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Vol. 5, No 3 May/June 1997 |
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Driving to Indepedence
Michael Meyreles, ATP
New Castle County ATRC
Many people equate independence with the ability to drive. Whether it is driving to the grocery store or driving cross-country, the freedom of travel is often taken for granted and often overlooked when it involves individuals with a disability. Adaptive driving can be the key to independence for a great number of persons with a disability.
There are a number of devices available that can remove barriers to driving for an individual with a disability. For example, when a person loses the use of their right arm due to an accident, adaptive driving controls allow the individual to operate the vehicle using a left-handed gear selector and a spinner knob steering device. Adaptive driving controls include high-tech and low-tech devices which range from $50 (for a left-foot accelerator pedal,) to $30,000 (for electronic driving controls). Some other examples of adaptive driving aids are shown below.
An assessment is paramount to determine the proper equipment necessary to access and operate a motor vehicle. There are two phases to the assessment. The initial phase of the assessment includes a vision test, a reaction time test, and a hand-eye coordination test. The second phase determines the necessary adaptive equipment. The local facilities performing adaptive driving assessments and training are Moss Rehabilitation Hospital in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania and Healthsouth Chesapeake Hospital in Salisbury, Maryland. Funding for adaptive driving aids is supported by the Division of Vocational Rehabilitation. Also, the major automobile manufacturers (Chrysler, Ford, and General Motors) offer reimbursement incentives for adaptive equipment.
In most states, an individual who uses adaptive driving equipment is required to possess an articulated license stating that he or she is qualified to use adaptive driving controls. This means that once a person has been assessed and trained using the specialized adaptive equipment, and has passed a road test, then s/he will be qualified to be on the road.
In today’s society, the ability to travel without restrictions is often taken for granted. The American Automobile Association (AAA) reports there are approximately five hundred thousand licensed drivers who have significant physical impairment.[1] AAA also reports there are approximately 1.5 million licensed drivers who have disabilities to a lesser degree, many of whom are over the age of 55.1 Given the maturing of America, the incidence of disability is only likely to rise and the number of drivers needing some sort of adaptive driving intervention is also likely to increase. An adapted vehicle offers an individual with a disability the most convenient and a most satisfying means of independence. For information pertaining to any facet of adaptive driving, please contact any of the local ATRCs.
| Modified or Zero Effort Steering & Brakes | Reduces the strength needed to turn the steering wheel or use the brake. |
| Left Foot Accelerator | Eliminates left leg cross-over. |
| Foot Pedal Extensions | Raises height of accelerator and/or brake pedals. |
| Steering Devices | Devices such as a spinner knob allowing for easier one-handed use of the steering wheel. |
| Hand Controls | Used to operate brake and accelerator pedals. |
| Left Hand Gear Selector | Permits left-handed operation. |
| Right Hand Turn Signal | Right-handed operation of turn signals without reaching across the wheel. |
| Remote Switches | Reposition secondary controls, such as lights, horn and heater, to accommodate a drivers' specific disability. |
| Electronic Gas & Brake Controls | Permits vehicle operation when hand controls can not be accessed. |
| Raised Roofs or Doors | Accommodate for a person’s wheelchair. |
| Wheelchair Lifts and Ramp | Gain access to a vehicle. |
| Automatic Transmission | Replaces clutch and manual shift. |
| Power Steering | Permits one-handed steering operation. |
| Power Brakes | Needed for hand controls |
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[1] AAA. (1995). The Disabled Driver’s Mobility Guide, Heathrow, Florida.
