The controls
The following pages give details of the main types of controls available. They can't tell you what would be best for you, but browsing through them should give you an idea of the range available. Use it as a starting point for discussions with Mobility Centres and car adaptation firms.
Keep in mind
- most adaptations are fairly simple. The most common are hand controls for braking and acceleration which involve linkages from the existing pedals, and a spinner (a device to help grip the steering wheel)
- most can be altered to suit you
- most controls can be made lighter to operate
- unless you know what you are doing avoid buying secondhand. The equipment may not be the best alternative for you and may not suit the car or be in good condition
- it's worth it - many people benefit hugely from the freedom driving brings them.
The illustrations in this report are intended as examples of what can be done and are not endorsements of any particular product. Mobility Centres and adaptation firms will tell you about other possibilities and will advise on what might suit you.
Prices in this guide were typical in spring 2008. They include fitting but not VAT because you will not have to pay it.
Good design
The key is to find controls which suit you rather than having to adapt yourself to them. They should be in easy reach, easy to operate and be designed so that using them becomes second nature with practice.
Controls are likely to be more comfortable if they:
- don't make you pull at the elbow and rotate your hand at the same time
- allow you to keep your wrist straight
- avoid twisting the wrist in uncomfortable ways
- are large enough to hold and spread the effort over a larger part of your hand or whatever you use for the control
- mean you can use your thumb (without stretching) rather than individual fingers
- leave enough room for your hand when you are moving the control. Very thick controls can reduce the space left for movement and you will need more strength to use any control which does not move very far.
next page: Primary controls