See dealer for more. Mobility by Volvo Center. If you are looking for more information on adaptive vehicles or have a specific question, our information specialists are available business weekdays, Monday through Friday, toll-free at from am to pm ET.
Additionally, the Reeve Foundation maintains a fact sheet on driving with a disability with additional resources from trusted Reeve Foundation sources. Check out our repository of fact sheets on hundreds of topics ranging from state resources to secondary complications of paralysis. Reeve Foundation. Getting back on the road There's more to having a set of wheels than getting from here to there.
Driving is quite possible for many people who are paralyzed, even those with very limited hand and arm function. A wide range of adaptive driving equipment and vehicle modifications are on the market today. Depending on one's specific needs, an adapted vehicle may include the following: Hand controls for braking and accelerating Power assist devices for easy steering Touch ignition pads and gear shifts Adjustable driver's seats Automatic door openers Joysticks for people with extremely limited hand function For a person who has had a stroke, a spinner knob might be attached to the steering wheel for one-hand steering.
Driving evaluation The first step in the process is to get an evaluation from a qualified driver trainer. The evaluation also assesses the following: Vision screening and muscle strength Flexibility and range of motion Hand-eye coordination and reaction time Judgment and decision making Ability to handle adaptive equipment.
An evaluator may also take into account medications a potential driver is taking. Selecting a vehicle Once you get the green light from the evaluation and your state's motor vehicle department, it's time to think about the vehicles that suit your abilities and needs.
In other words, will you be driving from a wheelchair or can you transfer to the car seat? If you can transfer into a car, your choices are much wider. Will you fit in a minivan? A person may sit taller in the chair and may not clear the ceiling.
Can the vehicle accommodate the hand controls or other needed driving equipment? Will there be enough space to accommodate other passengers once the vehicle is modified? Be aware that full-size vans might not fit in your garage or public garages or even in certain parking spaces. If a third party is paying for the vehicle, adaptive devices, or modifications, are there limitations or restrictions on what is covered? Get a written statement on what a funding agency will pay before making your purchase.
If you are adapting a used van or family vehicle, make sure the technician has lots of experience. All lifts are not created equally, some just won't fit.
Also, some lifts are built for wheelchair users and scooter users may not be able to use them. Be a savvy shopper; investigate public and private financial assistance. Contact your state's department of vocational rehabilitation or another agency that provides vocational services and, if appropriate, the Department of Veterans Affairs.
Also, consider the following to help finance your new or adapted vehicle: Some nonprofit groups that advocate for individuals with disabilities have grant programs that help with adaptive devices. If you have private health insurance or workers' compensation, you may be covered for adaptive devices and vehicle modification. These permits, also referred to as disabled placards, tags, or badges, allow disabled drivers to park in spaces reserved for those with a disability.
You may also be able to access metered parking without paying or be allowed to park in time-limited spaces for longer than posted. Each state will have a list of specific criteria regarding the qualifying conditions for a disabled parking permit. The most common conditions that qualify you for a permit include:. Many people apply for a permanent disability parking permit, but many states also offer temporary disabled parking permits for other conditions.
Fees for any type of disability permits vary, so check with your DMV to find out more. Check to see if the model you are considering purchasing has good crash test results and is resistant to rollover.
When selecting a vehicle, look for and ask about available features designed to improve both the comfort and safety of drivers with disabilities. Some of these features are:.
Your driver rehabilitation specialist may be able to provide referrals depending on where you live and your vehicle modification and adaptive equipment needs. Note: Some State agencies specify the dealer you must use if you want reimbursement. To find qualified mobility equipment dealers, begin with phone inquiries to learn about credentials, experience, and references. Ask questions about how they operate.
Do they work with qualified driver rehabilitation specialists? Will they look at your vehicle before you buy it? Do they require a prescription from a physician or driver evaluation specialist? How long will it take before they can start work on your vehicle? In order to adapt a vehicle to meet your needs, registered equipment dealers are permitted to modify existing federally mandated safety equipment.
Search our database to find out if a mobility equipment dealer is registered with NHTSA as a vehicle modifier. While your vehicle is being modified, you will most likely need to be available for fittings.
This prevents additional waiting time for adjustments once the equipment is fully installed. Without proper fittings you may have problems with the safe operation of the vehicle and have to go back for adjustments.
Both new and experienced drivers need training on how to safely use newly installed adaptive equipment. Your equipment installer and driver rehabilitation specialist should provide information on the new devices and off-road instruction. This equipment can be very complex.
If your driver rehabilitation specialist does not offer such training, ask him or her for a referral, or inquire at your local driver licensing office. At a minimum, their staffs can help you locate a qualified driver rehabilitation specialist to provide training.
Finally, remember to enlist the help of a family member or friend to drive you to all of your training sessions. Keep in mind that your adaptive equipment may need special attention or more frequent check-ups than your vehicle alone.
However, the following checklist represents basic maintenance that applies to all vehicles:. Proper maintenance can keep your vehicle running smoothly, leaving you free to concentrate on the road and enjoy the freedom of driving. However, if you think you have a problem with your modified vehicle or adaptive equipment, tell us about it.
File a Vehicle Safety Complaint at nhtsa. Your information is important and could help determine if a safety issue exists. Know if there is a safety problem with your vehicle and how to get it fixed.
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