Oklahoma ABLE Tech Assistive Technology Fact Sheet

Adapting Motor Vehicles for People with Disabilities

Cost Saving Opportunities

The costs associated with modifying a vehicle can vary greatly. Whether you are modifying a vehicle you own or purchasing a new vehicle with adaptive equipment, it pays to investigate public and private opportunities for financial assistance. There are programs that help pay part or all of the cost of vehicle modification, depending on the cause and nature of the disability as well as an employment related need. For more information, contact Oklahoma’s Department of Vocational Rehabilitation Services at (800) 845-8476, and if appropriate the Disabled American Veterans in Oklahoma City (405) 521-0758. If you have private health insurance or workers’ compensation, you may be covered for adaptive devices and vehicle modification. Check with your insurance carrier. Manufacturers, such as Ford Motor Company, DaimlerChrysler Corporation, and General Motors, have rebate or reimbursement plans for modified vehicles. Some states waive the sales tax for adaptive devices if you have a doctor’s prescription for their use. You may be eligible for savings when submitting your federal income tax return. Check with a qualified tax consultant to find out if the cost of your adaptive devices will help you qualify for a medical deduction. Some nonprofit associations that advocate for individuals with disabilities may have grant programs that help pay for adaptive devices.
A low interest bank loan through BancFirst is a beneficial program that offers a more affordable way to purchase assistive technology which includes vehicle adaptations. Call ABLE Tech for information on your eligibility.

Licensing Requirements – Oklahoma requires a valid learner’s permit or driver’s license to receive an on–the–road evaluation. You cannot be denied the opportunity to apply for a permit or license because you have a disability. However, you may receive a restricted license, based on your use of adaptive devices.

Evaluate Your Needs - Driver rehabilitation specialists perform comprehensive evaluations to identify the adaptive equipment most suited to your needs. A complete evaluation includes vision screening and, in general, assesses:

Muscle strength, flexibility, and range of motion
Coordination and reaction time
Judgment and decision making abilities
Ability to drive with adaptive equipment

Upon completion of an evaluation, you should receive a report containing specific recommendations on driving requirements or restrictions, and a complete list of recommended vehicle modifications.

Finding a Qualified Evaluator - To find a qualified evaluator in your area, contact a local rehabilitation center or call the Association for Driver Rehabilitation Specialists (ADED). The Association maintains a database of certified driver rehabilitation specialists throughout the country. Your insurance company may pay for the evaluation. Find out if you need a physician’s prescription or other documentation to receive benefits.

Being Prepared for an Evaluation - Consult with your physician to make sure you are physically and psychologically prepared to drive. Being evaluated too soon after an injury or other trauma may indicate the need for adaptive equipment you will not need in the future. When going for an evaluation, bring any equipment you normally use, e.g., a walker or neck brace. Tell the evaluator if you are planning to modify your wheelchair or obtain a new one.

Evaluating Passengers with Disabilities - Evaluators also consult on compatibility and transportation safety issues for passengers with disabilities. They assess the type of seating needed and the person’s ability to exit and enter the vehicle. They provide advice on the purchase of modified vehicles and recommend appropriate wheelchair lifts or other equipment for a vehicle you own. If you have a child who requires a special type of safety seat, evaluators make sure the seat fits your child properly. They also make sure you can properly install the seat in your vehicle.

Select the Right Vehicle
Selecting a vehicle for modification requires collaboration among you, your evaluator, and a qualified vehicle modification dealer. Although the purchase or lease of a vehicle is your responsibility, making sure the vehicle can be properly modified is the responsibility of the vehicle modification dealer. Therefore, take the time to consult with a qualified dealer and your evaluator before making your final purchase. It will save you time and money. Be aware that you will need insurance while your vehicle is being modified, even though it is off the road.

The following questions can help with vehicle selection. They can also help determine if you can modify a vehicle you own.

Does the necessary adaptive equipment require a van, or will another passenger vehicle suffice?
Can the vehicle accommodate the equipment that needs to be installed?
Will there be enough space to accommodate your family or other passengers once the vehicle is modified?
Is there adequate parking space at home and at work for the vehicle and for loading/unloading a wheelchair?
Is there adequate parking space to maneuver if you use a walker?
What additional options are necessary for the safe operation of the vehicle?

If a third party is paying for the vehicle, adaptive devices, or modification costs, find out if there are any limitations or restrictions on what is covered. Always get a written statement on what a funding agency will pay before making your purchase.

Choose a Qualified Dealer to Modify Your Vehicle - Even a half inch change in the lowering of a van floor can affect a driver’s ability to use equipment or to have an unobstructed view of the road; so, take time to find a qualified dealer to modify your vehicle. Begin with a phone inquiry to find out about credentials, experience, and references. Ask questions about how they operate. Do they work with evaluators? Will they look at your vehicle before you purchase it? Do they require a prescription from a physician or other driver evaluation specialist? How long will it take before they can start work on your vehicle? Do they provide training on how to use the adaptive equipment?

If you are satisfied with the answers you receive, check references; then arrange to visit the dealer’s facility. Additional information to consider is listed below.

Are they members of the National Mobility Equipment Dealers Association (NMEDA) or another organization that has vehicle conversion standards?
What type of training has the staff received?
What type of warranty do they provide on their work?
Do they provide ongoing service and maintenance?
Do they stock replacement parts?

Once you are comfortable with the dealer’s qualifications, you will want to ask specific questions, such as:

How much will the modification cost?
Will they accept third party payment?
How long will it take to modify the vehicle?
Can the equipment be transferred to a new vehicle in the future?
Will they need to modify existing safety features to install the adaptive equipment?

While your vehicle is being modified, you will, most likely, need to be available for fittings. This avoids additional waiting time for adjustments once the equipment is fully installed. Without proper fittings you may have problems with the safe operation of the vehicle and have to go back for adjustments.
Some State Agencies specify the dealer you must use if you want reimbursement.

Obtain Training on the Use of New Equipment - Both new and experienced drivers need training on how to safely use new adaptive equipment. Your equipment dealer and evaluator should provide information and off-road instruction. You will also need to practice driving under the instruction of a qualified driving instructor until you both feel comfortable with your skills. Bring a family member or other significant person who drives to all your training sessions. It’s important to have someone else who can drive your vehicle in case of an emergency.

Some state vocational rehabilitation departments pay for driver training under specified circumstances. At a minimum, their staff can help you locate a qualified instructor. If your evaluator does not provide on-the-road instruction, ask him or her for a recommendation. You can also inquire at your local motor vehicle administration office.

Maintain Your Vehicle - Regular maintenance is important for keeping your vehicle and adaptive equipment safe and reliable. It may also be mandatory for compliance with the terms of your warranty. Some warranties specify a time period during which adaptive equipment must be inspected. These “check ups” for equipment may differ from those for your vehicle. Make sure you or your modifier submits all warranty cards for all equipment to ensure coverage and so manufacturers can contact you in case of a recall.

Resources:

Department of Transportation Website: www.nhtsa.dot.gov
Department of Transportation Auto Safety Hotline: 888-DASH-2-DOT (888-327-4236).

Listing of automotive companies that have rebate programs http://www.nhtsa.dot.gov/cars/rules/adaptive/brochure/brochure.html

The Association for Driver Rehabilitation Specialists http://www.driver-ed.org/

Oklahoma Driver Rehabilitation Specialists:

Integris Jim Thorpe Driving Rehabilitation Program, OKC (405) 644-5423 or toll free 800-764-7652

Oklahoma Rehabilitative Driving Services – University of Central Oklahoma, 405-834-3877

Kaiser Rehabilitation Center – Hillcrest Medical Center, Tulsa (918) 579-7111

National Mobility Equipment Dealer's Association http://www.nmeda.org/

Oklahoma Dealers:

Handi-Cap Aids Company

730 W Hefner Road
Oklahoma City, OK 73114
Ph: (800) 689-0511
Ph: (405) 842-0511, Fax: (405) 840-9170
QAP Accredited
www.handicapaids.net

Handicapped Vehicle Services

Saxon Moore
P.O.Box 470350
Tulsa, OK 74147
Ph: (918) 622-8400, Fax: (918) 665-0039
www.hvsu.com

Newby-Vance Mobility
P.O. Box 400
Guthrie, OK
Ph: (800) 375-4471, Fax: (405) 282-4714
www.newbyvancemobility.com
QAP Accredited

Provided by Oklahoma ABLE Tech, 1514 W. Hall of Fame, Stillwater, OK 74078 (888) 885-5588

Website: http://okabletech.okstate.edu