identify if there is a certified driver rehabilitation specialist near you.

The comprehensive driving evaluation should include both a clinical evaluation and a behind the wheel evaluation. The clinical evaluations assess your visual, perceptual, cognitive, and physical abilities. That, in conjunction with the behind the wheel assessment, will help to determine if driving is a realistic goal, and if so, what driver training and adaptive driving equipment you will need to achieve this goal.

Although you will no longer be able to drive an automobile in the same manner, there are multiple types of driving equipment that can allow a person with a spinal cord injury to drive. The driver rehabilitation specialist will specify what type of adaptive driving equipment you will need. The amount and type of equipment will vary depending on your strength, range of motion, coordination, balance and functional use of your arms.

Most individuals who have sustained a spinal cord injury will need a set of mechanical hand controls and a steering device, such as a spinner knob. There are multiple types of mechanical hand controls. The equipment attaches directly to the vehicle’s gas and brake pedals, and allows the driver to operate the gas and brake using their hand instead of their feet. All mechanical hand controls operate the brake by pushing the control toward the dashboard. The method to depress the gas pedal differs depending on the manufacturer. Your driver rehabilitation specialist will determine which type works best for you, taking into account your functional ability, size, and vehicle type.

A spinner knob is a type of steering device that is mounted on the steering wheel. This removable piece of equipment allows a person to use one hand to steer the vehicle (when the other hand is on the hand control). There are different types of steering devices available to accommodate different types of hand functions. These will allow a person to steer a vehicle safely.

If you have decreased functional use of your arms, more complex equipment may be needed for you to safely accelerate, brake, and steer the vehicle. Individuals with greater loss of function will require higher-tech. equipment.

A few examples of this type of equipment are:
• Horizontal steering- This system moves the steering wheel to a horizontal plane and uses a smaller wheel to compensate for decreased motion and strength
• Electric gas and brake- hand controls that are operated electrically and require only a small amount of range of motion and strength
• Reduced effort steering and braking- compensates for decreased arm strength and range of motion
• Joystick driving systems- allows for one hand operations of brake, acceleration, and steering

If you require the higher tech equipment, you will most likely also need equipment to operate your secondary vehicle controls. Secondary controls includes all functions other than gas, brake and steering (ex. turn signal, windshield wipers, air control, radio...) This equipment can be as simple as adding a toggle switch or making a knob larger. It can be as complex as a system which electronically operates all the secondary controls by voice prompting.

Once the driver rehabilitation specialist determines your driving equipment needs, they will send the recommendation to a mobility equipment dealer. Selecting the appropriate mobility equipment dealer is as important as choosing a qualified driver rehabilitation specialist. The mobility equipment dealer is an individual or business that installs equipment or modifies vehicles for individuals with disabilities for use as a passenger or driver. You can find a qualified mobility equipment dealer by visiting the adaptive driving alliance website (www.adamobility.com) and the national mobility equipment dealer association website (www.nmeda.org).

Whether you are able to return to driving or not, choosing the appropriate vehicle to meet your needs is critical to regaining your independence. The mobility equipment dealer will assist you with this process. It is very important that you consult with them prior to buying a vehicle, as not all vehicles are suitable for modifications and some may not work for your needs, even if they are able to be modified.

The type of vehicle you need is dependent on many factors, including the following:
• Your ability to transfer in/out of a vehicle
• The type of wheelchair you use
• Your weight and height in your wheelchair
• Your ability to store and retrieve your wheelchair
• Whether you will be a driver or passenger

Vehicle modifications that address a person’s ability to get in/out of the vehicle, handle the wheelchair stowage, or drive or ride in an appropriate vehicle or safely secured wheelchair include:

• Lifts to stow and retrieve the wheelchair

• Specialized transfer seats

• Lowered Floor Minivans- the floor of the minivan is lowered and the rear of the vehicle lowers (kneels), to allow someone in a wheelchair to enter and exit the vehicle easily using a ramp and to be able to see outside once in the vehicle. These vehicles also have removable driver and passenger seats to allow someone in a wheelchair to drive, ride in the front passenger area, or in the midship space

• Full Size Vans- A lift is needed for individuals in a wheelchair to enter a full size van. These vehicles can also have a raised door, raised roof, and lower floor added for someone who sits tall in their wheelchair

Remember, always consult a qualified driver rehabilitation specialist and mobility equipment dealer prior to making any decisions or purchases regarding a vehicle or driving equipment. Failing to do so can result in significant problems in the vehicle or adaptive equipment’s functionality. Economics and the safety of the driver, passenger and vehicle can be negatively affected by uninformed decisions.