Adaptive Driving

Adaptive Driving Guides

  • 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.
  • 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.
  • Adaptive Vehicles: This section of New Mobility magazine offers articles and resources on transportation solutions for individuals with disabilities. It covers topics such as driving as a wheelchair user, accessible campervans, funding for adaptive vehicles, and insights into autonomous vehicles.
  • Car Modifications for People With Disabilities: A comprehensive guide to help properly equip your vehicle.
  • Driving After Spinal Cord Injury: A fact sheet from the Model Systems Knowledge Translation Center (MSKTC) that provides steps you can take to help you back on your path to driving after your Spinal Cord Injury.
  • 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.
  • 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 Driving Training Programs

  • 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.
  • Executive Driving School: Located in Queens, Executive Driving School is a school that offers classes tailored to handicapped drivers.
  • 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.
  • 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’s certified driver rehabilitation specialists offer the evaluation and training necessary for you to drive safely. They will also discuss modifications and/or adaptations that may need to be made to your car or van and guide you in the process of updating your license and taking the required road test.
  • Program Direct Driver Rehabilitation Services 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.
  • 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.
  • 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.

Parking

  • Complete Guide to Accessible Parking: United Spinal’s Accessible Parking Guide is a valuable resource for anyone seeking to understand and promote accessible parking rights and responsibilities. This guide provides comprehensive information including key terms, different types of accessible parking spaces, and covers the process of obtaining and using an accessible parking permit.
  • New York State Disability Parking Permit: The New York State DMV provides information on obtaining disability parking permits and license plates, outlining eligibility, application procedures, and parking privileges for individuals with disabilities.
  • Parking Permits for People with Disabilities(PPPD): The NYC Department of Transportation’s Parking Permits for People with Disabilities (PPPD) program provides special parking privileges, including reserved on-street parking and access to designated spaces, for eligible individuals with disabilities living in or traveling to New York City.

Funding & Financial Assistance for Adaptive Vehicles

  • State Grants for Wheelchair Vans: This page from The Mobility Resource provides a comprehensive guide to state grants and funding options available for financing handicap-accessible vehicles. It outlines financial assistance programs across different states, helping individuals with disabilities find resources to make adaptive vehicle purchases more affordable.
  • 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.

Wheelchair-Accessible Vehicle Dealerships & Rentals

  • 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.
  • 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.
  • AMS Vans: Specializes in selling, renting, and converting wheelchair-accessible vehicles to enhance mobility and independence for individuals with disabilities. They offer a wide selection of new and used wheelchair vans, financing options, and nationwide delivery services to make accessible transportation more convenient.
  • BLVD.com: An online marketplace that connects individuals with new and used wheelchair-accessible vehicles, mobility equipment, and adaptive driving solutions. The website also features resources on financing, dealerships, and accessibility services to help users find the right mobility solutions for their needs.
  • 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.
  • MobilityWorks: MobilityWorks is a leading provider of wheelchair-accessible vehicles, offering a wide selection of converted SUVs, minivans, and full-sized vans to enhance mobility for individuals with disabilities. With over 90 locations across the United States, they provide personalized solutions, including adaptive equipment and financing options, to meet diverse mobility and financial needs. Their inventory features the latest innovations from trusted manufacturers like BraunAbility, Driverge Vehicle Innovations, and VMI.
  • Mobility Resource: An online hub for information related to adaptive driving, including wheelchair accessible vehicles and adaptive equipment, product reviews, and financing options.
  • National Mobility Equipment Dealers Association (NMEDA): A nonprofit trade association representing the automotive mobility industry. They provide resources for consumers and industry professionals, including a dealer locator, mobility equipment options, and educational programs.
  • Rollx Vans: Specializes in manufacturing and selling wheelchair-accessible vans, offering both new and used vehicles customized for individuals with mobility needs. The website provides information on financing, trade-ins, nationwide delivery, and 24/7 support to ensure a seamless purchasing experience.
  • Wheelchair Getaways: A nationwide rental service offering wheelchair-accessible vans for short- and long-term use. Their website provides location-based rental options, pricing details, and reservation assistance to ensure accessible transportation for individuals with mobility needs.

Roadside Assistance & Fueling Services for Accessible Vehicles

  • Fuel Service: An innovative app was developed in the United Kingdom called fuelService. According to their website, fuelService offers ‘Simple, free refueling for drivers with disabilities’. The app identifies gas stations that offer complimentary refueling assistance to drivers with disabilities. It also serves as the means of communication between the driver and the participating gas station in order to facilitate the service.
  • Mobility Roadside Assistance: Provides specialized emergency roadside services for wheelchair-accessible vehicles and drivers with disabilities. Their services include wheelchair lift assistance, accessible towing, battery jump-starts, and more to ensure safe and reliable support for mobility-impaired travelers.

If you would like your resource link featured on our website please fill out this FORM

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.