I'm going through a process of a new wheelchair, new van, and home modifications to accommodate my current and future needs. Today was interesting! Unlike my current situation, I'll soon be driving from the wheelchair. And in order to accommodate my needs for the next 10 or so years, I'm converting to an electric brake/accelerator system, and horizontal steering with zero effort. These are known as "primary" controls. As a result of the change in primary controls, the "secondary" controls will change too. I'm looking at a computer controlled modular system to handle things such as lights, turn signals, gear changes, wiper controls....all of the secondary functions.
The picture above left shows the hand control I currently use (past 11 years). It is called a right-angle hand control, and is basic and simple. The new system is similar, but involves electric assist and is mounted to the immediate left of the driver at arm level.
Today, I did some real on-the-road driving using this system in a training van. Jim Keller, owner of Keller Wheelchair Lifts, is the driving teacher and an expert in the systems available today. After a series of adjustments, we developed placement criteria for equipment, and I got to drive with the controls. It went very well!
If any of you readers are going through something similar and you are apprehensive, please do get in touch with me. What I'm doing comes down to one mental aspect; the ability to accept and embrace change. I've learned the hard way, folks.....NEVER let fear lead your life and learn to love change.
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