The first issue to settle is whether you can still drive your vehicle after spinal cord injury, with some type of adaptation. You may need to go through a driving evaluation and assessment for adaptive equipment. Driver education for persons with disabilities is usually available through rehabilitation centers. You can get more information from your state Department of Rehabilitation. Of course, private driver training programs are also available.Most states require drivers to report a physical disability that might significantly affect their driving status and require that these drivers be reexamined. If you do not report your disability, your automobile insurance carrier may not be obliged to cover you in the event of an accident. Check with your insurance company and state motor vehicles department before driving your adapted vehicle.After the proper driving training, you’ll need to make decisions about types of vehicles and special accommodations. There are various ways for a driver to get a wheelchair in and out of the car. Vans can be fitted with a wheelchair lift or a ramp that folds down so that you can wheel inside. Some people with power wheelchairs prefer to remove the driver’s seat and adapt the vehicle so they can drive while seated in the wheelchair. Others use full-size vans and stow the power chair between the front seats, transferring into the car seat to drive. Some people drive two-door cars with wide doors and more access to the back seat, which allows them to fold the chair and put it in the back. If you have some walking ability, you can put a chair or scooter on a lift on the back of the car and walk to the driver’s seat. Also available are lifts that put a wheelchair into the back seat of the car.Containers called chair toppers can be purchased to install on top of your vehicle. These ingenious contraptions automatically lower a hook from an overhead compartment, which resembles a car-top luggage carrier. The hook slips under the seat of the wheelchair (which is easily collapsed by pulling up on the seat) and carries it vertically upward until it flips on its side and slips into the open container. The container then closes, to store and protect the chair. An advantage of this device is that you can transfer from the chair to the car seat, hook the chair, and push the button in the car to raise it. This is helpful for those unable to walk or without sufficient strength to lift the wheelchair, and it protects the driver from the elements.When you are buying a new vehicle, check with the manufacturer about cash allowances for modifications. Ford, General Motors, and Chrysler all give some rebate toward hand controls, pedal adaptations, van conversions, or lifts. Dealers usually have brochures available on the dollar amounts their manufacturers grant. This allowance can be a major economic boost in these expensive purchases.If you do not drive, perhaps a personal care attendant or family member can drive your vehicle. Your personal safety is important, so make sure you have proper tie-downs for the wheelchair. A valid driver’s license and good driving record may need to be on your list of questions when you hire an attendant. Insurance covering the driver and passengers in the car is another essential.A note on technological aids in driving: Before investing in the latest technology to aid in your driving, talk with others who have used the device about pros and cons. Some items require sensitive care and frequent fine-tuning. If you know in advance that a technological device needs tender loving care, you may be less stressed about the time you spend taking your car or van to the shop.When considering hand controls, think about what type of driving you are likely to do. Some hand controls are permanently mounted in the vehicle. If you travel and rent cars often, or own more than one vehicle, you may want to buy portable hand controls. These can be switched from one car to another and are easily installed and removed, without permanently altering the car. They are also useful if another family member will sometimes be driving the same car, using the foot pedals.
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