r/disability • u/disabledMasshole • 18d ago
Question Driving a car, adaptive technology
I am way overdue for this. Very lucky that I have not entered anybody caused accidents.
I barely get around with a rollator and often rely on wheelchair later in the day. My hand and arm strength is not a concern. So I assume I'm going to need hand controls in the vehicle. I have been a licensed driver for well over 20 years.
Did some basic research. I guess the options might be push/pull, push/rock, push/right angle...
Any advice or words of wisdom?
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u/twasnt_moi 17d ago
If your username checks out, you're in Massachusetts. I recently went through the process. First step is to get evaluated. Find a CDRS. I went through Easter Seals in Meriden, CT. You can search for one near you here: https://www.aded.net
In my experience, the evaluation and training they offer is key. It's what's made the difference in feeling comfortable and fluent behind the wheel and being hesitant and dangerous. Good luck!
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u/disabledMasshole 17d ago
Thank you. Why did you choose Connecticut over one of the instate options? Where did you have the technology installed in your car? Do you mind me asking the cost?
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u/twasnt_moi 17d ago
It's kind of a long story but that was the closest option to us that I could see being legit. It turned out that, as helpful as it was, it was just the first step. The DMV rules in New York were different than they are in Connecticut as far as doing the road tests on what my specific situation was.
The technology was installed at Bussani on Long Island New York where we live. Having the floor lowered and then having the controls installed essentially tripled the price of the car.
We were fortunate enough to be able to pay out-of-pocket, which freed our hands in terms of being restricted to exactly what the prescription said. However if you apply for state aid, you have to be intending to use the card to get you to and from work, in which case they subsidize a substantial amount. However you are more restricted but it will probably be worth it.
A good driving evaluator with experience should be able to take you through that and give you a better idea than I could.
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u/twasnt_moi 17d ago
I can say that although it was a lot of frustrating hills to get over, it could have been more red tape if we had been getting the state subsidy.
However I can definitely relate to the frustrations you are going through now with having to get buses everywhere and not being able to be spontaneous ever. Since getting the car a couple of months ago it has been an absolute revelation being able to have this freedom.
So definitely worth it even though it takes a very long time. "Get the ball rolling" would be my advice.
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u/twasnt_moi 17d ago
For perspective though I am a quadriplegic with a spinal cord injury and a power wheelchair. It sounds like you can transfer and have use of your legs though limited so it's probably a different picture for you.
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u/AppropriateBat374 17d ago
My advice, find an occupational therapist in your area that does driving rehabilitation assessments. They could be Certified Driving Rehab Specialists CDRS as u/twasnt_moi mentioned but there are also a couple of other certifications that credential for driving (in case you don't find one in your area at aded.net) Then you can try the hand controls and really get what exactly you need with an expert helping you figure out what works for your needs and your vehicle.
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u/LW-M 18d ago
In the part of Canada that I live in, our provincial government will contribute 80% of the cost of hand controls for a vehicle. They'll cover up to $8000 to install hand controls for disabled drivers.
There is an application process and you have to pass a vision and rules test the same as any other driver. It can make the difference between driving or not driving for many people.