You may also be able to get a reduction in your road tax, or not have to pay it at all. Find out more on GOV. UK about financial help if you're disabled , such as vehicle tax exemption and vehicle tax reduction.
Blue Badge schemes are run by local councils. The Motability Scheme lets you use your mobility allowance to lease a car, powered wheelchair or scooter. You can also pay extra for a more expensive vehicle. You need to receive 1 of the allowances used on the scheme and have at least 12 months left on your award. Find out more about how the Motability Scheme works.
Page last reviewed: 5 July Next review due: 5 July Home Health A to Z Social care and support guide Care services, equipment and care homes Back to Care services, equipment and care homes. Driving and using public transport if you have mobility issues. You can get help: using public transport getting discounts on public transport from the NHS with travel costs finding community transport schemes using taxis If you have mobility problems and you need a car to get around, you may be able to get help with costs and parking by: discounted or free road tax a Blue Badge parking permit leasing a vehicle through the Motability scheme You can also find out about walking aids, wheelchairs and mobility scooters.
Using public transport All public transport has to be "accessible" so disabled passengers can use it. Public transport in London London transport trains, buses and river boats is being upgraded to improve step-free access, to help with wheelchair access and avoiding stairs on Transport for London.
Discounts on public transport Older people and people with disabilities can usually travel free on local buses anywhere in England between 9. NHS help with travel costs If you pay to travel to a hospital or other NHS setting for NHS-funded treatment or tests, you may be able to claim a refund of reasonable travel costs.
Community transport schemes These schemes provide transport to and from hospitals, GP surgeries, dentists, opticians and chiropodists and podiatrists. Although the modifications vary based on the particular disability, vehicles should have automatic transmission and a button-less feature that enables easy shifting.
Disabled vehicles should also have power steering, locks, seats, and windows. Some wheelchair users require a lift to get in and out of the vehicle, and hand grips and a transfer board can aid this process as well. If a driver is unable to use brake and accelerator pedals, the vehicle will need to be equipped with hand controls.
Some states have outlawed steering wheel spinner knobs for being too dangerous, but others still allow them. Author: American Safety Council. Categorized in: Driving , Safety Tips , Technology. Getting back on the road There's more to having a set of wheels than getting from here to there. 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. Depending on one's specific needs, an adapted vehicle may include the following: Hand controls for braking and accelerating Power assist devices for easy steering Touch ignition pads and gear shifts Adjustable driver's seats Automatic door openers Joysticks for people with extremely limited hand function For a person who has had a stroke, a spinner knob might be attached to the steering wheel for one-hand steering.
Driving evaluation The first step in the process is to get an evaluation from a qualified driver trainer. The evaluation also assesses the following: Vision screening and muscle strength Flexibility and range of motion Hand-eye coordination and reaction time Judgment and decision making Ability to handle adaptive equipment.
An evaluator may also take into account medications a potential driver is taking. Selecting a vehicle Once you get the green light from the evaluation and your state's motor vehicle department, it's time to think about the vehicles that suit your abilities and needs. In other words, will you be driving from a wheelchair or can you transfer to the car seat? If you can transfer into a car, your choices are much wider.
Will you fit in a minivan? A person may sit taller in the chair and may not clear the ceiling. Can the vehicle accommodate the hand controls or other needed driving equipment? Will there be enough space to accommodate other passengers once the vehicle is modified? Be aware that full-size vans might not fit in your garage or public garages or even in certain parking spaces. If a third party is paying for the vehicle, adaptive devices, or modifications, are there limitations or restrictions on what is covered?
Get a written statement on what a funding agency will pay before making your purchase. If you are adapting a used van or family vehicle, make sure the technician has lots of experience. All lifts are not created equally, some just won't fit. Also, some lifts are built for wheelchair users and scooter users may not be able to use them. Be a savvy shopper; investigate public and private financial assistance. Contact your state's department of vocational rehabilitation or another agency that provides vocational services and, if appropriate, the Department of Veterans Affairs.
Also, consider the following to help finance your new or adapted vehicle: Some nonprofit groups that advocate for individuals with disabilities have grant programs that help with adaptive devices. If you have private health insurance or workers' compensation, you may be covered for adaptive devices and vehicle modification.
Check with your insurance carrier. Several auto manufacturers, including Toyota, Chrysler, Ford, and General Motors, have rebate or reimbursement plans for vehicles that will be modified. Some states waive the sales tax for adaptive devices if you have a doctor's prescription for their use. You may also be eligible for medical expense-related savings on your federal income tax return; consult a tax specialist.
Do they work with evaluators? Will they examine your vehicle before you purchase it?
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