Adapted Driving

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Driving After Spinal Cord Injury

A fact sheet from The Spinal Cord Injury Model System (SCIMS) that provides steps you can take to help you back on your path to driving after your Spinal Cord Injury.

On the Road Again: Driving after Spinal Cord Injury

This website provides a video to help those with spinal cord injury get back on the road. In the video they discuss issues such as what it takes to get back on the road, finding accessible vehicles, and shares a few individuals with spinal cord injury physically getting back on the road to show with a little help, you can get back on the road.

Adaptive Automotive Equipment Options for People with Spinal Cord Injuries

United Spinal’s webinar highlights a range of topics pertaining to adaptive automotive equipment for personal use and information for allied health care practitioners and other stakeholders in understanding and advocating for individuals seeking automotive vehicle modification solutions. In addition, it will educate consumers and caregivers about the unique process involved in evaluating and purchasing appropriate automotive options to fit specific accessibility needs. The webinar will also provide a high-level summary of available products and solutions from the National Mobility Equipment Dealers Association’s Quality Assurance Program for people with disabilities who want to drive or be transported safely.

From Vehicle Modifications to Car Insurance

The guide describes how people can customize their car to accommodate a disability, goes over what kind of auto insurance they’ll need and includes information on how to access transportation if their unable to drive. The guide also offers additional resources for the reader to explore.

Car Modifications for People With Disabilities: Guide to Car Modifications for People With Disabilities

Helen Hayes Adaptive Driving Program

Helen Hayes Hospital, located in West Haverstraw, New York, offers an adapted driving program provided by occupational therapist to assist patients who have orthopedic issues such as Spinal Cord Injury. This Program is designed to help you become a safe driver and once completed, you will be referred to the Department of Motor Vehicles for final approval to drive.

Kessler Institute Driver Rehabilitation Program

Kessler Institute for Rehabilitation provides a comprehensive Driver Rehabilitation Program for clients who need to develop or improve their current driving capacities.

Program Direct Driver Rehabilitaion Servies from ReTech

Restoring Mobility. Renewing Independence. (ReTech), is a New York State Department of Motor Vehicles certified Driving school. Their main purpose is to assist individuals with disabilities by providing driving lessons to help prepare for the NYS road test.

The Viscardi Center Adapted Driver Education

Adapted Driver Education is for teens/adults with disabilities and aging individuals requiring vehicle modifications following an injury or illness. All evaluations and driving lessons are conducted at The Viscardi Center in Albertson, NY.

First Class Driving School & Handicap Division Inc

First Class Driving School & Handicap Division Inc, has two branches located in the Bronx. Specializing in teaching handicapped people, they provide evaluations, training, and the 5-hour Pre-Licensing courses.

Executive Driving School

Located in Queens, Executive Driving School is a school that offers classes tailored to handicapped drivers.

Tri Boro Driver Rehabilitation & Mobility Services, Inc.

Serving all five boroughs, Tri Boro Driver Rehabilitation & Mobility Services, Inc., provides adaptive driving classes to accommodate those with disabilities.

Association for Driver Rehabilitation Specialists

ADED the Association for Driver Rehabilitation Specialists is a nonprofit organization dedicated to promoting safe, independent mobility for the aging and people with disabilities. The mission of ADED is “Promoting excellence in the field of driver rehabilitation in support of safe, independent community mobility.” The Association for Driver Rehabilitation Specialists has a web page to search for certified driver rehabilitation specialists by state.

Adaptive Driving Alliance

The Adaptive Driving Alliance is a nationwide group of vehicle-modification dealers who provide adaptive equipment for disabled drivers and passengers. This website provides a database of dealers who meet the Quality Assurance standards for business practices and equipment as defined by the National Mobility Equipment Dealers Association.

Adapting Motor Vehicles For People With Disabilities

A brochure from the National Highway Traffic and Transportation Safety Administration (NHTSA) that provides comprehensive information on regulations, procedures, selecting and maintaining adaptive equipment, and financial-assistance options.

Mobility Works

Offers a free downloadable guide to securing funding for an accessible vehicle.

Mobility Resource

An online hub for information related to adaptive driving, including wheelchair accessible vehicles and adaptive equipment, product reviews, and financing options.

Disabled Dealer

A publication featuring used vehicles (and all sorts of other rehab and medical gear). Regional editions feature numerous pre-owned adapted vans and cars.

Accessible Vans of America

Accessible Vans of America, is a nationwide, member owned organization made up of independent Mobility Dealers across the United States who rent, sell and service wheelchair accessible vehicles.

The Mobility Resource- State Grants for Wheelchair Accessible Vans 

These grants and other programs could help you finance a wheelchair van, scooter, wheelchair lift, adaptive driving equipment, or other mobility product. Select your state on the map to see the available grants to apply for in your state.

Specialized Outdoor Adaptive Recreation (SOAR)

Northeast Off-Road Adventures (NORA) , Ellenville NY, operates a low speed, off-road driving school for beginner and intermediate. They offer an Adaptive Adventures program. It  is recommended for participants with disabilities requiring use of a wheelchair. The program introduces people with disabilities to Northeast Off-Road Adventures, Inc (NORA) offers 4WD training, driving tours, and event programs. 

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Disclaimer: Linking to publications, materials or websites of other organizations or entities does not constitute endorsement by Mount Sinai of such publications, materials or websites. Mount Sinai provides these references and links because they may be of value to persons interested in SCI.