{"id":3873,"date":"2017-04-18T12:41:59","date_gmt":"2017-04-18T17:41:59","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/at3center.org\/?page_id=3873"},"modified":"2020-07-12T10:49:29","modified_gmt":"2020-07-12T15:49:29","slug":"vehiclemodifications","status":"publish","type":"page","link":"https:\/\/exploreat.net\/at-discovery\/vehiclemodifications\/","title":{"rendered":"Vehicle Modifications"},"content":{"rendered":"\n\t

\"\"What is Vehicle Modifications Assistive Technology?\u00a0<\/strong>Assistive technology for vehicle modifications includes ramps, hand controls for braking and accelerating, modified steering controls, adjustable driver\u2019s seats, and automatic door openers.<\/p>\n

When do I need to use them?\u00a0<\/strong>Where and when do I need to use Vehicle Modifications Assistive Technology \u2013 Vehicle modifications options are available on almost any vehicle. The type and severity of disability and whether you are riding or driving will determine if your vehicle can accommodate the needed modification.<\/p>\n

Who needs Vehicle Modifications AT?<\/strong> People who have upper body and\/or lower limitations in strength, range of motion, and\/or coordination may need vehicle modifications to drive.\u00a0 Anyone who needs to access their vehicle from a wheelchair will need vehicle modifications.<\/p>\n

Why are Vehicle Modifications important?<\/strong> Having a vehicle and being able to drive means greater independence. However, people with physical disabilities are often not able to drive a vehicle and families with a family member who has a disability can be limited in transporting that family member. Having a vehicle with modifications can make a difference in people with disabilities being able to ride in and\/or drive a vehicle safely.<\/p>\n\t

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Resources for Vehicle Modifications
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\n\t\tAT3 Center Videos on Vehicle Modifications\n\t<\/h4>\n\t

Below, you’ll find videos explaining assistive technology directly related to Vehicle Modifications. Click the graphic to see a video on the Car Caddie (provided by AT3 Center). Then, we’re including two more videos from other providers: the Swivel Seat (agecomfort.com) and How to: Drive with a Physical Disability (National Center on Health, Physical Activity and Disability).<\/p>\n

\"Vehicle<\/a><\/p>\n\"Swivel<\/a>\n\u00a0\"Vehicle<\/a>\n\t

You can see ALL of AT3 Center’s AT Videos by clicking here.<\/a><\/p>\n

\n\t\tEasterSeals Crossroads –
INDATAProject TechTip Videos\n\t<\/h4>\n\t

Easter Seals Crossroads has been providing assistive technology solutions in Indiana since 1979. In 2007, Easter Seals Crossroads partnered with the State of Indiana, Bureau of Rehabilitative Services to establish the Indiana Assistive Technology Act (INDATA) Project. The INDATA Project offers excellent videos and Podcasts that provide timely updates on new assistive technology.<\/p>\n

Here’s INDATA’s YouTube video playlist for Tech Tips for Driving.<\/a><\/p>\n

INDATA also offers three Podcasts that you can listen to, or subscribe to, on this page.<\/a> At the top right of any of these pages you can search for a specific disability category.<\/p>\n

The AT3Center.net<\/a> wishes to thank the INDATA Project for their expertise and excellence in advancing access and awareness of assistive technology.<\/p>\n\t

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Information on this page addresses Assistive Technology for people with Vehicle Modifications disabilities in…<\/p>\nEDUCATION<\/a><\/strong> \u00a0\u00a0| \u00a0EMPLOYMENT<\/a> \u00a0| \u00a0COMMUNITY\u00a0LIVING<\/a>
\n<\/strong>(click the titles above to jump to the content area)<\/em>\n\n

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EDUCATION<\/strong><\/p>\n\t\t\t\t\"Vehicle\n\t

Talking Points for Vehicle Modifications Technology in Education<\/p>\n

Benefits of Vehicle Modification AT:<\/strong> A child with a disability is eligible, if the team determines it is appropriate, to receive transportation to and from school.\u00a0 This may require a bus with appropriate equipment such as ramps, lifts, and tie-downs.\u00a0 By providing this assistive technology a child is afforded a trip to school the same way many other children arrive at school!<\/p>\n

Challenges\u00a0of Vehicle Modification AT:<\/strong> Because of the time involved in loading and unloading a child in a wheelchair, the child may have to be picked up earlier and\/or may arrive home later than non-disabled peers.<\/p>\n\t

Commonly Asked Questions for a Student Who Has Vehicle Modifications AT<\/p>\n\t

Q<\/strong> – How is a\u00a0child in a wheelchair secured in a school\u00a0bus?<\/p>\n

A <\/strong>– The bus is required to have special hooks, called tie-downs, bolted into the floor. These hooks attach to the frame of the wheelchair.\u00a0 In the event of an accident the tie-downs act as \u201cseatbelt\u201d for the wheelchair.<\/p>\n

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Q<\/strong> – But how is the child<\/u> secured?<\/p>\n

A<\/strong> – The child will need to be secured into the wheelchair. This is usually through an X-harness.\u00a0 He or she should also have a forehead strap to stabilize the head and neck.\u00a0 A child\u2019s physician, occupational therapist, physical therapist, and\/or Assistive Technology Professional\/Seating and Mobility Specialist should be involved in these decisions.<\/p>\n

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Q<\/strong> – Does a child who uses a wheelchair have to ride the bus or can the parent choose to take the child in their personal vehicle?<\/p>\n

A <\/strong>– The parent can absolutely choose to take the child to school. However, the school may not require<\/u> the parent to provide the transportation. \u00a0If the school does not have appropriate transportation to meet the needs of the child, the school may contract and pay another provider to do so.\u00a0 This provider could potentially be the parent.\u00a0 If this is the arrangement the details should be outlined in the IEP.<\/p>\n

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Q<\/strong> – My child has mobility limitations but is not yet using a wheelchair. We use a special stroller.\u00a0 Can the stroller be tied-down in the bus?<\/p>\n

A <\/strong>– Instead of tying down the stroller, which most likely does not have a strong enough frame to withstand an accident, the child should be placed in a special bus booster seat or in a car seat that is belted into a regular bus seat. There are car seats available for children with special needs.<\/p>\n\tSolutions for Students with Vehicle Modifications\u00a0Needs
\n(click to open the accordions below)\n

<\/em><\/p>\n\t\t\tLow Tech \/ No Tech Solutions for Vehicle Modifications Needs<\/a>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\tExpand<\/i><\/a>\n\t\t

Due to safety issues related to vehicle modifications, no-tech solutions are not advised. Any vehicle modifications should be completed by an experienced and reputable dealer.\"wheelchair<\/p>\n\t\t\tCase Studies of Students with Vehicle Modification Needs in Education<\/a>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\tExpand<\/i><\/a>\n\t\t

Note<\/strong> – for safety reasons, we are not able to provide input on appropriate transportation or driving aids for specific situations for children with special needs. The following case studies and sample solutions are meant to provide general knowledge and not be generalized to specific situations.<\/p>\n

Case Study #1:\u2028<\/h3>\n

\"BoyStudent with Down syndrome is in a 3-year-old Developmentally Delayed Preschool Program.<\/strong><\/h4>\n

He is crawling but not yet walking. His parents use a stroller for mobility in the community. The school needs a way to transport the child safely to school.<\/p>\n

Possible Recommendations:\u00a0<\/strong>The child will mostly likely need a car seat belted into the school bus seat. Some buses have booster seats with a 5-point harness built into the bus seat but, depending on the size of the child, this may not provide enough support. A regular child\u2019s car seat or booster seat may be appropriate. If not, there are car seats made with children with special needs in mind that can be customized with additional supports as needed.<\/p>\n

Goals and Outcomes:<\/strong> With the proper seating system and supports the child can ride to school on the bus safely and comfortable.<\/p>\n

See the attached SETT Framework for feature matching solutions based on the Student, Environment, Task and Tools.<\/p>\n

Case Study Forms \u2013 SETT Framework<\/h4>\n

Case Study #1 (Pre-K) \u00a0| PDF<\/a>\u00a0| Word<\/a><\/p>\n

\u2028\u2028Sample solutions:<\/h4>\n\n\n\n\n\t\n\n\t
Evenflo\u00ae Amp High Back Booster Car Seat<\/a><\/th>Integrated Positioning System IPS Special Needs Car Seat<\/a><\/th>\n<\/tr>\n<\/thead>\n
\"Evenflo
Evenflo Amp High Back Booster Car Seat<\/figcaption><\/figure><\/td>
\"Integrated
Integrated Positioning System IPS Special Needs Car Seat<\/figcaption><\/figure><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table>\n\n
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Case Study #2:\u2028<\/h3>\n

Elementary student (4th grade) with a spinal cord injury.<\/h4>\n

\"SchoolbusThe student has a high-level spinal cord injury and has no movement below the chin. The student uses a wheelchair with a 5-point chest and waist harness. He does not have a head strap as his wheelchair is slightly reclined at all times and his head rests in a head support.<\/p>\n

Possible Recommendations:\u00a0<\/strong>This student will require a wheelchair that meets the requirements for transportation with a tie-down system. Due to the extensive needs of this student he will most likely already have that wheelchair. The bus will need a lift and a wheelchair tie-down restraint system where he can be placed in a forward facing position for safety. He will need a head strap attached to his head support to restrain his head in case of an accident.<\/p>\n

Goals and Outcomes:\u00a0<\/strong>With the proper wheelchair tie-down restraint system and head strap the student is able to ride the bus to and from school safely and comfortably.<\/p>\n

Sample solutions:<\/h4>\n\n\n\n\n\t\n\n\t
Head Strap<\/a><\/th>Wheelchair Tie Downs<\/a><\/th>Wheelchair Lifts on Buses<\/a><\/th>\n<\/tr>\n<\/thead>\n
\"Head
Head Strap<\/figcaption><\/figure><\/td>
\"Wheelchair
Wheelchair Tie Down<\/figcaption><\/figure><\/td>
\"Wheelchair
Wheelchair Lift on Bus<\/figcaption><\/figure><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table>\n\n
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Case Study #3:\u2028<\/h3>\n

High school student with arthrogryposis is taking Driver’s Ed.<\/h4>\n

\"HandThis student has decreased range of motion and endurance in her upper extremities making it difficult to turn a steering wheel in the typical hand-over-hand method. She is able to control brake and accelerator with her lower extremities. She is able to reach the signals and other controls on the dash but decreased hand dexterity should be considered during her driving evaluation.<\/p>\n

Possible Recommendations:\u00a0<\/strong>There are several devices that will assist someone with a disability in steering a vehicle. A spinner knob or a foam grip may be good options for this student. If reaching controls is difficult for her there are driving aids that also have controls for vehicle controls such as turn signals, windshield wipers, headlights, horns, and even control for the cell phone.<\/p>\n

Goals and Outcomes:<\/strong> With the correct equipment identified the student will be able to successfully complete Driver\u2019s Ed and pass her driver\u2019s test.\u00a0<\/p>\n

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Helpful Links & PDF Resources<\/th>\n<\/tr>\n<\/thead>\n
Christopher & Dana Reeve Foundation<\/a> - This webpage provides information on driving evaluations and selecting a vehicle as well as other resources on driving with a disability.
\n<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
American Occupational Therapy Association<\/a> - This webpage offers information on driving and community mobility with a link to locate driver specialists in your area.<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table>\n\n\n\n\n\n\t\n\n\t\n\t\n\t
Video\/Webinar\/Podcast Resources<\/th>\n<\/tr>\n<\/thead>\n
Video: Review and Installation of Evenflo AMP High Back Booster Car Seat<\/a>
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Video: AT Assessment Made Easy<\/a><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Video: Free to Low-Cost Assistive Technology Solutions<\/a><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table>\n \n\t

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EMPLOYMENT<\/strong><\/p>\n\t\t\t\t\"Vehicle\n\t

Talking Points for Vehicle Modifications\u00a0Assistive Technology in Employment<\/p>\n

The category of Employment<\/em> encompasses those people of working-age who are currently employed or who are seeking employment. The following talking points may be applicable to individuals with disabilities as well as employers. When matching a person to a piece of assistive technology, one can use the Human Activity Assistive Technology (HAAT) model. This model has been used below in the sample case studies.<\/p>\n

For students transitioning into the community or employment settings upon high school graduation<\/strong> – To ensure successful AT transitions for students aging out of school services, it is important for any AT the student is currently using or may need to pursue employment outcomes, whether written into the child’s Individualized Education Program (IEP) or not, be incorporated into the student’s Individualized Plan for Employment (IPE). IPEs are developed through collaboration with the state vocational rehabilitation agency using a Vocational Rehabilitation (VR) Counselor.<\/p>\n\t

Situations where an individual might need assistive technology for Vehicle Modifications<\/p>\n

\n\t\tWork Environment\n\t<\/h3>\n\t