Adapted automobile
An adapted automobile is an automobile adapted for ease of use by disabled people. Automobiles, whether a car or a van, can be adapted for a range of physical disabilities.
Contents
Hand controls
Foot pedals can be raised, or replaced with hand-controlled devices. Automotive handicap hand controls make it possible to adjust the acceleration as well as apply the brakes, in a similar way regular foot pedals,[2][3] The hand controls are being tested using SAE guidelines for Automotive Adaptive Driver Controls, which mandates weather exposure, vibration, and cycle testing.[4]
Automatic transmission and ergonomic adaptations, such as a lumbar support cushion, may also be needed.[5]
Wheelchair access
Wheelchair lifts, ramps or hoists, may be customized according to the needs of the driver.
A transfer board or seat lift facilitate the transfer from the wheelchair into the vehicle.[6]
Financing
Generally, the more limiting the disability, the more expensive the adaptation needed for the vehicle. Financial assistance is available through some organizations, such as Motability in the United Kingdom, which requires a contribution by the prospective vehicle owner. Motability makes vehicles available for purchase or lease.[7] When an employee with a disability requires an adapted car for work use, the employee does not have to pay for a "reasonable adjustment" in the United Kingdom; if the employer is unable to pay the cost, assistance is offered by government programs.[8]
Rental
A challenge for mobility-impaired drivers is renting a vehicle when they travel. Organizations that specialize in adaptive tourism can assist in finding a vehicle, when possible. In New Zealand, Enable Tourism is an organization that helps drivers with disabilities to locate car rentals offering adapted cars or vans.[9] In France, adapted cars with hand-controls are available from leading car rental businesses, however, it is advisable for drivers with disabilities to reserve a car well in advance of travelling.[10]
See also
- Automatic gearbox
- Cars for wheelchair users
- Disabled parking permit
- GO technologies
- ISO/IEC 17025
- Modified car
- Platform lift
- Vehicle modification
- Wheelchair accessible van
- Wheelchair lift
References
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Wikimedia Commons has media related to Disabled parking. |
- ↑ Less than four blog Amputee Social Network
- ↑ http://www.ask.com/question/automobile-handicap-hand-controls
- ↑ Veigel hand controls
- ↑ Paraplegia News Sept 2009. "Hand control testers needed" by Gale Cengage
- ↑ Lua error in package.lua at line 80: module 'strict' not found.
- ↑ http://www.veigel-na.com/main-veigel-north-america/rehamotiver/products/seats.html
- ↑ Lua error in package.lua at line 80: module 'strict' not found.
- ↑ Lua error in package.lua at line 80: module 'strict' not found.
- ↑ Lua error in package.lua at line 80: module 'strict' not found.
- ↑ Lua error in package.lua at line 80: module 'strict' not found.
External links
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Look up stowing in Wiktionary, the free dictionary. |
