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Vehicle Modifications
Almost any car can be modified, but
the types of vehicles and modifications appropriate for each
driver are based completely on individual need and preference.
Be sure to see Infinitec's driving
assessment page to find out what's involved in a personal
driving assessment before making any modifications.
 Assessments
are extremely important to ensure personal safety, and it
can't be stressed enough how unique each person's needs are;
five people with the same disability will require five different
modifications, and possibly even five different vehicles.(See
Vehicle selection.) What's
more, a proper evaluation will save you a lot of money you
might have wasted on the wrong equipment. Protect yourself
and others by taking all the right steps.
Helpful Resource: Adapting Motor
Vehicles for People with Disabilities
http://www.nhtsa.dot.gov/cars/rules/adaptive/brochure/brochure.html
An online brochure detailing the process of selecting and
installing assistive devices for drivers with disabilities.
Examples of typical modifications prescribed by driving rehabilitation
specialists
| We usually don't
think of an automatic transmission as an adaptive
device, but technology has impacted us all! An automatic
transmission eliminates the need for a clutch and a manual
shift. |
| Power steering
is another winner! It has aided nearly everyone, but especially
those with a weak upper body, some of whom use hand-controls. |
| Stability Management
Systems offers a device that helps control the rebound
energy in vehicle suspensions, so driver and passengers
won't get jostled around and your vehicle retains stability.
The device can prevent road bumps, wind from passing trucks,
rollovers, and other accidents caused by vehicle instability.
See: http://www.stability-ms.com/mobility/index.html |
| A siren detector
electronically detects the high decibel sound waves of
an ambulance or fire truck for a driver who is hearing-impaired. |
| Bioptics
is a system with a telescope attached to prescription
glasses that allows a driver with very low vision to be
able to drive by glancing briefly and intermittently through
the special lenses. People who are legally blind but able
to substantially correct their vision with contact lenses
have benefited from Bioptics, so don't despair if your
vision is poor, maybe this can help. |
 Steering
Devices
- Knobs are employed for positive, one-hand
control, adjustable to one's ability.
- Drivers with no grip or diminished wrist stability
can use tri-pins, a three-pronged grip for
the wheel.
- A steering cuff offers complete support and
control for a driver with a totally disabled hand
and wrist.
- A palm grip, v-grip or quad fork is used
with some quadriplegics for steering. It is placed
at any position on the wheel according to the prescription
and driver's personal comfort.
- An amputee ring accommodates drivers with
a prosthetic hook on their steering arms. (The prosthesis
should have soft surface pinchers.)
- Modified effort steering reduces strength
needed to operate power steering or brakes for someone
with low strength or endurance.
- Floor-mounted steering is a floor steering
wheel for foot control
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| A raised
roof or dropped floor allows a person to drive
from his/her wheelchair or scooter. |
| A left-foot
accelerator eliminates left leg cross-over. |
| A pedal extender
raises the height of the brake and accelerator. |
| Hand controls
operate brakes and accelerator with a single lever (push/pull)
and they're also used for secondary controls: horn, wipers,
turn signals, etc. (Temporary or mounted hand controls
are not recommended by the Veterans Association.) |
| A steering
column extension is used to reach the wheel easier. |
| A Joy-stick
system for controlling a vehicle is also a helpful
option. |
| Gear selection
with the left hand is done with an electric gear selector. |
| Using a right-hand
turn signal allows right hand operation without cross-over. |
| Remote switches,
including elbow switches, reposition or build up secondary
controls (horn, wipers, turn signals, etc.). |
| Seat belts
for the shoulder and lap will vary according to need. |
| Tie-downs
will secure a wheelchair or scooter in place. There are
several different types. |
| To ease access
transferring to a regular captain's seat, power seats
are often used. |
 Seats
can be customized for balance, positioning and stability.
|
 A
wheelchair or scooter lift can be installed
for help getting in and out of your vehicle. Some are
designed to lift the driver and mobility aid together,
while another type just lifts the mobility aid to store
it during trips. Some are actually narrow enough to fit
in the trunk of a car along with the scooter or wheelchair,
eliminating the need to have a van! A ramp is also a helpful
accommodation and it's good to know there are many types
of lifts and ramps available for various vehicles. |
| Automatic
door openers ease entry and exit. |
| Electric
window openers and electric locks make life easier. |
| A wheelchair
carrier (usually mounted on the roof or the back)
is used for storage of a wheelchair, without having to
own a large vehicle. |
| A quad key-holder
or turner can be a life saver for those lacking
fine motor control. |
Resource
The Braun Corporation
www.braunlift.com
While this page is skewed to Braun Products, it provides a
general description of things to consider when purchasing
adaptive driving equipment and/or modifying vehicles. It provides
a good overview of different types of equipment.
Vehicle
Selection 
Below are some questions to consider during vehicle selection.
They were provided by RESNA, Rehabilitation Engineering and
Assistive Technology Society of North America. (Remember,
you don't have to answer these questions yourself, consult
a specialist):
| When choosing
a vehicle for transportation there are several areas to
consider. Your doctor, physical therapist or occupational
therapist will have input and can help answer any questions,
but a certified adaptive driving specialist can assist
in making a vehicle selection with completion of the driver
rehabilitation program. |
| Consider
your transportation needs. Do you need a car, truck, full-size
van or mini-van? |
| What are
your physical limitations? What will affect your ability
to access a vehicle or drive? |
| Are you
concerned with the mental or physical stress related to
driving? |
| What is
your ability to transfer into and out of a vehicle? Will
you require an assistive seat or lift to get in or out?
If you require a lift, what options do you prefer? Side
door or rear door entrance/exit, electric or hydraulic,
platform swingout or superarm, etc.? |
| Do you
require a lowered floor or raised top and doors? What
is your height, head to ground when sitting, and the length
and width of your wheelchair or scooter? Will you drive
from a wheelchair or use a power seat? |
| Will you
need special modifications, such as hand-controls, to
operate the vehicle? |
| What are
the services and warranty programs on your vehicle of
choice? What parts are covered and where can emergency
repair work be done if you're out of town? |
| Are you
eligible for funding sources through the Veteran's Administration,
your state's division of vocational rehabilitation, development
disabilities services, worker's compensation or health
insurance? (Many private insurance companies cover driver
rehabilitation programs; some driver's insurance may cover
vehicle modification.) |
| Have you
checked with a qualified accountant to determine eligibility
for tax credits for modifications? |
| Have you
checked with the manufacturer for information on a rebate
program to help pay for modifications? Chrysler, Ford
and General Motors all have reimbursement programs for
vehicle modification costs (See our Adaptive
Equipment and Vehicle Dealers section.) You can get
up to a $1000 reimbursement when you purchase and modify
a vehicle manufactured by one of these companies. |
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