Tag Archives: hand controls

How to adapt your pre-owned vehicle to meet your needs after a stroke

VMi New England Wheelchair vans & ramp:Lift options
Easy Car Makeovers for Adaptive Driving

Driving after a stroke is often a major concern for survivor’s and their loved ones. It prompts many questions about ability, safety and vehicle options. Often times, the physical disadvantages that result from stroke can compromise a survivor’s ability to operate their vehicle.

Advances in the vehicle modification industry have introduced new driving controls that are giving independence back to stroke survivors that want to drive. They allow them to get back behind the wheel in their own vehicle to go where they want to go, when they want to go.

Innovative vehicle modifications such as hand controls, left-foot accelerators, lifts and mobility seating can transform your personal vehicle into a vehicle that give you more freedom.

Mobility equipment dealers strive to remain at the forefront of the vehicle modification industry by providing cutting-edge technology and a full selection of adaptable equipment for your pre-owned vehicle.


Hand Controls For Stroke Survivors with Limited Use of their Feet

Automotive Innovations is New England’s  #1 hand control installation facility  manufacturer of hand controls and driving aids for the disabled. Hand control systems are specifically designed to give drivers the benefit of controlling a vehicle with both hands on the wheel making for a safer, smoother driving experience.

Unlike other manual and or servo hand control installers in Massachusetts, Rhode Island, Connecticut, Vermont, New Hampshire and Maine, we have the ability to offer a custom fitment to your vehicle and you, for everything from a Fiat 500 to a Lamborghini Aventador no one else has the master craftsman, machining equipment and facility capable of performing a custom installation the way we can.

Push Rock hand controls have a handle in a vertical position; accelerating by rocking back in an arching motion using the fingers and/or the palm. There are several additional options to choose from:

  • Spinner knob: Attached to the steering wheel to allow controlled steering with use of one hand.
  • Single Pin: As an alternative to the spinner knob, this hand control was designed for clients that cannot open their hand fully.
  • Tri Pin: Great for an independent driver. It requires minimal gripping strength and/or reduced wrist stability.
  • V-Grip: This attachment is intended for drivers with moderate gripping strength.
  • Steering Wheel Extension: This device is individually customizable, so you can pick a diameter and height that best suits your needs. The easily removable device is completely compatible with any OEM steering wheel.

Servo electronic mobility controls offers driving control products that are safe and provide piece of mind every time you are on the road.

  • Lever:  A gas/brake input with adjustable levels of force and travel from the full gas to the full brake position.
    • It is designed for customers that have a wider range of motion and a larger effort level.
  • One handed steering and gas brake:  A input that you can steer that is available in a two-axis configuration for gas/brake and steering It has a adjustable range of motion and very low levels  of force to operate.
    • It is designed and custom build for each customers specific range of motion and abilities.
  • Wheel:  A steering input that can be adjusted to less than 2 oz of force at the proper orthotic position of 3 3/8” from center.
    • It is also able to be adaptable for customers that have a wider range of motion.

Left-foot Accelerator

Automotive Innovations’ offers the best left foot gas pedals with unmatched installations.  Left-foot accelerators are designed to offer a left foot gas pedal which acts exactly like your vehicle’s existing gas pedal. Our Left foot gas pedals are removable with features like a quick-release base so the entire assembly can be removed and re-installed quickly and easily.

 

Lifts for Stroke Survivors that use Wheelchairs or Walkers
Automotive Innovations can offer more solutions for the transportation of your mobility device than any other dealership in New England.

“Its worth the drive, I live in the western part of Massachusetts and will never trust my van with anyone other than Automotive Innovations. They have been taking care of me and my vans since 1996. When a company comes through for you time and time again whats that worth? For me it’s priceless and the drive is irrelevant.”
– Chris P Whately, MA

  • Scooter & Wheelchair Lifts while not always practical they do work in all types of vehicles. These fold-down wheelchair and scooter lifts make lifting and storing your manual folding wheelchair or scooter possible.


Mobility Seating

The mobility transfer seat is an innovative system for lower vehicles which can provide easer  access to an automotive seat. The seat power rotates out over the doorsill, bridging the gap for a safe transfer onto the seat. These seats are not always practical for every type of vehicle

Our goal is to match your lifestyle and your vehicle with equipment that will deliver independence.


Finding a Dealer That’s Up to Standards

Hand controls, left-foot accelerator, lifts and mobility seating offers opportunities for the stroke survivor to regain their mobility freedom in their pre-owned vehicle. You have just found the best mobility dealer in all of New England that offers a ever evolving selection of adaptable equipment.

It is important to select a reputable dealer to provide the adaptable equipment and installation for your pre-owned vehicle.

  1. Are they members of the National Mobility Equipment Dealers Association (NMEDA) or another organization that has vehicle conversion standards?
  2. Are they Quality Assurance Program (QAP) certified?
  3. Do they provide ongoing service and maintenance?
  4. Do they provide 24/7 emergency service?
  5. Do they provide training on the adaptable equipment?
  6. Can the equipment be transferred to a new vehicle in the future?

Veigel North America Hand Controls

Veigel is the internationally leading manufacturer of driving school systems and driving aids for handicapped persons. They believe in absolute customer satisfaction which we are achieving by developing and manufacturing our products at the highest quality level.

With over 80 years of experience manufacturing adaptive driving products like, mechanical hand controls, and an in-house R&D facility everything Veigel manufacture has been designed and tested to meet the highest standards in quality, function and design. The average employee has 15 years of experience at Veigel Automotive. The combined effort of so many years of dedication and focus have resulted in the highest quality, most reliable and safest products on the market.

Veigel 4100 Classic Hand Control
The Veigel hand control is an accelerator and brake that fits perfectly into the interior of modern vehicles. Thanks to the ergonomically optimized handle and the additional individual adjustability of the grip angle the acceleration becomes easier, fatigue-free and adapts to every hand position of the driver. To accelerate you simply turn the handle on your hand control clockwise. In order to break, just push the hand control slightly front wise. The break can also temporary be locked in place. The hand control can also easily be fold away.

Veigel 4200 Compact Hand Control
Proven hand control technology from Automotive Innovations and Veigel in a modern design – this is the principle of the COMPACT hand control. The functional principle is rather simple: To accelerate the ergonomically designed handle is only to pull backwards. A short push forward activates the break, which also can be temporary locked in place. As the CLASSIC, the COMPACT can also be fold away.

Veigel Commander
The optional fitted Veigel Commander for CLASSIC or COMPACT allows the driver to conduct the most important secondary functions of the vehicle unstressed with just one finger. The device can be used very easily and merges perfectly with the award-winning Design of the Veigel hand control. In addition the Original lever can still be used as normal.

Veigel Basic-Commander
The Basic Commander enables the driver to indicating in each situation, even at a roundabout, without repositioning or letting your hand loose of the steering wheel. Also this switch is really easy to use and fits perfectly to the award-winning design of the Veigel hand control. Needles to say, that the original lever still can be used as normal.

  • The Basic Commander is available for the COMPACT and the CLASSIC hand control.
  • Classic leather-clad
  • Complying with your request you can order the hand control in leather-clad.

MPD Mechanical Hand Controls

Freedom. It’s an essential part of an active life. It means setting your own agenda, getting behind the wheel and going where you want to go whether you’re running errands across town or visiting family and friends across the country.

Mobility Products & Design (MPD) gives you that freedom. For 52 years, we’ve been designing and refining customized, ergonomic driving controls that keep you actively involved in your world.

Their easy-to-use mechanical hand controls make driving simple-just push forward to brake and pull down to accelerate. Our wide selection of steering controls puts you in command of your vehicle, enabling you to enjoy a driving experience that minimizes fatigue. Our extension and foot controls make everyday tasks convenient for you-from turning the ignition key to setting the parking brake.

MPD controls look as good as they perform, with finished surfaces and sleek lines to complement your vehicle’s interior. They are adaptable to most cars, trucks, and vans, and they are flexible enough to allow an ambulatory person to operate the vehicle with ease.

These controls are built to be reliable, providing you with years of dependable performance. We back their strength with a full two-year warranty that gives you peace of mind as well as freedom.

All steering controls are readily detachable for ambulatory person.
Available Options for All 3500 Hand Controls:
Horn and/or headlight dimmer can be included in the installation.
Knob and foam grips are interchangeable, depending on your preference.

3500F Hand Control Foam Grip Straight Handle 

Meets or exceeds VA specifications
Our foam grip handle was designed two inches longer in length than most hand controls, ensuring comfortable driving control and greater leverage when braking and accelerating.

3500FX Hand Control Foam Grip Offset Handle
Meets or exceeds VA specifications
This control has everything the “Classic” 3500F offers, but with additional options. For instance, your installer can choose the handle angle to suit your preference. If you are tall, it can be angled around your leg so that you can reach full acceleration. If you have difficulty reaching the turn signal. The handle easily adjusts closer to the turn signal lever.

3500K Hand Control Knob Grip Straight Handle
Meets or exceeds VA specifications
You will recognize this popular hand control. It now comes with a standard bent brake rod which allows the control to be mounted higher in the vehicle for your driving convenience.

3500KX Hand Control Knob Grip Offset Handle
Meets or exceeds VA specifications
This control has everything the “Classic” 3500K offers, but with additional options. For instance, your installer can choose the handle angle to suit your preference. If you are tall, it can be angled around your leg so that you can reach full acceleration. If you have difficulty reaching the turn signal. The handle easily adjusts closer to the turn signal lever.

3501FB Hand Control Foam Grip Straight Handle
Meets or exceeds VA specifications
Our foam grip handle was designed two inches longer in length than most hand controls, ensuring comfortable driving control and greater leverage when braking.

3501FBX Hand Control Foam Grip Offset Handle 

Meets or exceeds VA specifications
This control has everything the “Classic” 3500F offers, but with additional options. For instance, your installer can choose the handle angle to suit your preference. If you have difficulty reaching the turn signal. The handle easily adjusts closer to the turn signal lever.

3501KB Hand Control Knob Grip Straight Handle
Meets or exceeds VA specifications
You will recognize this popular hand control. It now comes with a standard bent brake rod which allows the control to be mounted higher in the vehicle for your driving convenience.

3501KBX Hand Control Knob Grip Offset Handle
Meets or exceeds VA specifications
This control has everything the “Classic” 3500K offers, but with additional options. For instance, your installer can choose the handle angle to suit your preference. If you have difficulty reaching the turn signal. The handle easily adjusts closer to the turn signal lever.



3502TW with Wrist Support and Tri-Pin
Meets or exceeds VA specifications
This control offers a Tri-Pin shaped handle with a foam wrist support and side hand guard, adding more wrist support than standard right angle controls for driving comfort.

3502WHD with Wrist Support 

Meets or exceeds VA specifications
This control offers a U-shaped handle with a foam wrist support and side hand guard, adding more wrist support than standard right angle controls for driving comfort.

“NEW” 3300KT Push/Rock with Removable Soft Grip Knob Traditional Handle 

Meets or exceeds VA specifications
Our NEW & improved Push/Rock includes a removable handle for added safety. They come in either a Soft Foam Grip or a Foam Grip. Push Down for brake & Rock Back for gas. Simple to adjust the brake & gas. Smooth operation & easy to use.

“NEW” 3300KV Push/Rock with Removable Soft Grip Knob Veigel Handle 

Meets or exceeds VA specifications
Removing the handle prevents other drivers from accidentally engaging the hand control. Besides being able to choose what grip you want you can also choose the handle style you want: either a Traditional Handle or a veigel handle.

3400F Hand Control Foam Grip Straight Handle
Meets or exceeds VA specifications
Push/Pull with foam grip handle. Same brackets as the 3500, NO extra Inventory. Simple to adjust gas & brake.

3400K Hand Control Knob Grip Straight Handle
Meets or exceeds VA specifications
Push/Pull with Knob Grip. Great applications for Titled Vehicles and Non Titled Vehicles such as Gem cars and Golf Carts.



3700 Hand Control Push/Pull Control
Meets or exceeds VA specifications
The versatile Tri-Pin was designed to feel comfortable. It may be mounted for right- or left-hand operation, according to your preference It can be installed in a variety of full-size vans, including lowered-floor minivans.

3700 Minimum Effort Throttle Hand Control Push/Pull Control
Meets or exceeds VA specifications
The versatile Tri-Pin was designed to feel comfortable. It may be mounted for right- or left-hand operation, according to your preference. It is made to be installed in Ford full-size vans.

DADC Mechanical Hand controls

At DADC, their philosophy is simple: deliver the best driving experience possible. Their hand controls are designed to become one with your car, so you are not driving a hand control you are driving your car.

Quality Materials and Reduced Maintenance
They use quality materials, including durable stainless steel for an attractive finished product. DADC uses self-lubricating components to eliminate maintenance, squeaks and grease stains on clothes.

Less Fatigue, Less Discomfort
Holding the DADC hand control in your hand feels light and natural, which is why our clients prefer it. Our ergonomic design is an extension of the body’s natural responses to reduce fatigue, especially on long distance drives or in stop and go traffic.

Road Tested to Racing Standards
DADC’s founder’s son, Roger, is a racer, so when it came to design, it was important for William to build a hand control that delivered on the racetrack not only the road. The patented vacuum assist provides better throttle control, especially in tight turns or on bumpy roads.

Protect your Automotive Investment, Share with Pedal Pushing Drivers
DADC hand controls fit a wide range of vehicles with little or no cutting to the dashboard. Our cable operated throttle control means a cockpit free of clutter and unencumbered access for you and your pedal pushing family and friends.

Automobile Handicap Hand Control System – DADC 500

This automobile handicapped hand control works with a vacuum assisted twist grip to give you precise, effortless, finger-tip control of the throttle. In addition, the floor area is free, making it possible for other drivers to easily share a vehicle equipped with this system. The twist approach uses less space than other lever actuated hand controls.


Automobile Handicap Hand Control System – DADC500P

The 500P model offers the same vacuum assist capabilities as the 500 model, but uses a pull throttle to control acceleration and braking instead of a twisting action. This motion gives those with limited gripping capacity the same effortless operation as the 500 model and uses only a little more room for operation.

Both the DADC500 and DADC500P provide a rugged and seemingly simple ergonomic design, allowing the driver to rest a hand on the handle while controlling the vehicle through turns and over rough roads. This results in better control and less fatigue, especially on long trips.


Driving Aids Development Corporation (DADC) Special Features

  • Attractive appearance! Resilient, comfortable control grip.
  • Maintenance free! Self lubricating components used throughout.
  • All fasteners and major parts are high-strength stainless steel.
  • Registered with the FDA.
  • Accepted by the V. A.
  • Meets or exceeds all requirements of S.A.E. J1903 JUL89.
  • Licensed under U.S. Patent No. 4436191

But what about cruise you ask? Will it still function? Not to worry. Cruise control is fully operational even when the
adaptive driving aid is engaged.

Remember, the DADC adaptive driving aid does not replace the pedals that came with your vehicle, but is added to them. This also means that able bodied drivers can operate your modified vehicle normally, without learning to use the adaptive driving aid that makes it possible for you to operate your own vehicle.

DADC 500 Twist
Vacuum assisted, motorcycle styled twist handle for throttle and push for brakes.

  • Precise fingertip operation
  • Reduced range of motion required to operate
  • Eliminates discomfort and fatigue

DADC 500 Push Pull

Vacuum assisted, traditional push-pull handle, pull for gas, push for brake.

  • Reduced range of motion required to operate
  • An options for drivers considering expensive electronic controls

DADC 500 Manual Push Pull

Traditional push-pull handle, pull for gas, push for brake.

  • Quick, light action and smooth response

DADC 500 Manual Push Rock

Rock back for gas and push for brake.

  • Avoid confusion between brake and acceleration

DADC Brake Only

Traditional push-pull handle, push for brake.

  • Access to brake without moving the foot

DADC Turn Signal Adapter
Operate the Turn Signal control from the right side of the wheel

  • Lightweight Aluminum
  • Mounts to turn signal wand
  • Left and right mounting option

DADC Key Tee
Developed for people with Rheumatoid Arthritis. Fits in tight spaces and gives hurting hands leverage on the key.

  • Fits most any key
  • Effortless key-turn, reduced hand strain
  • Improves leverage
  • Reduces Pain

DADC Game Wheel

Enjoy the action of online simulated driving and racing.

  • Operate gas and brake from the hand control instead of the joystick
  • Share your game wheel with pedal pushing family and friends

Adaptive Driving for Persons with Physical Limitations: Adaptive Driving Aids/Modifications

With the use of appropriate adaptive aids an individual with most types of physical disability can continue to drive safely. A variety of devices are available to meet the individual driver’s needs and preferences. The following is a list of the more common modifications available. They should be tried in an actual driving situation before making a final decision. (For liability issues work with a certified adaptive driving specialist).

Automatic transmission: replaces clutch and manual shift

Power Steering: permits one-hand steering wheel operation

Power Brakes: needed for hand controls and other adaptive aids

Steering Devices: spinner knob, amputee ring, quad fork, tri pin, or custom device

Floor Mounted Steering: floor steering wheel for foot control

Modified Effort Steering: reduces strength needed to operate power steering or brake to accommodate low strength and/or endurance.

Left Foot Accelerator: eliminates left leg cross-over

Foot Pedal Extensions: raises height of brake and accelerator

Hand Controls: control operates brake/accelerator with single lever and activates secondary controls (horn, wipers, turn signals, etc.) *temporary or mounted hand controls are not recommended by Veterans Administration
Electric Gear Selector: permits left hand operation
Right Hand Turn Signal: permits right hand operation without cross-over
Remote Switches: reposition or build up secondary controls (horn, wipers, turn signals, etc.) to accommodate driver’s specific disability
Seat Belts: shoulder and lap belt adjustments may be needed
Power Seats: eases access for transferring to a regular captain’s seat
Custom Seats: creates balance, positioning, and stability
Lifts and Ramps: permits access into and out of vehicle
Wheelchair/Scooter Lifts: assists in lifting wheelchairs and scooters in and out of vehicle
Wheelchair Carriers: permits carrying of wheelchair outside of vehicle