Daimler Chrysler's AutoAbility Program

Introduction

Driving is an important means to independence for amputees, enabling you to carry out daily living tasks outside the home as well as take part in social activities, without having to rely on others for transportation.

Whether you are an already licensed driver who has recently become an amputee, or an amputee going for your driver's licence for the first time, the information here applies to you. Will you need special devices on your vehicle, or special driver training? What will obtaining or renewing your driver's licence entail? Will you have any restrictions on your licence?

This article answers the most frequently asked questions regarding amputation and driving in Canada, and provides lists of resources in all regions of the country. However, information in this article is meant only as a guide. Driving is an area under provincial, rather than federal, control; therefore, the procedures and criteria differ for each province. In fact, in many cases there are no specific provincial procedures but rather guidelines for motor vehicle offices, so experiences may vary from city to city within a given province.

While no two amputees will have exactly the same experience obtaining a driver's licence, there are three main possibilities:

1) No Special Requirements
The process will be no different than for the general population.

2) Assessment Not Necessary
A Ministry official may presume that all amputees must undergo a special assessment. However, by being prepared in advance you may be able to demonstrate to the official that an assessment is, in fact, not necessary. Examples - a) a left above- or below-knee amputee can drive a vehicle with automatic transmission without special devices as their artificial limb does not impact on the ability to use the gas and brake pedals which are on the right - a restriction may be placed on the licence stating that the amputee must drive an automatic car rather than a standard because of the clutch that needs to be operated with the left foot; b) a right below- or above-knee amputee may require a left-foot accelerator pedal - an amputee can illustrate they have researched this and provide information about how they will be having one installed into the car they will be driving.

3) Assessment Necessary
For some amputees an assessment will be deemed necessary to determine what devices may need to be fitted to the car and/or to satisfy the Ministry that the amputee will be able to drive safely.

Vehicles and Adaptations

Different amputations will necessitate different adaptations. An amputee may also select a certain kind of vehicle to suit his/her needs. For example - a leg amputee who uses a wheelchair may opt for the space and accessibility of a van; someone who uses a wheelchair or a scooter will also need to consider whether a van or a rooftop wheelchair carrier or a carrier on the back of the car is most appropriate; an arm amputee may decide to purchase a vehicle with power steering in order to minimize the amount of effort required to control the vehicle; a leg amputee may opt for cruise control to reduce the strain on the residual limb on long trips; and many amputees, both leg and arm amputees, choose automatic transmission instead of a standard vehicle for issues related to the stick control and the clutch.

Devices

Below is a chart showing some of the common devices often recommended for particular amputation types. Remember, these are only guidelines. You may wish to discuss your options with your occupational therapist or rehabilitation centre. Sometimes, depending on your amputation(s), it might help to try several devices to find what works best for you.
Other devices or adaptations which amputees may find useful are an ignition key holder which allows easier access to the ignition, pedal extenders, or having the steering column extended. 

Electronic Steering Devices

Another option would be to use an electronic steering device, such as a Digipad or a Touchpad. These devices allow you to control the vehicle and vehicle accessories using digital buttons and switches. Some electronic controls resemble a joystick which allow the steering, gas and brake to be operated using a single device.

Rebates

Many automobile manufacturers offer rebates to customers to help cover the cost of vehicle adaptations. These rebates apply only to new vehicles. There are different programs and restrictions for each car company so it is best to contact your car dealer directly to find out exactly what each offers.

Daimler Chrysler's AutoAbility program offers rebates of up to $750 on cars and $1000 on vans and wagons on their Chrysler, Dodge, and Jeep vehicles.

If you are a Canadian citizen you can also apply for a GST/HST Rebate from Canada Customs and Revenue Agency. The GST/HST Specially Equipped Motor Vehicle Rebate Application can be used to claim the GST which you have paid on the purchase of a qualifying vehicle or a modification service performed on your vehicle. A qualifying vehicle means a vehicle which is equipped with a device designed exclusively to assist in placing a wheelchair in the vehicle without having to collapse the wheelchair, or with an auxiliary driving control to facilitate the operation of the vehicle by an individual with a disability. The application, form GST518, is available at: www.ccra-adrc.gc.ca under the Forms and Publications section.

Contact Ray Clement for more info