I WANT TO GET BACK ON THE ROAD AND DRIVE
Your local ADA dealer is a strong advocate for people with disabilities who want to get back on the road. We believe you are entitled to the independence and higher quality of life that having an accessible vehicle can provide. In fact, we help people every day who have debilitating conditions such as multiple sclerosis, cerebral palsy, arthritis, spinal cord injuries, complications from stroke or heart disease, and many more. All of them have found our friendly mobility consultants to be knowledgeable and exceedingly helpful in their search for vans with wheelchair lifts, adaptable driving equipment, turning auto seating and other mobility solutions.
I’M NOT SURE I CAN AFFORD IT
There are a world of financing options available for financing wheelchair accessible vehicles and adaptive driving equipment. Your local mobility dealer can help you apply safely and securely with banks and lenders. We can also help you locate auto manufacturer rebates and reimbursements, state grants, grants from organizations, promotions and other assistance. Of course, you may also want to check with your own bank or lending institution to see what kind of assistance they can offer.
CAN I DRIVE FROM A WHEELCHAIR?
If you want to do more than ride along on the journey, we can help you find a van outfitted with a wheelchair lift or ramp so you can drive your wheelchair directly into your vehicle. We can also help you find the right steering controls to make driving not only possible, but also pleasurable again.
HOW DO I KNOW THE KIND OF EQUIPMENT I NEED?
You will first need to get a prescription. You can obtain this from your physician or from ADED (Association for Driver Rehabilitation Specialists). A Certified Driver Rehabilitation Specialist (CDRS) will evaluate your situation and determine what, if any, adaptive equipment you could benefit from having. They will write a prescription for that equipment and provide the proper training to make sure you’re comfortable with the equipment before using it on your own. You can find a specialist near you through ADED, or through your local ADA Dealer.
CAN SOMEONE TEACH ME HOW TO USE THE NEW EQUIPMENT?
Finding a Driving Instructor. If you need to learn how to drive an adapted vehicle, you can find a Certified Driver Rehabilitation Specialist (CDRS) near you through ADED, the Association for Driver Rehabilitation Specialists — or through your local ADA Dealer. A CDRS is trained to evaluate your situation and determine the best equipment for your needs. They will be able to write a prescription for that equipment, and train you in how to use it.
THEN WHAT? HOW CAN I GET MY DRIVER'S LICENSE?
If you wish to drive a car that includes handicap modifications, you will need to take a driver’s test using the modified vehicle. As with any driving test, there is a written portion and a road test. Once you’ve passed the written test, you will be issued a permit so you can practice driving for the actual road test. Each state has different requirements for drivers who have disabilities. Be sure to check with the Department of Motor Vehicles in your state to find out how to register your car, obtain your license and take care of any other specific requirements.
Your local ADA dealer will help you find the right wheelchair van or truck super easy!
