Reeve Foundation Paralysis Community

Hi everyone,

Just wondering if anyone can give us some insight/advice on how/where to go about getting hand controls for a car?  How much do they regularly cost? There isn't an outfit that supplies grants or something like that is there..for the install of them?

Welcome! Different states have different requirements for hand controls so I suggest that you begin with your states Department of Motor Vehicles. I needed to go through a driving assessment and then drivers training with an occupational therapist that had training specific to modified driving.  My initial eval was conducted in an office and included cognitive as well as refexive testing. The tests were mandated by my home state. Afterwards, I began my on the road training. We evaluated what type of controls I would need in my first session. Afterwards, I had 3 behind the wheel sessions teaching me how to drive with the adaptions. Once the specially trained OT felt that I knew what I was doing, she signed me off on training. The next step was a letter was sent to the state DMV and they modified my drivers license and mandated a road test. This process also included a file review before the medical board.  I was assigned a wonderful nurse thru the DMV and she assisted me with the process.

My OT wrote a recommendation to my doctor as to what tyle of controls I needed. He tthen wrote a perscription so they could be purchased and put into the car by a state approved modification site.

Seems like a lot of steps, right? Well, they do vary from state to state. To answer your question on unding, many state Vocational Rehabilitation programs cover the costs if  a modified car will be used for work and school. I would start there. Some states even pay for the drivers training....my health insurance did not cover it and it was expensive.

Can you tell me what state you live in? I can research your state and provide you with some resources. The most important part in my mind is to have a specially trained and certified OT in adaptive driving and let them decide what you need. My OT also gave me all the steps to follow for my state.

Simple question but complicated answer because the laws very so greatly from state to state. Some states like Mississippi don't even require you to have drivers training or a modified license.

I will look for your response and pop in and provide more info.  If you want to talk to a "person", please call an information Specialist M-F from 9 am to 5 pm ET at 800-539-7309.

Safe driving!

Hello Again:

If you go to www.paralysis.org and start with the Factsheets Topics A-Z you will find this excellent document on Cars and Driving that can be printed out.

http://www.christopherreeve.org/atf/cf/{3d83418f-b967-4c18-8ada-adc2e5355071}/Cars%20and%20Driving%207-08.PDF      The document provides the link to the accrediting agency for drivers training as well as vehicle modification. 

Hope this helps some.