Automobiles and adaptive technology

[Guest guest]

I'm wondering if anyone here has had experience with hand controls? I

was tested this past summer and managed to pass- meaning I don't need

hand controls, yet. I sure was a lot faster with the hand control

tester than with the foot brake tester. And the hand controls on the

car I drove weren't half bad to use.

My biggest question is this. Does anyone have any thoughts on a

particular automobile or type of automobile to put hand controls in?

In the next one to two years we will have to replace the van I

currently drive. In two to five years I might need to go to hand

controls. When I replace the van, I want to buy something that will

accept the hand controls easily and not leave me feeling crowded. I do

intend to talk with adaptive technology people locally, but would like

some input from anyone who has had to use this technology.

While this may seem premature, I like planning ahead and knowing what

I am getting in to.

Jim

[Guest guest]

Jim,

I have just had hand controls put on my 1995 Olds. They just looked at my car

and told me that the controls would go in the car. I am 79yrs and am sure that

this car will do for the rest of my life. I love them. Brake and gas are

controlled by my left hand. They put a knob on the steering wheel for steering,

but I took it off. Do better without it.

Jeanann

[Guest guest]

Hi Jim-

I have hand controls in my car and I LOVE IT!!!!!!!!!!! I am so much safer. I

use it for the brakes and not gas. I drive a PT Cruiser and a special bar had to

be installed with the controls. If a person needs controls and they are buying a

new car....the dealership pays for the controls!! Mine was $795.00 2 yrs ago.

Good luck.

Barb Fl.

[Guest guest]

Jim,

I have had hand controls in two cars. My first car was a Volkwagon Jetta (small

car) and now I am in a mini-van. The best way to do this is when you are having

the hand controls put in the car, leave the seat and the steering wheel in the

exact location that you like to drive in and they can accomodate around it.

As far as i know they can go into any car and they were able to transfer my hand

controls from my Jetta to the Van with only a few accomodations. That way I did

not have to pay for the hand controls twice.

They are very easy to use and my friends were surprised at how quickly I

adapted. I can't even remember what it was like to drive with my feet.

Jackie

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[Guest guest]

FYI

Most of the major car manufacturers will pay up to $1000 for any handicapped

modification needed to a NEW vehicle. The only one that does not do it is Nissan

and I wrote a letter to the president and they did not " feel it was necessary

for them to offer this at the time " .

Jackie

[Guest guest]

Jim,

I don't hve any experience with hand controls. But this past summer fall I

had a hoist installed in my Saturn Vue to accomodate my scooter. I found out

that all the major car companies will reimburse you $l,000 for any handicap

accessories you may need to add on. So I thought I would pass that on to you.

$l,000 is a lot back.

Elaine