Car Modification for Persons with Disabilities: What You Need to Know

You don't have to be disabled or live with one. Although mobility and transport can be difficult for people with disabilities (PWDs), technology quickly delivers solutions that can improve the daily lives of PWDs.

assistive technology and adaptive driving make it possible for people with disabilities to safely and confidently drive to any destination. You can modify any vehicle, car, van or truck to meet your needs and preferences. You only need to do a thorough evaluation before you modify the vehicle.

Assistive technology uses carefully-installed driving aids to make driving for people with disabilities as easy as possible. Continue reading to find out more.

Who benefits from assistive technology?

Assistive technology (AT), is any equipment, software, or device that allows people to overcome different obstacles to accomplish a task. AT can be used in many areas of your life to solve problems related to learning, writing, development, and work. AT can be used to benefit patients and seniors.

We'll be discussing how AT can make it easier for people with disabilities to drive safely. The National Highway Traffic Safety Association regulates the production of AT devices for driving, and modified vehicles that are used by persons with disabilities. A modified vehicle can cost between $20,000 and $80,000.

These aids and devices are made to give people with disabilities independence and freedom. These aids allow you to move in and out of your car, drive, and access different features. Before choosing the right AT aids, it is important to evaluate each person's cognitive abilities and physical abilities.

Car Modifications and Their Benefits

A car must be modified in order for someone with disabilities to use it. To understand the modifications that must be made, the person must undergo an evaluation.

You will also need an adaptive driver's licence. When applying for a driver’s license, you must disclose your disability.

What is Car Modification?

Car modification refers to driving with a disability. It is the process of optimizing a vehicle to meet new requirements that are different than those it was originally designed to meet. Modifications can be used to offer a mobility option for people with disabilities.

Modifications can range from simple modifications like extending the pedals, to more complicated changes such as automating seats or adding ramps. Car modifications for disabled people are often unique. There are many devices and aids that can be used to meet your needs, no matter what they may be.

Modifications to your car can have many benefits

These modifications are vital, and here are some of the benefits they provide:

Offer an alternative option for transport

Most people with disabilities rely on wheelchairs for mobility. Although the government has done everything possible to ensure that public transport meets the needs and preferences of disabled people, there are still many issues to be resolved. Public transit schedules and train schedules, for example, may not be friendly.

Taxi services such as Uber or Lyft are considered technology companies, so they don't have to cater for people with disabilities. They are however taking other measures to do so. UberAccess and UberAssist are two examples of services Uber offers to assist passengers with disabilities.

Car modifications allow disabled people to enjoy their rides without having to worry about accessibility and schedules. Modified cars are a great alternative to wheelchairs, but they can be slow and you will still need crutches or a wheelchair to get to buildings.

Offer freedom

Sometimes, people with disabilities just want to be free. They don't want others to have to transport them or drive them. They can drive their own cars with car modifications. This improves their ability to live according to their design.

You can ensure optimal control

Car modifications are essential to enable people with disabilities to drive safely. Each aid or device is designed to be seamless and easy-to-use. Before any modification to your car, a physical evaluation is essential.

The modifications can be placed in a way that allows disabled people to drive as well as people without disabilities.

Assistive Modifications to Cars

Driving rehabilitation specialists often recommend assistive modification. It is rare to see two identical modified cars owned by the same person. These are some examples of adaptive equipment and accessories you might find in modified cars.

Hand Controls

These controls make it possible to operate the car without the need for foot pedals. You can also have buttons and levers to apply brakes, instead of using the pedals. You can also have buttons for indicators, lights, horns, and wipers. Detachable controls can also be installed, depending on the needs of the driver.

Steering Devices

These are the main devices used to steer the car. They come in many designs and options, including tri-pins and cuffs as well as palm grips and V-grips. The extent of your impairment will determine which option you choose. For those with smaller hands, a column extension can be used to move your steering wheel closer to the driver.

Modifications to Seats

Seat modifications are made based on the driver's ability or inability to exit or enter the vehicle. To adjust the seat position, you can use power seat attachments. You can adjust the position of the seat by rotating, lowering, or removing it. You can also insert the seat into the vehicle.

You can also use vehicle transfer seats to move easily from your wheelchair to the car seat. You can customize your seat to achieve optimal stability, balance, or positioning.

Foot Pedal Extenders

Brake and gas pedal extenders make it easier for shorter people to reach the pedals. They can use the pedals easily without having to struggle. These additions improve the driving experience by increasing comfort.

Automated Doors

You can set doors to automatically open or close with one button. A remote control is usually available for the driver to make it easy to operate. They don't have to struggle with the door when they want to get in the car. To accommodate people with mobility devices, the vehicle can be equipped with a drop floor or raised roof.

Adaptive ignition controls

To ensure maximum accessibility, modified cars for disabled people can have the ignition and engine start controls relocated. To prevent accidental misuse, the controls are often isolated and protected. For disabled persons, remote start systems and button ignition controls are preferable.

Ramps and Wheelchair Lifts

You can lift your wheelchair and store it in your car with no assistance using lifts. Ramps allow you to enter and exit your vehicle with the aid of the wheelchair. To prevent your scooter or wheelchair from rolling in a moving vehicle, tie-downs are used to secure it.

Left-Foot Accelerators

To prevent cross-overs, a left foot pedal will be required if you have a shorter or missing right leg. The pedal is usually located on the left side of the brake. Modifications are made for acceleration or braking systems.

Top Cars for Mobility Disabilities

It is important to choose a less complicated option when buying a vehicle to assist disabled people. The Rehabilitation Engineering & Assistive Tech Society of North America offers guidance in selecting the right vehicle.

To help you choose the right vehicle, you can consult an adaptive driving specialist. These experts will make sure that your vehicle can be modified to fit your adaptive equipment requirements. The following factors will influence your choice:

Your particular physical limitations

You may need to make special modifications

Your height

You are able to get in and outside the car

You will need either a lift, ramp, or an adaptable seat

After modifications have been made, you will need to be trained on how to drive the vehicle. Both the rehabilitation specialist and equipment installer will give you information about each additional driving aid or device. They will also be able to assess your vehicle and determine if it is eligible for modifications.

To find an equipment dealer, you can contact the National Mobility Equipment Dealers Association. The Association for Driver Rehabilitation Specialists can assist you if you need a rehabilitation specialist.

With this in mind, we have selected car models that can be used by people with disabilities.

Volkswagen Golf

The Volkswagen Golf is a great choice if you are looking for a basic hatchback car. You can adjust the seats to your liking. It's easy to load your wheelchair or other cargo into the spacious boot.

You can control several functions remotely with the 2020 models, such as starting the engine, unlocking and locking doors, flashing the lights, and turning on the lights. You can drive with confidence thanks to the driver assistance features such as front and rear traffic alerts, blind spot monitors, and front assist.

Hyundai Sonata

It is a mid-size car, with a low ride height that makes it accessible to disabled people. It has supportive seats that provide a comfortable driving position. The car comes equipped with a smart system that allows you to call for assistance in an emergency.

You can easily modify the Hyundai Sonata to fit different adaptive devices or aids. The Sonata, despite being a sedan can be modified to meet the needs of people with disabilities.

Honda Odyssey

If you are looking for a wheelchair van that can be converted to other uses, the Honda Odyssey is the ideal vehicle. You can customize the design to meet your needs by using both the side and rear entry. It is a great alternative for SUVs because it offers plenty of space.

The van has large, open doors that can accommodate wheelchairs. It also has a low floor to make it easy to use with ramps. To ensure accessibility and convenience, you can easily mount "Step & Roll” front seats to this van.

Jeep Renegade

The Jeep Renegade is a great choice for those with disabilities if you are looking for an SUV. You can customize it to suit your needs. You can fold the rear seats to store your wheelchair. The heated exterior mirrors will clear fog for maximum visibility.

You can keep warm with heated seats. There is also a backup camera to view your parking spot. This makes it ideal for those who are unable to move their necks.

Kia Soul

The Kia Soul is a spacious SUV that offers a comfortable ride and a large cabin. The touchscreen operation makes it easy to control the infotainment system, and wireless charging allows you to charge your phone with no physical connections.

Remote Start is available on the 2021 model. There's also an in-vehicle notification centre to notify you of any issues. You can also use voice commands with Amazon Alexa and Google Assistant to control certain aspects of your car.

Final Thoughts

A disability can present many challenges and limitations. While paying someone to drive you can be expensive, using a wheelchair can be very slow.

Technology makes it possible to modify any vehicle so that people with disabilities can drive wherever they please. You must first take the time to choose the right vehicle for your adaptive device. Good vehicles have extra-wide doors, adjustable feet pedals, large handles and knobs.

A rehabilitation specialist can help you choose the right vehicle for your needs. Most modified vehicles can be customized to meet your specific needs. This includes vision, coordination and decision-making ability.

No matter what your situation, it is worth taking the time to meet with a specialist to fit your car with the correct adaptive devices and financing. When choosing a vehicle or driving aid, safety and comfort are important considerations.