Road Trip
The Freedom of the Open Road Is More Accessible Than Ever Before
There's nothing like the feeling of hitting the open road or simply being able to come and go as you please, without having to rely on someone else.
Driving with a disability has always been possible, but it has also always been a challenge. Purchasing an accessible van can be quite expensive and retrofitting your existing vehicle to meet your accessibility needs can sometimes be even more expensive. And for years, it was left up to each individual driver’s creativity to outfit their car for accessibility because companies that specialize in vehicles for the disabled simply didn’t exist.
Today, there are a number of different companies that will help you finance an accessible vehicle and assist you in finding the right adaptations for your vehicle. One of the advantages of so many companies is that you can comparison shop. You are no longer obligated to purchase your vehicle or adaptive equipment from one company. Or to put something together on your own to make your vehicle drivable.
Adapting A Vehicle
Unlike most companies dealing in adaptive equipment for the disabled, a person who had actually experienced a disability firsthand founded Drive Master. Alan Ruprecht, the owner and operator, founded the company after becoming severely disabled from adult polio and finding the hand controls and adaptations for automobiles of the day – 1952 – too costly and poorly manufactured. Fifty-five years later, Drive Master offers a number of services, vehicle adaptations such as steering and brake modifications, push-pull hand control systems and professionally trained customer service technicians.
For over 25 years, Mobility Products and Design has been adapting vehicles to meet the needs of disabled drivers. The adaptive products that this company offers range from simple easy-to-grip foam covers for the steering wheel to tractors and golf carts with hand controls.
Buying An Accessible Vehicle
Ford Mobility Motoring is a program that offers financial assistance toward the cost of installing adaptive equipment in a new Ford, Lincoln or Mercury vehicle. There are four simple steps that you need to complete before you can qualify for the program, including visiting a driver assessment center to get your driving skills and adaptive equipment needs assessed.
Rollx offers a wide variety of new and used full size vans or minivans. Rollx deals in Chrysler and Dodge and offers services such as financing, rebates and nationwide delivery.
There are numerous other companies that offer vehicle adaptations and accessible vehicles. Disabled drivers aren’t just limited to vans as their vehicles anymore, either. Cars, trucks and SUVs can be made accessible. It all depends on your style and the type and size of the wheelchair that you have. Check out this YouTube clip to see how a full size pickup truck is made accessible.
Whatever vehicle you choose, get out there and start enjoying the freedom of the open road.
