Tips for Making Your Vehicle More Disability Accessible

10 June 2015
 Categories: , Blog


There are many accessories available for drivers today that make their vehicles more accessible to them, no matter their disability or physical challenges. If you're handicapped in any way, you don't need to assume that you now need to give up driving. Instead, outfitting your car or a van with a few simple accessories can make it more comfortable for you to drive and allow you to remain safe behind the wheel. Note a few accessories and conversions you might consider to make your vehicle more accessible to those with disabilities.

1. Hand controls

Gripping a steering wheel can be difficult for those with hand injuries or arthritis, which is why hand controls can be installed that will allow you to steer. These may be knobs or they may be small bars that are attached to the steering wheel, and they come in a variety of thicknesses and types of padding.

Hand controls can also be attached to a vehicle that take the place of the accelerator and brake pedal. If a person is unable to move their legs or feet, a hand control can allow them to control the car with a type of lever that may be placed next to the driver's seat or on the steering wheel itself.

2. Transfer boards

Lifting oneself from the wheelchair to the driver's or passenger seat can be very difficult, but a transfer board can assist. This is a type of small platform that fits next to the car's seat so that the disabled person only needs to transfer this short distance from their wheelchair, and then from the transfer board to the car's seat. A transfer board can then simply fold down when not in use.

3. Extension controls

A person with mobility issues may have problems with their reach; their arms and legs may not be able to extend as far as is needed to drive their car. They may also struggle to actually grip smaller components of the car, such as the handle of the shifter. Extension controls can be mounted to gas and brake pedals so that less movement from the legs is needed to control the car, and to the shifter lever. There are even extension controls that you carry with you and which hold a key; the key fits into the extension bar or handle, making it easier for those with arthritis, problems gripping, or mobility issues to actually insert and turn the key to their car.

For other tips on making your car more accessible, contact a professional such as Vics Maxi Transport.


Share