Paralysis Resource Guide - (Page 234) TOOLS CARS AND DRIVING There’s more to having a set of wheels than getting from here to there. Jumping in a car is a ticket to freedom, independence and adventure. For people new to paralysis, driving is a sure way to get back into the swing of things. But can you do it? Can a paralyzed person get behind the wheel and handle the machine and the traffic? Driving is quite possible for many people who are paralyzed, even those with very limited hand and arm function. A wide range of adaptive driving equipment and vehicle modifications are on the market today. Driving with a disability often means relearning to drive. The rules of the road don’t change, but the controls do. Depending on one’s specific needs, an adapted vehicle may include hand controls for braking/accelerating, power assist devices for easy steering, touch ignition pads and gear shifts, adjustable driver’s seats, automatic door openers and even joysticks for people with extremely limited hand function (see sidebar on joystick driving, page 238). For a person who has had a stroke, a spinner knob might be attached to the steering wheel for one-hand steering. A left gas pedal may be adapted if the right foot can’t operate the gas. The first step in the process is to get an evaluation from a qualified driver trainer. This will determine your basic driving set up, specific modifications and driving equipment to match your needs. An evaluation also includes vision screening and assessment of muscle strength; flexibility and range of motion; hand-eye coordination and reaction time; judgment and decision making; and the ability to handle adaptive equipment. An evaluator may also take into account medications a potential driver is taking. To find a qualified evaluator, visit your local rehabilitation center or contact the Association for Driver Rehabilitation Specialists (ADED – see page 237), which maintains a list of certified specialists throughout the country. As for getting a new driver’s license, most states require a valid learner’s permit or driver’s license to receive an on-the-road evaluation. You cannot be denied the opportunity to apply for a permit or license because you have a disability, but you may receive a restricted license, based on adaptive devices you require. 234
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