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Accessible vehicle modifications are changes to a vehicle, or the installation of equipment in it, to enable a participant to access it and, in some cases, operate it.
In the world we currently live in, it is fundamental to be able to travel to appointments, to the shops and to visit family and friends by a vehicle. Since vehicles are made as a stock standard, not everyone fits the vehicle they drive, especially if you have a disability.
At Gilani Engineering we can bring back your freedom and independence through a wheelchair accessible vehicle. If you are a wheelchair user or are a family member of a wheelchair user and regularly drive your family member, a wheelchair accessible vehicle is an excellent investment to regain your freedom, happiness and life back.
Unfortunately, new cars are quite expensive and not all individuals with limited mobility or individuals with a disability can afford to purchase a new vehicle. If you have a disability and receive NDIS funding, it does not cover the cost of new vehicles.
At Gilani Engineering you can have the choice of modifying your existing vehicle. This article covers many important topics about the types of disability vehicle modifications , disability car conversions , boot hoist and stowagesolutions, transfer solutions , driving solutions and much more !
Accessible vehicle modifications may be included in your NDIS plan where it is reasonable and necessary support that will meet your needs and help you achieve your goals.  The NDIS does not generally fund a vehicle for a participant – but may fund modifications to a vehicle the participant regularly uses or would use to address their transport needs.
It is important to note that it may take time to establish whether a participant will be able to meet the requirements to be legally licensed to operate a motor vehicle. This process itself may be reasonable and necessary support, involving assessment, driving lessons and trials of different modification technologies. Our team at Gilani Engineering can assist you with the whole process of guiding you through driving lessons for wheelchair-accessible vehicles, driving lessons for modified vehicles, suggesting and brainstorming potential vehicle modification ideas with your occupational therapist, conducting and certifying your accessible vehicle modifications.
Vehicles aged less than five years, under 80,000kms, are generally considered suitable to modify. Â However, older vehicles and those with higher mileage may still be considered where there is evidence that their modification would be cost-effective.
Before funding accessible vehicle modifications, the NDIA will also consider the effectiveness of accessible vehicle modifications having consideration to whether:
The NDIA may fund supports related or incidental to accessible vehicle modifications. For example, driver assessments for the purpose of getting an endorsed license or driving lessons where a participant needs lessons to establish the skills to use the modified vehicle.
The accessible vehicle modifications process can be a daunting and convoluted process for clients. It takes Occupational Therapy consultations to gather all information required to ensure a successful long-term prescription. The NDIS tend to only fund vehicle modifications once for each client, therefore extra care is required by the Occupational Therapist to consider the current and future needs of the participants. Even if a certain part of the vehicle may not require modifications at present, the NDIS requires it to be added into the submission and identified as a potential future need so that they can determine if the overall accessible vehicle modifications and expense recommended are considered Reasonable & Necessary.
Complex vehicle Modifications can take anywhere from 15 hours plus to be ready for submission.
As an example, I have detailed below an approximate timeline with hours of work required for a full vehicle modification:
(Approximately 1.5 hours)
(Between 2-3 hours depending on client complexity and need)
(Between 1-1.5 hours)
(5 hours - 2 weeks)
The types of disability vehicle modifications fall under the following categories:
Driving solutions are suitable for people that have limited mobility and want to maintain their freedom and independence by driving.
Lodgesons mini keypad controls for steering solutions
Lodgesons mini keypad is an access solution allowing you to operate 13 different functions in just one tiny product!
Driving solutions include hand controls with keypads such as the latest innovative Lodgesons steering controls. They have simples keypads that can control 6 functions or complex bleeper systems that can control up to 13 different functions! Another option is a bleeper system where you can switch between functions of the car by tapping the bleeper. Some examples of functions that can be controlled include:
The lodgesons bleeper system is designed for people with restricted mobility as it will operate up to 13 functions of a car from just one button.
Other hand controls include push brakes and push accelerators which are suitable for people who have lost their leg function. These come in manual or electric, horizontal or vertical, push brake or lever types. When you push the hand control the car stops, when you push the accelerator with your hand the cargoes. It's as simple as that!
Examples:
Gilani Engineerings are experts in disability car conversions. Our RMS certifiers on site will ensure that your vehicle is roadworthy once you leave our workshop.
Gilani Engineerings are experts in disability car conversions. Our RMS certifiers on site will ensure that your vehicle is roadworthy once you leave our workshop.
Gilani Engineering has an endless number of disability car conversion options to suit you and your budget. Every individual is unique so at Gilani Engineering we make sure that disability car conversions are tailor made to you!
Other individuals require over ring accelerators or under ring accelerators. These types of accelerators are the best disability vehicle modification for people with limited lower limb mobility and cannot use their feet to accelerate would prefer to use their hands for acceleration without moving their hands off the steering wheel.
Disability vehicle modifications such as over ring or under ring steering options allow clients to drive independently and freely even if they have limited lower limb mobility.
Disability vehicle modifications such as the over ring accelerator is ideal for individuals with limited lower limb ability
Spinner knobs are suitable for individuals with limited upper limb mobility. It makes it easier to steer. They can have one hand on the spinner knob and the other hand on the push hand brake.
Steering Wheel Knob Quick Release Removable Spinner GILANI ENGINEERING
Alternatively, if a client has the use of their left leg and would prefer to use their left foot to accelerate, a left foot accelerator accessible vehicle modifications might be a suitable option.
Wheelchair access solutions include wheelchair accessible cars, accessible ramp installations, accessible vehicle modifications, wheelchair car modifications and platform lift car modifications. These types of modifications allow wheelchair users to bring their car along with them on trips and find ways of making that process a lot easier.
Accessible vehicle modifications
Wheelchair accessible car modification
Boot Hoist and stowage solutions are suitable for people who want to drive independently and bring their wheelchair along in their car for stowage. Some examples include:
Autochair Smart Lifter Limit 150 & 200kg
Gilani Engineering Chair Topper
Gilani Engineering's number one selling product is the chair topper which is the ultimate boot hoist and stowage solution. This product is weatherproof, heavy-duty and automatically remote controlled to lift your wheelchair and store it above your vehicle. The chair topper saves so much space in your car and is the best boot hoist and stowage option if you would like to use your boot space for other possessions.
Transfer solutions are suitable for people that have limited mobility and have difficulty getting into the car. The Turny Evo Swivel Seat is really easy to use and are transfer solutions where the car seat comes out of the car and makes it easier to get into and automatically brings you inside the car.
Wheelchair accessible vehicle modification swivel seats
If you would like more information on accessible vehicle modifications, talk to our Engineers about how we can help you!
Or contact us for a free quote today!