MICHIGAN DISABILITY RIGHTS COALITION (MDRC) ASSISTIVE TECH PROGRAM

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Customize

Your Ride

Steps To Successful Vehicle Modification

1. Personal Driving Assessment

2. Licensing Requirements

3. Vehicle Selection

4. Funding Sources

5. Training

6. Maintaining Equipment

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Reasons To Have An Individual Assessment

Never driven before or since disability occurred

Unsure about physical ability to operate a vehicle

Changes in physical ability Safety issues for transporting a person with a disability

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Clinical evaluation by driving rehab specialist

Road evaluation using adaptive equipment

RX written for modification based on performance

Assessment Expectations

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Drivers education with new modifications

Total fitting and assessment in modified vehicle

Final report with specific recommendations

Assessment Expectations, Continued

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Contact local rehabilitation center

Association for Driver Rehabilitation Specialists (ADED) 800.290.2344

Qualified Evaluators

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Must have valid permit/drivers license

Cannot be denied opportunity to apply due to disability

Restrictions may apply based on modification

Licensing Regulations

Automatic transmission

Power steering Siren detector Bioptics Steering Devices Raised

roof/dropped floor

Left-foot accelerator Pedal extender Hand controls Steering Column

Extension Joy-stick system

Typical Modifications

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Gear selection Right-hand turn

signal Remote switches Seat belts Tie-downs Power seats

Seating Wheelchair lift or

ramp Automatic door

openers Wheelchair carrier Quad

key-holder/turner

Typical Modifications, Continued

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Car Caddie Handybar ™ Swivel Seat Cushion Transfer Board Wide-Angel Rearview Mirror Portable Ramps

Easy-to-install Modifications

Considerations For Vehicle Selection

Does the modification require a van or will another vehicle suffice?

Will the vehicle accommodate the equipment needed?

Is space a consideration for other passengers?

Is parking space available at home for loading/unloading?

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Considerations For Vehicle Selection, Continued If using a walker, is there adequate parking

space available? What additional options are available for

safe use of vehicle? What are the services and warranty

programs on your selection? New or used?

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Internet Vs. Local Dealer

InternetMay be limited dealers in areaOffers nationwideMay be less expensive

Local DealerConvenience if problemsMore responsiveDissatisfied buyer has more impact locally

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National Mobility Equipment Dealers Association Quality Assurance Program

Accreditation Requirements

Maintain four types of insurance for liability purposes

Certified welders for structural modifications Technicians must be certified in sold, installed, and

serviced Must keep records of all adaptive work Annual inspection/audit process

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Michigan Rehabilitation Services Children’s Special Health Services Veterans Administration Local service organizations Vehicle manufacturers Advocacy Associations Michigan Assistive Technology Loan Fund

Possible Funding Sources

Michigan Rehabilitation Services

Eligibility based program - Must have disability causing impediment to employment

May assist with:EvaluationTraining Cost of adaptive equipment

May collaborate with other sources

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Children’s Special Needs Fund

For children under age 21 Children’s Special Health Care Services

eligible or enrolled Income requirements Assist with van lifts from $1,500 to $6,000

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Veterans Administration Grants toward purchase of modifying existing

vehicle Grants toward purchase of adapted vehicle Total grant amount can’t exceed $18,000 as of

October 2011 Must be service-related disability Allowed one grant per lifetime Contact V.A. for specific requirements

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Lions Club Elks Kiwanis Knights of Columbus Rotary Club

Local Service Organizations

Vehicle Manufacturers Most manufacturers offer the following

incentives:Up to $1,200 rebate on purchase/lease of modifications for vehicle

Mods must usually be done within 12 months of purchase/lease of vehicle

Reimbursement must be requested within 90 days of completion of mods

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Alzheimer Association Multiple Sclerosis Society Traumatic Brain Injury

Association Muscular Dystrophy

Association Easter Seals

Disability Organizations

Michigan Assistive Technology Loan Fund

Low-interest loans available for purchase of modified vehicles

Available to individuals with disabilities/their families that reside within Michigan

Application process Training/extended warranties can be included in

loan Maximum loan amount is $30,000, no minimum

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Physician’s RX will exempt purchase from sales tax in Michigan

Check with private health insurance or workers’ compensation

May be able to use on tax return as medical deduction

Other Cost Saving Measures

Training New and experienced drivers need training for

adaptive equipment Evaluator/equipment dealer should provide

information and off-road instruction Train with qualified driving instructor to improve

skills Family member should be trained too Inquiry can also be made at local DMV office

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Regular maintenance important for safety and reliability

May be mandatory for compliance with warranty

Warranty may specify time period for adaptive equipment inspection

Maintaining Equipment

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Make sure all warranty information is submitted for coverage and recalls

If purchased from private party, establish service provider

Maintaining Equipment, Continued

Questions?

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28MICHIGAN DISABILITY RIGHTS COALITION (MDRC) ASSISTIVE TECH PROGRAM

“Living with a disability is kind of like driving around in an old '62 Chevy Bel Air, with the Power glide transmission ... and no reverse. It's not all that different. It's just that, sometimes, you have to think about it."

- Dan Wilkins

Final Thought