By: Cheryl Angelelli
Getting your driver’s license is an exciting and highly anticipated rite of passage for most teenagers. Not for me. I remember being terrified sitting behind the wheel for the first time with a driver’s education instructor. Just four years earlier, I had sustained a C6 incomplete spinal cord injury and thought… how was driving going to be possible?
I have come a long way and put many miles on the road since that fateful day. Adapted driving solutions have also come a long way. Whether you have a spinal cord injury like I do, an upper or lower extremity amputation, or you are only able to use one arm following a stroke, adapted driving solutions can restore your independence and ability to get back on the road.
Today, many types of hand controls are available, including lever controls, push/rock controls, push/pull controls, and even electronic hand controls. A mobility specialist can help you choose the right hand controls for your needs, and customize them to suit your individual preferences and needs.
One of the most popular types of hand control, and the one I use, is a radial hand control. It allows me to control the brake and accelerator pedal with one hand. I simply push the lever down towards the floor to accelerate, and I push the same lever forward to brake. Since my injury occurred when I was 14 years old, it was easy for me to adapt to this way of driving since it’s the only way I have ever known.
There are also options when it comes to adapting your steering wheel, such as spinner knobs to allow drivers to steer more easily with one hand, lightened or zero-effort steering, or an amputee ring for drivers using a prosthetic hook.
As for getting my wheelchair in and out of my vehicle, for years I used to physically lift my manual wheelchair into my mini van, until a year ago when changes in my mobility and balance made it unsafe to continue doing so. I was faced with a big decision on what type of lift to install. Would I go with a folding ramp and if so, did I want it to be side entry or back entry? Did I want a platform lift or a hoist? Decisions…decisions…decisions. I ultimately went with a newer option from Adapt Solutions. Instead of the driver’s seat swiveling and descending to my wheelchair height, I have a transfer bench I sit on that lifts me up to seat level and then I slide into the driver’s seat. It is a less costly option. And instead of a traditional lift, I have a mechanical arm that grabs the back of my wheelchair, lifts it into the car, and stores my chair behind the driver’s seat.
I am grateful my initial fears about driving took a backseat to my desire to be more independent. Driving opened up a whole new world for me—more than a means of transportation, it provides freedom, self-sufficiency, and connection to my friends, family, and community.
Losing the ability to drive due to disability can significantly impact a person’s quality of life. Unfortunately, statistics also show that people with disabilities are less likely to own or have access to vehicles than people without disabilities. One reason is cost. Depending on the modifications you need, it can be very cost prohibitive.
Here are some resources and suggestions to help offset some of the costs of purchasing a vehicle and/or adapted driving equipment.
Many vehicle manufacturers offer mobility assistance reimbursement for accessible vehicle equipment, up to $1,000. For example, when I purchased my Pacifica, Stellantis’ DriveAbility Program covered the cost of my hand controls and the installation by an accredited National Mobility Equipment Dealers Association (NMEDA) installer.
If your vehicle will be used for employment, your local vocational rehabilitation agency may provide funding for vehicle modifications. Because I need my vehicle to get to work, Michigan Rehabilitation Services covered the cost of my wheelchair lift and transfer bench, including installation. Before investing in any vehicle or equipment, check with your local vocational rehab agency to learn about their criteria and stipulations.
If you have a service-related disability, you may be eligible for funding to help you buy or modify a vehicle so you can drive.
Contact the assistive technology program in your state to learn about local funding options such as alternative loans for people with disabilities. These low-interest loans can be used for vehicles and vehicle modifications in many cases.
Look for a used vehicle for more savings. Check with your local mobility dealer to learn what’s available in your area.
For more information about adapted driving, you can visit the National Mobility Equipment Dealers Association at nmeda.org, or access the online resource center at United Spinal Association at unitedspinal.org. Both websites have lots of articles and tips on adapted driving and equipment.
Make sure to visit United Spinal’s listing of available grants for people with disabilities to learn about funding offered by various organizations. The grants are categorized by area of focus, each with its own eligibility criteria.
