subject: Handicap Vehicles for Drivers with Disabilities [print this page] Handicap Vehicles for Drivers with Disabilities
Handicap vehicles have been providing people with disabilities a way to get around for many years now. However, for independent disabled individuals who wish to drive and get around on their own, whether it's for work or pleasure, driving vehicles has not always been simple. With the many modern advances in mobility technology, disabled people can now equip their vehicles with numerous features that will make driving relatively easy.
At one time, ramps were the only way to get a wheelchair and its occupant into handicap vehicles. These days, there are a variety of mobility lifts available which can either secure a wheelchair to the back of a vehicle or can hoist it into the vehicle itself. If disabled individuals who drive a vehicle on their own are in need of a lift, they will need one that can hoist both themselves and their wheelchair into their car at the same time. These types of lifts are called hybrid lifts and include a ramp which a person can wheel their chair onto. Contemporary hybrid lifts have easy-to-use controls. In addition, sliding and power ramps are also available to help making entering and exiting the vehicle simpler.
There are mobility accessories that may be needed by the independent disabled driver. For instance, it is often imperative that a remote device be used to activate a lift. Otherwise, a second person may be needed for assistance. You might also consider purchasing a remote starter for your vehicle. In cold weather, it can pose health risks to sit in a cold vehicle while waiting for it to warm up. With a remote starter you can allow your car to warm up before getting in. On the same token, you can let the air conditioner do its work in hot weather before entering your vehicle.
Many disabled individuals also need special hand controls in order to use the car's pedals and steering wheel. You will find that there are a variety of innovative hand controls on the market. Some are meant to be used on a more permanent basis. Others are designed to be used as needed and can easily be removed from a vehicle. These temporary hand controls work well for disabled people who share a vehicle with someone who does not need mobility equipment.
There are a number of accessories to consider when purchasing or converting handicap vehicles. It pays off to research all of your options and then decide what will best suit your specific requirements.
