Posts Tagged ‘hand controls’

Handicap Driving Devices

There are a number of handicap driving devices on the market today which can assist people with disabilities in driving a vehicle.  But what is a handicap driving device?  These devices help handicapped individuals drive a car, truck, SUV, or minivan.  In fact, there are devices for handicap driving almost any device with wheels (even tractors and golf carts).

What are some of the different handicap devices for driving?  Disabled hand controls are the most popular and one of the most affordable.  These simple mechanical devices typically attach to the steering column of the vehicle of choice.  Typically, pushing on the control will apply the brake.  Pulling down or rotating forward will push the accelerator.

Another type of handicap driving device is the spinner knob.  Although these devices have been around for quite a while, there are several variations which can be tailored to almost any disability.  There are standard spinner knobs, palm grip spinner knobs, and tri-pin spinner knobs.  Different finishes are available to match personal taste and vehicle interior.

Left foot accelerators allow individuals with limited use of their right foot control the gas and brake with their left foot.  This handicap driving device is easy to install, and some models are removable for ambulatory driving by a companion.  Higher end driving handicap devices exist for individuals with higher level disabilities.  Reduced effort steering actually assists with turning the steering wheel.  Electronic devices can operate windshield wipers, blinkers, and virtually any other vehicle function.

Before choosing a handicap driving device, consult with a professional in the mobility industry.  Typically, a local mobility dealer can offer the best advice as to which options are available.  They can also help out with a driving evaluation in some cases, or point you to a certified driving evaluator.  This can be important for insurance purposes and some states require it.

Handicap Driving Aids

Trying to find a handicap driving aid for your car, truck, SUV, or minivan?  AbilityTrend.com has some interesting information regarding the different types of handicap driving aids available for disabled people who want the freedom of driving.  Many of these unique wheelchair driver devices can work in un-modified vehicles, but when paired with a wheelchair van conversion (Wheelchair Accessible Van), a fully accessible, fully drivable wheelchair vehicle is created.

AbilityTrend.com details the different types of handicap driving aids for sale like steering controls, mechanical hand controls, electric controls, reduced effort steering, and left foot accelerators.  A greater level of driving handicap aids is achieved with electric aids, but they require a more in-depth evaluation and training by a professional.  To learn more about which driving aid for handicap use will work best for your situation and budget, consult with a local mobility dealership in your area.  A local mobility dealer will also be able to aid you with questions on prices and availability, as well as installation.

Wheelchair Stair Lift | Wheelchair Stair Lifts

Is getting up and down stairs a problem for yourself or a family member?  Consider installing a wheelchair stair lift.  Built specifically to assist individuals who find it difficult to climb stairs, stair lifts for disabled people are motorized seats with a track mounted to the wall that will safely take you or your family member with a disability up a stairway.  Lifts for stairs can be battery operated, plug in, or be hardwired to your home’s electrical system, and they usually don’t require any structural changes to the steps other than fastening hardware.

A lift for stairs can be a good idea for homeowners who have a hard time getting around without a wheelchair, or have other physical disabilities that make it difficult or unsafe walking up stairs.  A professional local mobility dealer can typically install a wheelchair stair lift without damaging the walls of your home, and there may be colors to match your home’s decor.  A wide variety of stair lifts are available, but the biggest factors to consider are the seat wideness and weight limit or load capacity.

Used wheelchair stair lifts are hard to come by, as these mobility devices are typically custom installed to fit each staircase they are needed.  Some mobility dealerships may be able to make modifications on a used stair lift to allow it to work in you home.  These mobility stores may also have additional mobility equipment you might find helpful like wheelchair vans, wheelchair accessible vehicles, wheelchair lifts, scooter lifts, hand controls for driving disabled, and more.

Extreme Wheelchair Van Adventure

The whole point of wheelchair accessible vans or vehicle is to allow people with disabilities to experience the fullness of life that able bodied individuals have.  Maybe that means taking the wheelchair van to the mall, to a ball game, or out for a night with friends.  For one non profit organization, it means off road adventures:

Disabled Explorers is a non-profit organization that exists to enhance the lives of disabled people through independent four-wheel-drive backcountry travel.

The Wheelchair Accessible Van for Expeditions (WAVE) is an off-road capable, four-wheel-drive recreational vehicle equipped with a wheelchair lift and hand controls. It is designed to be driven by a wheelchair user, taken into remote areas, and lived in while traveling. Disabled guests on the Desert Solitude Series of trips will drive the WAVE on remote roads and trails and experience independent adventure travel.

An accessible wheelchair van is one thing.  But it is entirely different to take a fully accessible vehicle offroad in rough terrain.  Most mobility vans have lowered floors or raised roofs and don’t exactly do well on back roads.  But these beefed up vehicles for wheelchair users are specifically designed to withstand the demanding nature of off road activity.