Adaptive Driving for Persons with Physical Limitations

Driver Rehabilitation Programs

According to the Association of Driver Educators for the Disabled, a driver rehabilitation program should have a qualified driver rehabilitation specialist, the appropriate vehicle(s), and equipment to provide comprehensive services in the following areas:

1. Clinical Evaluation - applicable testing in the area of physical functioning and visual/perceptual/cognitive screening. Where applicable, a wheelchair/seating assessment should be completed.
2. Driving Evaluation - shall include an on-the-road performance assessment of the client in an actual driving environment using equipment similar to the prescribed equipment.
3. Vehicle Modification/Prescription - all prescriptions shall be based on the client's demonstrated performance in an actual driving experience with equipment similar to that which is being prescribed. The prescription should include appropriate description and dimensions of the client's vehicle and mobility aid (wheelchair, scooter).
4. Driver Education - shall include sufficient practice and training to enable the client to operate a motor vehicle with the prescribed equipment at a level that meets the client's need for a driver's license.
5. Final Fitting - the client shall receive a final fitting and operational assessment in their modified vehicle.

Adaptive Driving Aids/Modifications

With the use of appropriate adaptive aids an individual with most types of physical disability can continue to drive safely. A variety of devices are available to meet the individual driver's needs and preferences. The following is a list of the more common modifications available. They should be tried in an actual driving situation before making a final decision. (For liability issues work with a certified adaptive driving specialist).

• Automatic transmission - replaces clutch and manual shift
• Power Steering - permits one-hand steering wheel operation
• Power Brakes - needed for hand controls and other adaptive aids
• Steering Devices - spinner knob, amputee ring, quad fork, tri pin, or custom device
• Floor Mounted Steering - floor steering wheel for foot control
• Modified Effort Steering - reduces strength needed to operate power steering or brake to accommodate low strength and/or endurance.
• Left Foot Accelerator - eliminates left leg cross-over
• Foot Pedal Extensions - raises height of brake and accelerator
• Hand Controls - control operates brake/accelerator with single lever and activates secondary controls (horn, wipers, turn signals, etc.) * temporary or mounted hand controls are not recommended by Veterans Administration
• Electric Gear Selector - permits left hand operation
• Right Hand Turn Signal - permits right hand operation without cross-over
• Remote Switches - reposition or build up secondary controls (horn, wipers, turn signals, etc.) to accommodate driver's specific disability
• Seat Belts - shoulder and lap belt adjustments may be needed
• Power Seats - eases access for transferring to a regular captains seat
• Custom Seats - creates balance, positioning, and stability
• Lifts and Ramps - permits access into and out of vehicle
• Wheelchair/Scooter Lifts - assists in lifting wheelchairs and scooters in and out of vehicles
• Wheelchair Carriers - permits carrying of wheelchair outside of vehicle

Vehicle Selection

When choosing a vehicle for transportation there are several areas to consider. Your doctor, physical therapist or occupation 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.

Following are some areas to consider:

• What are your transportation needs?
• Do you need a car, truck, full-size van or mini-van?
• Are you able to take public transportation?
• What are your physical limitations that will effect your ability to access a vehicle or drive?
• Will you be a driver or passenger?
• Will you be able to handle the mental and physical stress of driving?
• What is your ability to transfer into and out of the vehicle?
• Will you require an assistive seat or lift to get into or out of the vehicle?
• If you require a lift, what options do you prefer? Side door or rear door entrance/exit; electric; hydraulic; platform swing out 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 to operate the vehicle?
• What are the services & warranty programs on your vehicle of choice? What parts are covered, and where can emergency repair work be done if you are out of town?
• What alternative funding sources are you eligible for (Veteran's Administration, Division of Vocational Rehabilitation, Developmental Disabilities Services, or Insurance - Health or Workman's Compensation)?
• 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?
• Did you check with the dealer for a finance package?

Colorado Modification Vendors:

Adaptive Automotive
2665 E Hwy 224
Denver, CO 80229
303/288-6342 or 800/748-3695

FreeWheel Vans, Inc.
4901 Ward Rd
Wheat Ridge, CO 80033
303/467-9981

Handicaps, Inc.
4335 S Santa Fe Dr
Englewood, CO 80110
303/781-2062
800/782-4335

Morning Star Mobility Inc
3508 E St Vrain
Colorado Springs, CO 80909
719/380-1200
800/854-7463

Rocky Mountain Wheelers, Inc.
3772 S Lipan St
Englewood, CO 80110
303/789-4063

Colorado Adaptive Driving Programs:

Behind the Wheel Rehabilitation
Driving Program
Columbia Spalding
Rehabilitation Hospital
900 Potomac St
Aurora, CO 80011
303/367-1166

Capron Rehabilitation
2215 N Cascade Ave
Colorado Springs, CO 80933

Craig Hospital
OT/Driving & Transportation
3425 Clarkson
Englewood, CO 80110
303/789-8218
limited participation, doctor's orders required

Front Range Driving School
PO Box 253
Longmont, CO 80502
303/772-6050

McKee Medical Center
1824 W Vine Dr
Fort Collins, CO 80521
970/635-4179

Rocky Mountain Rehab
900 Potomac
Aurora, CO 80011
303/363-5351

VAMC
1055 Clermont
Denver, CO 80231
303/393-2819

Other Resources:

Adaptive Mobility Services
1000 Delaney St.
Orlando, Fl 32806
407/426-8020

American Automobile Association
Adaptive Driving School
4100 E Arkansas
Denver, CO 80222
303/753-8800

American Driver & Traffic Safety Education Association
800 Florida Ave, NE Gallaudet
Salsibury, MD 21801
301/850-0075

Association of Driver Educators
PO Box 49
Edgerton, WI 53534
608/884-8833

Braun Corp
1014 S Monticello, PO Box 310
Winamac, IN 46996
800/843-5438

Bruno Independent Aids
1780 Executive Dr, PO Box 84
Ocnomowoc, WI 53066
800/882-8183

Chrysler Motors
Physically Challenged Resource Center
800/255-9877

Dept of Veterans Affairs
Prosthetic & Sensory Aids Services
Mailing Code 117C
Washington, DC 20420
202/535-7293

Ford Motor Company
Mobility Motoring Program
800/952-2248
800/833-0312 (TTY)
General Motors
Mobility Assistance Center
800/323-9935
800/833-9935 (TTY)

Handicapped Driver's Mobility Guide
American Automobile Association
4100 E Arkansas
Denver, CO 80222
303/753-8800

National Mobility Equipment
Dealers Association
909 E Skagway Ave
Tampa, FL 33604
813/932-8566

RESNA
1100 Connecticut Ave
Washington, DC 22209
202/857-1199

Volkswagen
Mobility Access Program
800/444-8987