Photos by Mike Anderson and Courtesy Manufacturers
Young NASCAR enthusiasts and Dukes of Hazzard fans may dream of hopping into a car through the window, but as we age, just getting in and out through the door becomes more cumbersome. And once we're inside, fading arm and hand strength can make operating a vehicle a difficult and frustrating, if not dangerous challenge.
Thanks to technology and more than a little ingenuity, however, a myriad of accessibility-enhancing products can help you stay behind the wheel and in control of your life. From gripping aids to power lifts, there's a device for every need, and most can be installed in any vehicle.
Opening the door
Anyone can have trouble getting in and out of today's vehicles. Many cars sit so low that you practically have to fall into them, and many vans and trucks tower so high that you need a stepstool to climb up and down. Factors such as arthritis and work-related injuries can make it impossible for some people to enter these vehicles.
Providing safe, stable handholds can be the first step toward improving a vehicle's accessibility. For example, small portable devices such as the Handybar (photo) slip into a vehicle's door frame and provide a sturdy handle that greatly aids in getting in and out of any vehicle.
Running boards and frame-mounted steps can also ease the effort that's required to get into a tall vehicle such as a van or truck, especially for people with limited arm strength (photo). In addition, a transfer swivel seat makes moving in a lateral direction easier and helps to prevent back and hip strain (photo), as its 360-degree swivel range makes it easier to pivot into and out of a door opening. (And because it's portable, you can also use it at your desk, workbench or kitchen table.)
For even easier access, consider a power lift seat. These devices (such as the Easy Reach from Access Unlimited; see SOURCES) literally swivel a vehicle's seat out, lower it to a comfortable height and raise you into the vehicle (photo).
On the go
For some people, getting in and out is only half the battle. Injury or illness can make even simple activities such as turning the ignition key or spinning the steering wheel painful if not impossible. Fortunately, a variety of products can greatly ease the many tasks involved in operating a vehicle.
For example, a key holder can reduce the gripping strength necessary to turn an ignition key, a much-needed aid for anyone with arthritis or a weak grip. The heavy-duty curved handle provides extra leverage, making the key easier to turn.
To create a more secure grip on the steering wheel, consider installing a driving knob, a spinner that clamps onto the steering wheel. Designed for use by individuals with difficulty grasping or weak upper extremities, its large knob can be grasped, pushed or pulled to control the wheel, and it can easily be removed when it's not needed. (Some states have specific regulations regarding the use of steering wheel spinners, so check with your local authorities before installing one.)
To aid in operating other systems that might be difficult to turn on and off (such as headlights or windshield wipers), a remote control panel can be positioned at any point where it's easy for the driver to activate. These systems (such as the Mini-Touch Vehicle Control Pad from Access Unlimited; see photo, above) can operate up to 12 separate vehicle functions and can be outfitted with a steering wheel spinner.
Beyond internal controls, a variety of accessories, options and add-ons can help to create a truly barrier-free vehicle. Power side doors and rear lift gates eliminate the strain of manually operating heavy doors. Seats that can quickly and easily be reconfigured make it more convenient to transport wheelchairs or scooters. If you can imagine it, there's probably a product or modification that can make your vehicle more accessible. Talk to your doctor, a physical therapist or a disability specialist and do a little research, and you'll find that limited mobility need never keep you homebound.
Vehicle Ramps
If you'll regularly be transporting a power scooter or chair, you need an easy way to load it into your vehicle. Though a variety of power-lift options are available, the simplest and least expensive way to load a scooter is with a folding aluminum ramp. Available through numerous outlets and manufactured by many companies, aluminum ramps can be one-piece, bifold or suitcase-style (where the ramp splits into two sections that fold in half, as shown here). Because ramps are available in many lengths and configurations, it's important that you consult a disability specialist or the ramp's manufacturer for specific weight loads and usage considerations, as the amount of incline that your chair or scooter can climb and the ground height of your vehicle will greatly affect the necessary ramp length.
Sources
Access Unlimited, 800-849-2143
National Institute on Disability and Rehabilitation Research (202) 245-7640