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Delaware Assistive Technology Initiative

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Volume 12, No. 3, Summer 2004

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Driving Down the Road to Independence

Dan Fendler, AT Specialist, Sussex County ATRC

Driving is a part of the American way of life. It's often a key component of one's own sense of independence. If a functional limitation is keeping an individual from driving, there may be some adaptive technology available that could help.

Get an Assessment

Regardless of the circumstance, whether the functional limitation is recent or long-term, consider having a driving assessment done. Currently, there is no facility in Delaware that performs driving assessments, but there is a program in Pennsylvania. The Bryn Mawr Rehab Hospital has an Adapted Driving Program designed to meet the needs of individuals whose ability to drive has been affected by a disability, medical condition, or the aging process. Program participation requires a physician's prescription. Clients, family members, insurance companies, and other agencies may also initiate a referral. For more information, contact Bryn Mawr Rehab Hospital at (610) 640-3943.

Delaware DMV

According to Kathy Wickwire, the Driver Improvement Officer of Delaware's Division of Motor Vehicles Medical Section, there are procedures that must be followed in order to ensure safe and legal operation of a vehicle equipped with adaptive equipment. For new drivers, both written and eye tests are required to receive a permit. A medical form is needed from an individual's physician that describes the nature of the driver’s disability and the equipment needed to accommodate it. A permit will then be issued that allows a new driver to participate in appropriate training at a certified driving rehab center. If an individual is a new resident and already has adaptive equipment installed, s/he must take a road test with the equipment and provide a doctor’s note. Please contact the Medical Division at (302) 744-2507 for any additional information or forms.

Types of Available Equipment

One of the more common adaptations available is hand controls. Hand controls enable the driver to control the gas and brake pedals without the use of legs or feet. There are two types of controls— portable units and semi-permanent mounted units. Wheel Ability (www.wheelability.com, 541-342-2113) sells a portable unit, the PHCIII (Figure 1), for $310. It can be used with most passenger vehicles and its design makes it suitable for temporary installations.

Hand controls - portable unit, the PHCIII
Figure 1

There are several different types of semi-permanent mounting systems for hand controls. Vendors for this type of control include Driving Aids Development Corporation (www.drivingaids.com, 800-767-6435) and Kroepke Kontrols (www.kroepkekontrols.com, 718-885-1100).

A left foot gas pedal allows a driver to operate the right-sided gas pedal from a position left of the brake pedal. Vendors of this type of device include Handicaps, Inc. (www.handicapsinc.com or 800-782-4335) and North End Mobility (www.northend-mobility.com, 905-735-5552).

Gas, brake and clutch pedal extenders lengthen the pedals and permit the driver to be further away from the wheel and airbag, which is a safety consideration in the event of an accident. Vendors include Gary E. Colle, Inc. (www.garyecolleinc.com, 858-748-9414) and Drivemaster (www.drivemaster.net, 973-808-9709).

Pedal extenders
Pedal extenders (Gary E. Colle, Inc., $139)

Driver seats can be converted and adapted to meet an individual's specific needs. Lifts and ramps may also be added to a vehicle to enable an individual who uses a wheelchair or scooter to easily enter and leave a vehicle. Some vehicles can be modified so the individual can drive the car while sitting in his/her mobility device. Vendors for the products mentioned above include Bruno Independent Living Aids (www.bruno.com, 800-882-8183) and Independent Mobility Systems (www.ims-vans.com, 800-IMS-VANS).

Vista Series Lift
Vista Series Lift (Braun Corp., contact Braun dealer for price)

The list of adapted driving devices goes on and on and includes items such as a knob that helps the driver to steer, a device that allows the driver to use the turn signals from the right side of the steering wheel instead of the left, and a device that enables the driver to steer with his/her feet. For more information on adapted driving equipment, please contact your local ATRC.

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