Car controls (view report contents)
Combined Controls
These are specially designed units bring all the secondary controls together,
so you can work them from a single pad or set of buttons.
Different models work different numbers of controls. The pad can be fitted
wherever you find it easiest. Some use infra red signals so there are
no wires to get in the way or restrict where the control is placed. You
are likely to need a wireless control if it is to move round with the
steering wheel. The units are powered by disposable or rechargeable batteries.
Some can be easily removed.
They are particularly useful for people who have the use of only one hand
because everything is in the same place. However while some people find
combined controls easier, you need some dexterity in your fingers and
must be able to tell the buttons apart. The controls can be mounted on
the right or left but if you will be using your less dominant hand getting
used to it can take practice. £800 - £1,200.
Look for:
- buttons that are well spaced and within easy reach, taking into account the size of your hands. They should be shaped or positioned so that you can tell them apart by touch. Avoid any you could confuse
- useful features, such as systems which automatically turn on the side lights when it gets dark.
Safety:
- at first some people need to look at the control to make sure they are pressing the right button. If this means there is a danger of not being able to concentrate enough to control the vehicle, get professional tuition and practice finding the right button by touch when the car is stationary.
The following illustrations show examples of some of the controls available. Adaptation firms may be able to show you a wider range.
This infra-red switch controller is approved by Renault
and Citroen among other manufacturers. Supplied by Techmobility,
it can control up to 12 functions. £850-£1,200
This Lodgeson control works up to 12
features, the buttons are illuminated when you put on the headlights
These eight buttons on the Digipad II Econo control up
to 15 features including ignition, cruise control and parking brake. One
of the functions is a spare which can be used for any control you wish
A unit like this can control up to 11 different functions
Nearly all secondary controls and an electronic gear selector can be controlled
from this Digipad II Gold unit. The screen shows icons (small pictures)
which represent each control. You press the button nearest the icon you
want.
The unit is powered by the car’s battery. It can only be fitted to automatic
cars. It can be mounted on a swing away arm to make getting into the vehicle
easier
.
The control is part of a modular system which can be combined to operate
all of the car’s controls - steering, acceleration and braking as well
as the secondary controls. These controls can be used in different combinations
to suit a wide variety of people with very different needs.
Options include a tone and voice control system see below, joystick or
horizontal steering (see section on Other ways
of steering) and various other possibilities.
For details of this and similar systems get in touch with a Mobility Centre
Beeper and tone systems
If you don’t have enough dexterity for individual buttons, fit
a system which uses a single button to control several functions –
the number will depend on the make and model of the unit. When you press
the switch you hear a series of bleeps or tones. Each corresponds to a
different control. You press the switch until you reach the one that corresponds
to the control you want. For example the fourth bleep may switch on the
sidelights. These systems can be combined with touch pads which can be
worked by the elbows, knees or any other part of the body. Very little
movement is needed. Systems cost from £680.
Voice control systems
Voice control systems allow you to give commands by voice so that you
do not need to physically move any kind of switch.
The Digivoice can only be used with the Digipad II on an automatic car.
It will recognise voice commands which can operate up to 18 secondary
controls including selecting the gear. It is programmed to recognise only
one voice so there is no danger of anyone else accidentally taking control
of the car.
Report Contents
Introduction
Starting
points
Standard
equipment that may help
Some features
you can find on new Cars
Good design
The controls
Seating
Primary
controls
Gripping
the wheel
Other ways of
steering
Controlling
speed
Changing Gear
Parking brake
Pedals
Advanced
controls
Secondary
controls
Combined
Controls
Maintenance
Custom building
Moving controls
Safety
Who can drive
& other useful information
Finance
Helpful organisations
Mobility
Centres
Useful
publications
Addresses
