#DRIVERS JOYSTICK TECH MOBILITY REVIEW DRIVER#
People with neuromuscular diseases should ask the driver rehab specialist “what kind of experience have you had with someone like me?” Benner advises. Certainly, you don’t want to make a $100,000 mistake.” “We can prescribe driving systems where the total vehicle cost can be upwards of $100,000.
#DRIVERS JOYSTICK TECH MOBILITY REVIEW DRIVERS#
“You can make some very costly mistakes if you just order a certain driving system off the Internet,” warns Lori Benner, an OT and CDRS at Penn State’s Hershey Medical Center in Hershey, Pa., and president of the Board of Directors of the Association for Driver Rehabilitation Specialists (ADED).Īlthough driving specialists prefer to prescribe - and drivers prefer to buy - the least costly and least technologically advanced system possible, that system still has to be usable a year from now, she notes. And in the long run, it can save them some money by getting a prescription for the right equipment the first time.” Getting a good eval Some states require that it be done through a CDRS. “It’ll cost them some money to get evaluated, but they’ll get prescribed correctly, and they’ll be a safer driver. “Drivers need to get to a CDRS,” said Peter Ruprecht of Drive-Master, a hand control manufacturer. Or, if you have difficulty maneuvering a traditional steering wheel, the CDRS may recommend a steering control, a smaller steering wheel or reduced-effort steering. If not, low- or zero-effort braking controls may be recommended. While you may be able to use any of the available hand controls, the CDRS will determine the best system for your abilities, now and in the future.įor example, the CDRS will evaluate whether you can stop the car safely.
During the evaluation, drivers have the opportunity to try various kinds of driving equipment in different vehicle settings. Next, obtain a doctor’s prescription giving medical approval for an initial driver evaluation.ĭon’t buy anything until you’ve been evaluated by a CDRS. An OT also may be able to help locate a CDRS in your area (and many driver rehab specialists also are OTs). The first step is to speak with an occupational therapist (OT) about changes in driving ability. A CDRS can help determine whether you’ll be able to drive with modifications and adaptive equipment. If you can’t adequately turn the wheel or react as quickly to hit the brake, you’re not only endangering yourself, but also your passengers and everyone else on the road.Īnd that’s where a Certified Driver Rehabilitation Specialist (CDRS) can make a world of difference. Once driving abilities start to change due to progressing muscle weakness, don’t make the mistake of ignoring it.
Spend money to save money - get evaluated
Planning, driver evaluations and training all are required in order to find the right equipment to safely meet your driving needs. Mechanical and electronic hand controls can mean the difference between staying on the road and feeling trapped in your own home.īut while hand controls may sound like the be-all and end-all solution, there’s a long (and often expensive) road ahead. Get evaluated, try before you buy, research low- and high-tech options
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