Disabled driving has made tremendous advances over the years. Several new types of hand control devices and other modifications have been introduced that makes adaptive driving a possibility. Hand controls are complicated to purchase and install, but once in place, their benefits are countless. Handicap hand controls help mobility challenged individuals operate vehicles with ease. After appropriate training and practice, such hand controls become a lifeline for them and provide a sense of freedom and positivity in their lives.

How handicap hand controls are used?

A non-handicapped individual may often wonder how a mobility disabled individual can drive a regular car. The automobile industry has advanced greatly and has come up with ingenious ways to provide mobility independence and make disabled driving a possibility. People who are wheelchair ridden use their hands to get around. Cars are installed with handicap hand controls in order to help such individuals drive. Several custom adjustments may be made to a car in order to suit your personal needs.

In most cases, the regular functioning of the brakes and gas are kept intact so that the resale value of the car is not depleted. Additional hand controls are simply installed within the reach of the driver which helps operate the vehicle. An automatic transmission vehicle is compulsory for these disabled hand controls to work. Usually a single lever is installed for gas and brake. A pull would accelerate the car while pushing on the lever will apply brakes to it. Additional levers and buttons may be installed for horns, lights, indicators, wipers and so on.

Even though all these handicap hand controls may be bought at a number of stores, it is advisable to have the authorized dealer install it for you. Installing a hand control for effective adaptive driving can be a very tiresome task. Moreover, being certain that has been installed correctly is imperative to your safety while driving. The cost of these hand controls may run quite high. Installation charges are then added on to that. However, authorized dealers often offer a $1000 adaptive driving rebate to install certain handicap hand controls.

There are also several agencies like the Veteran’s Administration, development disabilities services, local rehabilitation centers and such similar places that offer compensation. At times, health insurance companies or driving insurance companies cover costs for installing vehicle medications for adaptive driving. Help is available to make driving easier and possible for you. A disabled individual must not give up the hope of driving that soon!

Types of modifications for adaptive driving

Hand controls are not the only form of modifications that are possible on vehicles. There are several other ways in which adaptive driving is made possible. Some of the common modifications are:

• Siren detectors for the hearing impaired.
• Bioptics for individuals with low vision.
• Amputee ring for drivers with prosthetic hooks.
• Floor-mounted steering for complete foot control of the steering wheel.
• Remote switches for commonly used functions like wipers, signals, horns etc.
• Wheelchair adjustable seats and seatbelts for comfortable entry and exit from the car.
• Pedal extender to raise the brakes and accelerator pedals for wheelchair accessibility.

Tips for disabled driving

Adaptive driving can be a very tiresome task. Knowing what is available and how to install hand controls and other devices can get overwhelming. Getting used to newly installed handicap hand controls can take awhile and a lot of practice.

• The Association of Driver Rehabilitation Specialists provides a thorough check up and useful recommendations of the types of hand controls and other modifications required by your car.

• Conduct lots of research based on your special needs in order to find out what is available for you and your car.

• Hand controls are hard to install, so make sure you have an experienced person install them for you.

• Practice repeatedly with your adaptive driving controls before you hit the roads!

Adaptive driving for disabled individuals is becoming more and more popular as technological advances come up with various devices to help such individuals operate vehicles just like a regular person. Handicap hand controls, once installed, become a very easy way to operate vehicles for wheelchair ridden people. It gives such individuals a new outlook on life as they can now be independent and need not always rely on public transportation. Such improvements make adaptive driving a possibility and a comfort factor for the thousands of people who are now benefiting from it.