Adapting MotorVehicles For People

With Disabilities

Table of Contents

1 Introduction

2 Investigate Cost Saving Opportunities & Licensing Requirements

4 Evaluate Your Needs

6 Select the Right Vehicle

8 Choose a Qualified Dealer to Modify Your Vehicle

10 Obtain Training on the Use of New Equipment

11 Maintain Your Vehicle

12 Resources

1

A Proven Process for Gaining Freedom on the Road The introduction of new technologycontinues to broaden opportunities forpeople with disabilities to drive vehicleswith adaptive devices. Taking advantage ofthese opportunities, however, can be timeconsuming and, sometimes, frustrating.

The information in this brochure is basedon the experience of driver rehabilitationspecialists and other professionals whowork with individuals who require adaptivedevices for their motor vehicles. It iscentered around a proven process —evaluating your needs, selecting theright vehicle, choosing a qualifieddealer to modify your vehicle, beingtrained, maintaining your vehicle — that can help you avoid costly mistakeswhen purchasing and modifying a vehiclewith adaptive equipment.

Also included is general information oncost savings, licensing requirements, andorganizations to contact for help. Althoughthe brochure focuses on drivers ofmodified vehicles, each section containsimportant information for people who drivepassengers with disabilities.

Introduction

2

Cost Saving Opportunities The costs associated with modifying avehicle vary greatly. A new vehiclemodified with adaptive equipment can costfrom $20,000 to $80,000. Therefore,whether you are modifying a vehicle youown or purchasing a new vehicle withadaptive equipment, it pays to investigatepublic and private opportunities forfinancial assistance.

There are programs that help pay part orall of the cost of vehicle modification,depending on the cause and nature of thedisability. For information, contact yourstate’s Department of VocationalRehabilitation or another agency thatprovides vocational services, and, ifappropriate, the Department ofVeterans Affairs. You can find phonenumbers for these state and federalagencies in a local phone book.Also,consider the following.

Many nonprofit associations that advocate for individuals with disabilities have grant programs thathelp pay for adaptive devices.

If you have private health insurance or workers’ compensation, you may

Investigate Cost Saving Opportunities & Licensing Requirements

be covered for adaptive devices and vehicle modification. Check with yourinsurance carrier.

Many manufacturers have rebate orreimbursement plans for modifiedvehicles. When you are ready to makea purchase, find out if there is such adealer in your area.

Some states waive the sales tax foradaptive devices if you have a doctor’sprescription for their use.

You may be eligible for savings whensubmitting your federal income taxreturn. Check with a qualified tax consultant to find out if the cost ofyour adaptive devices will help youqualify for a medical deduction.

Licensing Requirements All states require a valid learner’s permit ordriver’s license to receive an on–the–roadevaluation. You cannot be denied theopportunity to apply for a permit or licensebecause you have a disability. However, youmay receive a restricted license, based onyour use of adaptive devices.

3

4

Driver rehabilitation specialists performcomprehensive evaluations to identify theadaptive equipment most suited to yourneeds. A complete evaluation includesvision screening and, in general, assesses:

Muscle strength, flexibility,and range of motion

Coordination and reaction time

Judgment and decision making abilities

Ability to drive with adaptiveequipment

Upon completion of an evaluation, youshould receive a report containing specificrecommendations on driving requirementsor restrictions, and a complete list ofrecommended vehicle modifications.

Finding a Qualified Evaluator To find a qualified evaluator in your area,contact a local rehabilitation center or callthe Association for Driver RehabilitationSpecialists (ADED). The phone number isin the resource section. The Associationmaintains a data base of certified driverrehabilitation specialists throughout thecountry. Your insurance company may payfor the evaluation. Find out if you need aphysician’s prescription or other documen-tation to receive benefits.

Evaluate Your Needs

5

Being Prepared for an Evaluation Consult with your physician to make sureyou are physically and psychologicallyprepared to drive. Being evaluated toosoon after an injury or other trauma mayindicate the need for adaptive equipmentyou will not need in the future. Whengoing for an evaluation, bring any equipmentyou normally use, e.g., a walker or neckbrace. Tell the evaluator if you areplanning to modify your wheelchair orobtain a new one.

Evaluating Passengers with Disabilities Evaluators also consult on compatibility andtransportation safety issues for passengerswith disabilities. They assess the type ofseating needed and the person’s ability toexit and enter the vehicle. They provideadvice on the purchase of modified vehiclesand recommend appropriate wheelchairlifts or other equipment for a vehicle youown. If you have a child who requires aspecial type of safety seat, evaluators makesure the seat fits your child properly. Theyalso make sure you can properly install theseat in your vehicle.

6

Selecting a vehicle for modification requirescollaboration among you, your evaluator,and a qualified vehicle modification dealer.Although the purchase or lease of a vehicleis your responsibility, making sure thevehicle can be properly modified is theresponsibility of the vehicle modificationdealer. Therefore, take the time to consultwith a qualified dealer and your evaluatorbefore making your final purchase. It willsave you time and money. Be aware thatyou will need insurance while your vehicleis being modified, even though it is off theroad.

The following questions can help withvehicle selection. They can also helpdetermine if you can modify a vehicle youown.

Does the necessary adaptiveequipment require a van, or willanother passenger vehicle suffice?

Can the vehicle accommodate theequipment that needs to be installed?

Will there be enough space toaccommodate your family or otherpassengers once the vehicle ismodified?

Select the Right Vehicle

7

Is there adequate parking space athome and at work for the vehicle andfor loading/unloading a wheelchair?

Is there adequate parking space tomaneuver if you use a walker?

What additional options are necessaryfor the safe operation of the vehicle?

If a third party is paying for the vehicle,adaptive devices, or modification costs,find out if there are any limitations orrestrictions on what is covered. Always geta written statement on what a funding agencywill pay before making your purchase.

8

Even a half inch change in the lowering of avan floor can affect a driver’s ability to useequipment or to have an unobstructedview of the road; so, take time to find aqualified dealer to modify your vehicle.Begin with a phone inquiry to find outabout credentials, experience, andreferences. Ask questions about how theyoperate. Do they work with evaluators?Will they look at your vehicle before youpurchase it? Do they require aprescription from a physician or otherdriver evaluation specialist? How long willit take before they can start work on yourvehicle? Do they provide training on howto use the adaptive equipment?

If you are satisfied with the answers youreceive, check references; then arrange tovisit the dealer’s facility. Additionalinformation to consider is listed below.

Are they members of the NationalMobility Equipment DealersAssociation (NMEDA) or anotherorganization that has vehicleconversion standards?

What type of training has the staffreceived?

What type of warranty do theyprovide on their work?

Choose a Qualified Dealer to Modify Your Vehicle

9

Do they provide ongoing service andmaintenance?

Do they stock replacement parts?

Once you are comfortable with the dealer’squalifications, you will want to ask specificquestions, such as:

How much will the modification cost?

Will they accept third party payment?

How long will it take to modify thevehicle?

Can the equipment be transferred to anew vehicle in the future?

Will they need to modify existingsafety features to install the adaptiveequipment?

While your vehicle is being modified, youwill, most likely, need to be available forfittings. This avoids additional waiting timefor adjustments once the equipment is fullyinstalled. Without proper fittings you mayhave problems with the safe operation ofthe vehicle and have to go back foradjustments.

Some State Agencies specify the dealer youmust use if you want reimbursement.

10

Both new and experienced drivers needtraining on how to safely use new adaptiveequipment.Your equipment dealer andevaluator should provide information andoff-road instruction. You will also need topractice driving under the instruction of aqualified driving instructor until you bothfeel comfortable with your skills. Bring afamily member or other significant personwho drives to all your training sessions.It’s important to have someone else whocan drive your vehicle in case of anemergency.

Some state vocational rehabilitationdepartments pay for driver training underspecified circumstances. At a minimum,their staff can help you locate a qualifiedinstructor. If your evaluator does notprovide on-the-road instruction, ask him orher for a recommendation.You can alsoinquire at your local motor vehicleadministration office.

Obtain Training on the Use of New Equipment

11

Regular maintenance is important forkeeping your vehicle and adaptiveequipment safe and reliable. It may alsobe mandatory for compliance with theterms of your warranty. Some warrantiesspecify a time period during whichadaptive equipment must be inspected.These “check ups” for equipment maydiffer from those for your vehicle. Makesure you or your modifier submits allwarranty cards for all equipment toensure coverage and so manufacturers can contact you in case of a recall.

For additional copies of this brochure and other important vehicle safetyinformation, you can contact DOT’s website at www.nhtsa.dot.gov and the DOTAuto Safety Hotline: 888-DASH-2-DOT(888-327-4236).

Maintain Your Vehicle

12

The Association for DriverRehabilitation Specialists (ADED)P.O. Box 49Edgerton,Wisconsin 53534(608) 884-8833 www.driver-ed.org

National Mobility Equipment Dealers Association (NMEDA)909 E. Skagway AvenueTampa, Florida 33604(800) 833-0427 www.nmeda.org

AAA1000 AAA DriveHeathrow, Florida 32746-5063(404) 444-7961

Department of Veteran Affairs (800) 827-1000

State Departments of VocationalRehabilitation Listed in telephone book.

Resources

13

The following manufacturers offer rebates or reimbursements on new vehicle modification.

Daimler Chrysler Corporation(800) 255-9877 (TDD Users: (800) 922-3826)

Ford Motor Company(800) 952-2248(TDD Users: (800) TDD-0312)www.ford.com/showrooms

General Motors Corporation(800) 323-9935(TDD Users: (800) TDD-9935)

Saturn(800) 553-6000, Prompt 3 (TDD Users: (800) 833-6000)

Volkswagen(800) 822-8987www.vw.com

Audi(800) 822-2834www.audiusa.com

Photos courtesy of Braun Corp. and Ricon Corp.

National Highway TraffficSafety Administration

DOT HS 809 014December 1999