Driving a motorised vehicle can contribute to an increase in independence for a person with disability. Motorised vehicles can include electric wheelchairs, scooters, gophers, cars, trucks, vans and work specific equipment such as forklifts.
Workplace solutions and adjustments
It should not be assumed that a person with disability cannot drive a vehicle. There are a variety of modifications and adjustments that make it possible or easier for people with physical disability to drive a vehicle such as:
Automatic rather than manual transmission is needed in most cases to reduce the number of tasks required whilst driving, and hand controls can only be fitted to automatic transmission.
Car hoists provide easy access to vehicles for people who use a wheelchair:
Other supports for people who may be unable to drive or can’t drive the workplace vehicles include:
Where vehicle modifications are needed, vehicle assessments can be arranged as well as car modifications training on how to use the equipment:
Driver rehabilitation and assessments may be required to assist a person with disability to drive safely or to be transported safely. All modifications must be certified by an RTA approved engineer who specialises in vehicle modifications for people with disability (Vehicle Standards Information No.21, 2007)
References and resources
Independent Living Centres Australia Inc. 2007, Review of Product pages, Independent Living Centres Australia Inc, Sydney, viewed 9 March 2010, <http://www.ilcaustralia.org>.
Roads and Traffic Authority 2007, Vehicle Standards Information No.21, New South Wales Government, viewed 9 March 2010, Sydney, <http://www.rta.nsw.gov.au/registration/downloads/vsi/vsi_21_-_vehicles_modified_for_people_with_disabilities_nov_2007.pdf>.
Trombly, C.A. & Radomski, M.V. 2002, Occupational Therapy for Physical Dysfunction, 5th Edition, Lippincott, Williams & Wilkins, Philadelphia.