Automated chair/scooter car-stowing - Cerebral Palsy Message Board

verycurlysue · 07-05-2004, 03:41 PM

Hi, I'm new here and need really too much help for one posting. But I'll start with this. My dear cousin with CP is a widow, childless, in her late 50s and deteriorating (Boston area). I seem to be her best source for support, unfortunately I live 2 hours away. We need info on home services among other things! A major concern right now is buying a vehicle that can stow a scooter or wheel chair pretty much automated. But she can't test drive such a van without it being modified to her needs first. A catch 22. We'd like to find someone who has such a setup, to tell us just how much guidance from the human such set ups need, and what sort van or suv we're taking about I guess!

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randadell · 07-06-2004, 08:02 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by verycurlysue

Hi, I'm new here and need really too much help for one posting. But I'll start with this. My dear cousin with CP is a widow, childless, in her late 50s and deteriorating (Boston area). I seem to be her best source for support, unfortunately I live 2 hours away. We need info on home services among other things! A major concern right now is buying a vehicle that can stow a scooter or wheel chair pretty much automated. But she can't test drive such a van without it being modified to her needs first. A catch 22. We'd like to find someone who has such a setup, to tell us just how much guidance from the human such set ups need, and what sort van or suv we're taking about I guess!

I have seen a cadillac suv and a dodge caravan modified for double amputees. hope this may at least give you a start.

musicmaker650 · 07-06-2004, 10:45 PM

As randadell has mentioned,
try contacting your nearest GM (General Motors) representative/dealer. GM reimbursed me for my specially equipped Chevrolet Lumina, hand-controlls. I know they aid in van conversions, and the dealer might point you in the right direction with this...

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franjo · 07-09-2004, 02:30 AM

Hi Curly Sue...

I am currently awaiting hand-controls to be installed in my small SUV. I had to complete a 4-hr. training. This consisted of driving their (Rehabilitation's) car which is already equipped with the hand-controls.

I do use a wheelchair at home, but use crutches or a cane when outside of my home, so loading a w/c has not been an issue, although Vocational Rehabilitation discussed fitting my vehicle with a power lift too. I have severe spinal problems and I'm not allowed to lift more than 5 lbs, so I'm guessing that it doesn't require much human strength to operate the lift, or they wouldn't have suggested it. (I would have had to buy a larger SUV or van to accomodate the lift)

Vocational Rehabilitation has guided me through and coordinated the entire process....they've been wonderful. Would your cousin qualify for help through your state Voc. Rehab? Each state has different policies and guildelines, but I believe a common criteria is whether modifications, equipment, etc. will enable you to work or attend school. It might be worth talking to someone from that office and find out what help is available. If nothing else, they may be able to direct you to an agency that can help. Perhaps call a local reputable Physical Therapy Clinic for guidance and/or referral.

I hope I've been a little help here. My situation is different than your cousin's, but I hope you'll be able to find a place that coordinates these services/equipment, based on your counsin's abilities and needs.

Good Luck!

~Teri

verycurlysue · 07-11-2004, 09:04 AM

Thanks for these suggestions. I'll pass them on to my cousin pronto. I don't know if she's spoken to a car dealer, she may have only spoken to the people who install the lift. In the mean time I saw something very promising on the highway the other day. If only I could have flagged the guy down to ask him questions!!!! What I saw was a regular small sedan pulling a little trailer that couldn't have been more than three feet wide. Sitting on the trailer, sideways to the car was an electric scooter. It looked like the platform of the trailer could be hydrolicly raised and lowered and then the little scooter could be just driven on and off it. There was no covering. It looked so simple to use and so uninvasive to any vehicle! [removed] It just seems so full of promise for my cousin!!!