The Adaptive Driving Process

Hello, I’m...
Tom Jackman, SCVRD
•
Graduate of:
SUNY College at Cortland
University of South Carolina
University of Toledo
•
Currently:
Supervisor of Rehabilitation
Technology for SCVRD

The Adaptive Driving Process
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Evaluation
• Shop but don’t buy
•
Training
•
Road Test
•
Visit vehicle modifier
•
Shop for real
•
Modification
•
Rebates

Why get an Evaluation???
•
Functional limitations
•
Cognitive limitations
•
Vision issues
•
Hidden issues
•
***Use a registered Certified Driving
Rehabilitation Specialist (CDRS)***

Evaluation benefits
•
Training recommendation
•
Equipment prescription
•
Information about vehicle choice
•
Information about reputable vendors
(NMEDA)

Shop but don’t buy!!!
•
Familiarize yourself with available vehicles and associated cost of ownership
•
Cost of vehicle and anticipated equipment costs may be out of reach financially
•
***Training may change your vehicle preference***

Why participate in
Training???
•
Refines the initial prescription
•
Helps determine whether driving is a good option.
•
Preparation for the DMV road test
•
Further assists with vehicle selection

Road Test
•
Typically will take place using trainer’s vehicle
•
Get proper restrictions added to license

Visit Vehicle Modifier
•
Visit facility
•
Check staff certifications
•
Ask for references
•
Inquire about warrant coverage
•
Do they perform maintenance and do they stock replacement parts
•
Cost of anticipated modification
•
Types of payment accepted
•
Time frame for modification

Vehicle choice considerations
•
Ease of loading mobility device
•
Cargo room required
•
Vehicle handling characteristics
•
Vehicle parking requirements
•
Resale
•
Ease/expense of modification
•
Type of driving
•
Environment
•
On going maintenance/insurance/operating costs

Shop for real
•
Buy from vehicle modifier
•
Purchase from dealer or private party
•
****Make certain the vehicle being considered for purchase can be satisfactorily modified using safe, best practices****

Modification
•
Determine time frame of modification
•
Understand terms of agreement including payment, rebates available, duration of warranty.
•
****Get it in writing!****

Rebates
•
Prepare and submit rebate paperwork to vehicle manufacturer.
•
Manufacturer rebate information is available at www.nmeda.org

References
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National Highway Traffic Safety Association www.nhtsa.dot.gov
•
Association for Driver Rehab Specialists www.driver-ed.org
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National Mobility Equipment Dealers www.nmeda.org

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Adaptive Driving
A Consumer’s Perspective

Hello, I’m...
Jed Elmaleh, MPT, CAPS, MSCS
•
Adaptive Driving Consumer
•
Advisor, Adaptive Home Design
•
Physical Therapist
•
Certified Aging-In-Place Specialist
•
MS Certified Specialist
•
All Around Good Guy...

My Vehicle

My Hand Controls

My Scooter Lift

My Scooter On The Lift

How I Got My Vehicle
Modifications
•
Researched scooter lift & hand controls options
•
Identified a reputable mobility company
•
Tried to find hand control training in my area...taught myself how to use them...
scary!!!

Funding Resources
•
SC Vocational Rehabilitation Dept.
–
SC Assistive Technology Loan Program
–
Leslie Shipp 803-896-4553, http://www.scvrd.net/i_assist_tech.php
•
Disabled American Veterans: www.dav.org
•
Mobility / Conversion Company Financing
•
Automobile Manufacturer Adaptive
Equipment Programs

Adaptive Driving Resources
•
Association for Driver Rehabilitation
Specialists, The http://www.driver-ed.org/custom/directory/membership.cfm
•
Family Village - Univ of Wisconsin http://www.familyvillage.wisc.edu/at/driving.htm
•
National Highway Transportation
Safety Administration http://www.nhtsa.gov/cars/rules/adaptive
•
National Resource Directory www.nationalresourcedirectory.gov/transportation_and_travel/vehicl e_modifications_and_adaptive_equipment

Questions?

SC Assistive Technology Loan
Program
Leslie Shipp
Community Rehabilitation Assistant
Allied Opportunities, Inc.
PO Box 280243
Columbia, SC 29228
Phone: (803) 896-4553
Fax: (803) 896-6937

THANKS FOR YOUR
ATTENTION!!!