Vehicle hand controls allow a person with limited or no lower body or leg movement to drive using the hands only. Modifications can be done to convert the clutch, accelerator and brake pedals to hand controls by installing options such as:
- hand control levers which are operated using a push pull system—with push to brake and pull to accelerate
- hand control levers which are operated using a push twist system
- hand controls operated by a radial system with a push for the brake and a pat for acceleration
- hand controls with an electronic self cancelling indicator system
- easily attachable and removable hand controls that can be transferred between vehicles
- accelerator rings attached either over the top of or behind the existing steering wheel and are pushed or pulled against the steering wheel to accelerate
- thumb operated accelerators which are held in the palm adjacent to the steering wheel and operated using a small lever with the thumb, with a button which can be added for cruise control
- modified hand control grips with loop and velcro fastening requiring twisting action of the hand to operate the controls
- computerised clutch which is a button installed on the gear stick of a manual car which when pushed and the gear stick operated—the clutch pedal is bypassed
- for people with reduced grip strength that are unable to operate the clutch button on the transmission lever, a modified grip is available which enables activation through hand pressure
- hand controls can be installed for right or left handed use
- custom hand controls can also be installed if a specific solution is required.
Depending on how they are installed, most vehicles can have hand control levers and foot pedal operation so vehicles can still be used in a standard manner. Some car manufacturers will fit hand controls to new or used models or they can be done by specialist vehicle modifiers. Prior to purchasing a vehicle, it is recommended advice is sought as to the appropriateness of certain models for modification.
Modifications can also be done to allow independent operation of car accessories, including:
- crossover levers for windscreen wipers to allow operation of lights and wipers with one hand
- extended indicator or windscreen wiper levers
- press button horns
- joystick operated accessories for windscreen wipers, lights, indicators and hazard lights
- infra-red push button control pad for operation of accessories which is attached to the steering wheel and linked to the vehicle wiring (can be attached with or without steering knob)
- voice activated accessory controls.
In order to ensure vehicle modifications comply with individual State and Territory Licensing compliance regulations, the appropriate licensing body should be contacted to determine if any permits or conditions apply. If specific vehicle modifications are required to enable an individual with a disability to drive, conditional codes may be placed on a Drivers Licence outlining this and specialised vehicle insurance may be required.
To determine the most appropriate vehicle modifications to suit individual needs, specialised driving assessors can conduct assessments and provide recommendations:
Workplace solutions and adjustments
For people that are required to drive a vehicle as part of their work role, some vehicle modifications may be required. If vehicles are leased rather than owned and used by multiple employees, temporary or removable modifications will be the most appropriate. Other vehicle modifications are also possible including:
When considering vehicle related modifications, the following links may be of interest:
References:
Independent Living Centres Australia Inc. 2011, Transport: Modified Driving Controls, Independent Living Centres Australia Inc., Sydney, viewed 25 May 2011, http://www.ilcaustralia.org/search3.asp?State=WA&MC=51&MinC=11.
Problem Management Engineering (PME) (no date specified), PME Hand Controls, Problem Management Engineering, Hornsby Heights, viewed 25 May 2011, http://pmeautoconversions.com.au/about-us/contact.