Vehicle Modifications for Special Populations

There are two main types of automotive adaptive controls, those that provide an external source of power to actuate existing vehicle controls and those that modify OEM components to alter the operation of vehicle control systems. Generally, these are referred to as servo-type motion control systems and reduced effort or zero effort control systems, respectively.  

Vehicle Requirements If you are in need of a car for disability driving, you need to have certain modifications done to the vehicle. The modifications will vary based on the individual. Below are some requirements you should follow:   Get an automatic transmission The shifter should not have a button on it. There should be a feature that enables you to move the shifter easily Make sure the car has power steering, power windows, power locks and power seats If you are in a wheelchair, you need to have enough room, and there should be some sort of lift to get the wheelchair into the vehicle Seat belts should be recessed Install hand grips inside the vehicle Install a leg lifter if you need help to get your legs into the vehicle Install a transfer board to use to transfer yourself from the wheelchair and the seat If unable to use foot pedals, the car needs hand controls for both the brakes and the gas There should be a push button ignition for those with weakness of the hands. A touch screen is a good addition to control the signals, lights and wipers

Driver rehabilitation specialists perform comprehensive evaluations to identify the adaptive equipment most suited to your needs. They assess the type of seating needed and the person’s ability to exit and enter the vehicle. They provide advice on the purchase of modified vehicles and recommend appropriate wheelchair lifts or other equipment for a vehicle you own. The use of wheelchair car and van hand controls usually requires the driver to take and pass a special training class which educates on the nuances of driving with the controls.

Commonly used adaptations are: *Push/Pull hand controls. Push forward to brake and pull back to accelerate. *Steering wheel ball. To control the steering with one hand. *Left foot accelerator. *Infrared controls on steering wheel. *Easy release hand brake. *Rooftop wheelchair storage. *Swivel seat.

Brake, Clutch and Gas Pedal Extensions provide a safe, simple and inexpensive alternative for those who are short-stature, pregnant, or have hip or knee problems.

Car adaptations for the disabled include hand controls that are designed to correspond to the natural hand-arm movement of the driver: pull the control back, push down, or use a twist grip to accelerate, push it forward to brake. There are many hand controls available such as an easy use handbrake which is ideal if you find squeezing and pulling the handbrake lever difficult.

Turny/Turny Orbit - This revolutionary system for higher vehicles provides easy access to an automotive seat. The seat rotates, comes out of the vehicle, and lowers toward the ground, eliminating the climbing and twisting normally required to enter a higher vehicle. http://videos.disabled-world.com/video/567/turny-evo-vehicle-seat-lift

Portable hand controls are available for the paraplegic or amputee with a need for a car or van hand control that can be conveniently carried as luggage. Portable hand controls install in an automatic transmission vehicle in minutes. These hand controls are designed for use by individuals with normal upper body strength and coordination. Hand motions are pull to accelerate, push to brake. As with all hand controls, power brakes and steering are a must.

If you use a wheelchair then it's likely that you'll need to store the chair while you're driving so you can use it at your destination. Modifications which could make the process easier including installing a ramp to the rear of the car to make loading the wheelchair into the rear space much easier. Wheelchair Accessible Truck Video Demo http://videos.disabled-world.com/video/592/wheelchair-accessible-truck-video-demo

Wheelchair Loading

http://www.nj.gov/education/specialed/transition/agency.shtml http://www.carsdirect.com/car-buying/disabled-driving-how-to-get-your-drivers-license#Handicap_Vehicle_Requirements http://www.disabled-world.com/assistivedevices/automotive/ http://videos.disabled-world.com/category/adaptive-driving http://www.disabled-world.com/assistivedevices/automotive/hand-controls.php http://www.southernmobility.ie/html/adaptations.html