Easter Seals Disability Services

Theresa regained her independence after a spinal injury paralyzed her legs. She learned to drive again using hand controls. (Photo by Erik Photographic Studio)

Adaptations, like this joystick control, help individuals with limited mobility drive.

In early 2006, the Easter Seals Rehabilitation Center began offering an enhanced driver’s training program, made possible through the addition of a "high tech" modification to our existing training van. The majority of funding for the new equipment was provided by a "Pathways to Independence" grant from Johnson & Johnson. Toyota Motor Manufacturing Indiana, Inc., was also a major funder. Also contributing to the purchase were Superior Van and Mobility and EMC.

With this computerized driver’s training system, individuals with severely limited mobility can learn to drive, gaining independence. For many of the people in the program, the inability to drive is currently the major obstacle to holding a job, pursuing an education, or participating in daily activities that most able-bodied adults take for granted.

Wade uses a joystick control to drive. In June 2006, he passed his driving exam and received his license.

The Easter Seals Rehabilitation Center has offered driver’s training for decades, and thousands of individuals with significant disabilites have learned to drive using hand controls and other adaptations. Now the dream of driving independently is also within reach of people who couldn't utilize traditional adaptations due to the severity of their disabilities. Individuals can use a modified steering wheel, joysticks, voice controls, or other adaptive devices to control the van. The system is one of only about 20 of its kind in the United States.

These services are offered for new drivers and for those who experience changes in their abilities due to accident, illness, or aging.  For more information on driver evaluation and training, contact the Easter Seals Rehabilitation Center.