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I am a C-5 quad. I have no use of my fingers but I can use my arms. I would like to go for driving training. Because it is expensive I would like to know if any quads drive and how do you deal with the complications of driving using only your arms.
Thanks
When we went out to purchase our accessible van, I saw a woman driving her van out in a crowded garage. I could only see her face. When she got out of the van in her wheelchair.... She had no legs or arms. She was driving with a part of her shoulder.... ONe of the best driving I had ever seen!
Hi Nasrin,
I'm a c5-c6 quad since 1980. No finger movement, but able to lift wrists. Biceps, but no triceps. Did not attempt to drive 1st 2 yrs. Finally managed to get a van/lift/hand-controls. First try I did good until I tried to leave my subdivision. Accelerated too much on my right turn and performed an exciting 180 degree turn into a 10-inch pine tree. Tree snapped in half, van go no more. Tried again at five-year mark and drove out to Grand Canyon from St. Louis - solo. Retired 2nd van after 10 yrs. and 100,000 miles which included regular, daily commuting for college or job, plus trips to Florida and California. Got 3rd van in '95, it now has over 155,000 miles. I never have driven from my wheelchair, always transferred into driver's seat. Always had chair lifts in rear instead of side. Use tripod cuff on steering wheel and hand-controls for gas/brake. It can be done. If you have specific questions, let me know - good luck!
Hi... I received my drivers license on April 17, 2008 after hiring a well-seasoned, excellent trainer. It was money well spent. I ended up on the road, confident, aware, focused and able. I totally appreciate the expanded freedom every time I use my van. I am C5-7 quad with compromised hands but the equipment available compensates for my handedness. I transfer into the drivers seat from my chair, as this setup allows another driver to share in the driving when desired.
I have a sequence of actions and thoughts I do every time I get into the van to drive. I take several deep breaths, relaxing more deeply each time. I make sure my body is in the seat correctly for the most comfort. I check my mirrors and the gas gage. I remind myself that I am going to be driving and that all my attention needs to be focused on what I am doing at the moment rather than on where I am going or where I have been . I don't talk on the phone though I do converse with passengers. I sometimes listen to the radio. I carry a cell phone and belong to an auto club with towing and road service for my own and my family's peace of mind. I totally enjoy driving and since I can't turn my body around in order to backup, I learned to "backup like a trucker" using just my mirrors. Go for it! I am available for conversation about driving and such. lovely day.. Molly
i am a C6quad with no finger use nor do I have the upper body strength to transfer myself, so I drive from my power chair. I know that if everything is not just-so, I have difficulty. I can't use regular hand controls because my right arm is not strong enough to steer. i have a Wells Enberg pneumatic hand control system in my Toyota Sienna. Since there are only a few on the road with this system, it has been 6 months since I began trying to drive it. So far it has been very touchy w/ both the gas and the brake, so we are still looking for what will work for me. Although this adventure has been quite costly and a bit frustrating, I am confident that the freedom I will have once I master this will be worth it.
Where do you live? Perhaps you can contact your local Department of Vocational Rehab. They sent my son a person from a rehab place to assess his needs. He was provided equipment based on his specific issues. One, he has leg spasims, so it was recommended and provided by the local Rehab Division to get him a kick plate in front of the gas. He was also given a knob for turning and handcontrols, and a swivel seat because he is a T-6,7 and 8 injury with no trunk support! So, there is equipment out there, you need to be assessed by a professional for your special needs. YOU CAN DRIVE!
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