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Shared by Mark Dvorak
Note: this is Mark's experience and thoughts - please check with your
insurance company and local authorities
Mark's photos (click thumbnails):
I learned quite a bit about hand controls while I was shopping for
the type I wanted to have installed on my van. I am by no means an
expert on the subject, but I would like to share a few of the things I
learned during the process of getting my controls. Let me start by
saying that I have HSP. I describe my symptoms as “everything from my
waist down is affected in one way or another, especially my leg weakness
and balance.” My upper body seems to be working just fine.
There are electronically and mechanically controlled hand controls on
the market. The electronic controls seemed to be designed for
individuals that have mobility problems with all four of their limbs and
the mechanical type seemed to be more suitable for individuals with
lower extremity problems only. (The mechanical type was the best
application in my case)
Going to a driving school and getting evaluated to determine which type
of control is best for your situation might be available in your area
and may be covered by your insurance. Check it out!
My insurance company considers hand controls as a durable medical
good….“but“….they did not cover the cost of the controls or the
installation cost at all (Even with a prescription from my doctor).
Their reasoning for this was….“installation of hand controls is
considered a modification to your vehicle, therefore we will “NOT” cover
the expense to purchase them or have them installed”. Check with your
insurance company about the above and check to see if they can be
deducted as a medical expense on income taxes.
Mounting a spinner knob on the steering wheel will aid you in the task
of steering. For safety’s sake a person needs a “spinner knob” while
using hand controls. I have heard of people that don’t have a spinner
knob on their steering wheel to go along with their hand controls. That
seemed kind of dangerous to me since I was going to be removing one of
my hands from the wheel to operate the controls.
There are many types of spinner knobs on the market. For about $70 I
purchased one that matches the interior of my vehicle nicely. It
connects to the wheel like a clamp using hex screws. I was able to move
it around until I found a location that was comfortable for me. The task
of moving it around is possible by using the hex wrench that is supplied
with the knob, so keep track of the wrench! The knob itself is removable
by pressing a button. This allows an individual to operate the vehicle
without the knob being in the way. Here is a web site you can view my
spinner knob;
http://suregrip-hvl.com/spinmaster.html
NOTE:
If you are in an accident, you are forced forward by the impact the
majority of the time. Some hand controls accelerate by pushing the
control forward or down. This action could cause you to push on the gas.
I would encourage you to stay away from those types of hand controls
unless the application for your situation calls for the them.
My hand controls are model # CT-100 and are made by Wells Engberg. You
push down for braking and twist the handle (like a motorcycle) for
acceleration. These particular hand controls allows the vehicle to be
operated with or without the use of the controls.I am not selling hand
controls for Wells Engberg but here is a web site that shows the
controls I have along with the other types of controls they carry:
http://www.wells-engberg.com/.
The approximate cost of my hand controls was $300 and it cost
approximately $300 to have them installed.
Finding a certified installer might be a little difficult in your area
because you will need a mechanic/mobility technician to install the
controls. A prescription may be required by the installer and there may
be some paperwork to be completed. A driving test and license
restriction may be required in your area by the Department of Public
Safety.
EDITORS NOTE:
CHECK WITH YOUR LOCAL AUTHORITIES ABOUT LAWS CONCERNING HAND CONTROL
INSTALLATION AND USAGE!
When I first got my hand controls I practiced on country roads where the
traffic is lighter. I also went to the mall parking lot and practiced
parking, braking, and backing. You should be able to go to a driving
school in your area and have some training if you feel the need. Some
insurance companies might cover this expense. You need to give it some
time and you will become more and more comfortable with using your new
hand controls. Good luck on the purchase of your hand controls and I
recommend doing a little bit of research before you decide on which type of
controls you want to have installed on your vehicle. |
