11 replies to this topic

[Murray]

Into third year post. Have "settled out" physically. Am in the market for a 2nd chair - manual, rigid, light-weight. Do I require PT to do measurements, etc? I'm also checking into regaining drivers license from state of California, but need hand controls for 01 Dodge Caravan. I must also complete a hand control course acknowledged by DMV. Right? Suggestions, please. Thanks.

[Texaswheelz]

who's paying for the 2nd chair? If you then do what ever ya want, if not then check with them and what they require for them to purchase it. Most insurances and medicare/caid will have you do a seating eval, doesn't have to be done by a PT, but the do normally do them, the seating eval will get you fitted to the chair, do some research on the type of chair that you want and let them know and don't let them put you into something you don't want to sit in for the next several years. With the type you said I would look at the TiLite zr, zra, tr and trz depending on if ya want it adjustable or not and then the quicki ti and also some colours chairs. All are nice and light.

I just went to the DMV in a car equipped with controls to take my drivers test, it was the same test that every one else takes to get their license, nothing different other then being in my car with hand controls. Went through the line just like everyone else there.

[Murray]

Tex - Thanks for the input. TiLite's on the top of my list, and - unfortunately - looks like I'll be shellin' out the bucks. Used to live about 30 mls from Kennewick, WA, TiLite's homebase. Should be able to find reputable dealer in Sacramento - nearest large city to my current location. I'll get in touch with the dealership and go from there. On the van bit - You didn't have to present the DMV with certification for completion of some hand control course? Did you "train" yourself? Thanks, again. -Murray

[Nichole]

When I went to renew my licence on my birthday they just had me do a quick driving test to make sure i could use the hand controls. I never took classes or anything. I bought a portable pair off ebay and my dad put them on my car and took me to a parking lot just like he did the first time i learned to drive. It is SO easy, and they want way to much money for those classes.
I have a tilite and I love it. It's a rigid frame and the back folds down. It's super light. I pick it up and put it in my car probably at least 6 times a day.

[glamisgirl]

I live in California and taught myself to use the hand controls, been driving about a year. Never took the driving class they pushed in rehab. My drivers license needed to be renewed on the 27th of this month so I had to go down to the DMV. (last week) Was a little worried cause I didn't know if I was allowed to be driving. When filling out the new app., it asks if you have any disabilities that would impair your driving, I answered no. I figure I still know how to drive. So I get up to the counter and she says you marked the no box for disabilites, but I notice your in a wheelchair. She says there's no record of that on my information, I say to her no one told me I had to inform the DMV of that. I figure that's my doctors responsibility if someone need to be notified. She kind of gave me the once over look, finished filling out my paper work, took my picture and I was on my merry way. So I wouldn't worry about it.

[Murray]

Thank you, Nichole. Guess I'm gettin' all paranoid for nothin'. Tho't I remembered something from the mucky-mucks at Santa Clara County Medical Center where I did my rehab ... something about needing a certificate from their (!) course to confirm your skills for the DMV. They must have been sellin' snake oil. Great. That takes one hassle out of the mix. There's an old fella ('bout my age - ha!) here in town who's been paralyzed since age 13. (Didn't quite miss the polio rampage of the 40s.) He's made his own hand controls for years. Granted, they may not have factory warranty, etc, but they're a helluva lot stouter. Glad to hear that you're happy with your TiLite. Which model is it? Thanks, again. -Murray

[Texaswheelz]

I Have the ZRA, just got it last spring. I would have went with the ZR, but it was my first tilite and didn't know how it would fit exactly since all manufacturers are a little different, there are a few things that i would have changed a little bit if i was to order another one today. I know some one that just got a TR and it's lighter then the zr by 1 or 2 lbs. He doesn't take it apart and slide it through between him and the steering wheel when getting in and out of his vehicle so that extra little bar doesn't get in the way.

I would order another tilite for sure, best chair I've had so far out of 7 or so that i have had.

[Nichole]

Well i'm not sure. I actually bought it used off ebay because i didn't have insurance at the time and i couldn't drive because my quickie was too damn heavy for me to lift myself. It was in really excelent condition though because it was actually used as a demo chair at a store. I see something on the frame that says TiLite TRa so maybe that is it....lol I have no idea.

Edited by Nichole, 25 November 2007 - 02:00 PM.

[wheelkid]

Murray, on Nov 24 2007, 01:05 AM, said:

Into third year post. Have "settled out" physically. Am in the market for a 2nd chair - manual, rigid, light-weight. Do I require PT to do measurements, etc? I'm also checking into regaining drivers license from state of California, but need hand controls for 01 Dodge Caravan. I must also complete a hand control course acknowledged by DMV. Right? Suggestions, please. Thanks.

Hey Murray

I just got my new driver license.
The way i got mine was through vocational rehab. I had to get look at by a some DMV person
she came out to my house, they have to check your balance, eyes, and ask you alot of dumb questions, and then she gave me 15 hours of drive time that i had to do with hand controls in a Min Van. GOING THROUGH THIS WAS A BIG PAIN IN THE ASS. Its been a long long and long process for me I've been trying to get back on the road as long as i have been injured I have been injured not even a year yet. I've been trying to get on the road for like 8 months.

sorry im being bitchy but im just mad that its taking so long for me

hope it gos better for you my friend

[edlee]

Things must be different in Cal, but who didn't know that?

Here in Pa, you don't have to take formal lessons but you do have to pass a driving test. Not because you are disabled, but because you want to use hand controls. Even ABs using them without the code on their license will be cited.

I do suggest a lot of practice before you hit the road, tho. It isn't as intuitive as some would have you think, and the first time you will notice what it is you don't know will most likely be in an extremely exciting moment.

As for the chair, I'm using an A4 on loan from a supplier, right now, as a try out. Being my second chair, I really don't know what I should be looking for other than comfort and ease of use. I'll be reading this thread with interest.
ed

[Mikerowaved]

glamisgirl, on Nov 24 2007, 08:49 AM, said:

I live in California and taught myself to use the hand controls, been driving about a year. Never took the driving class they pushed in rehab.

Yeah, they pushed that hard on me too, but I taught myself also.

glamisgirl, on Nov 24 2007, 08:49 AM, said:

When filling out the new app., it asks if you have any disabilities that would impair your driving, I answered no.

That's where I made my mistake. I checked YES, so they set an appointment up for me with a special testing dude that also tests the very elderly or others with "questionable" driving skills.

The test went fine for me, but it was like 45 minutes instead of 10. The bottom line is, you need the endorsement on your license requiring you to use hand controls while driving, as things like the steering wheel knob are NOT legal to use in California without that endorsement. If you can get that and still check NO in the box, you can save yourself a bit of hassle.

When I moved to Utah, they glanced at my CA license, gave me the standard Utah written test and issued me a license with the same hand-control endorsement on the back without any hassle at all. So far I've found Utah is a lot more lax on these things than CA was.

[kewlcatkez]

hi,

This will be no use for you guys over the pond, but here in the UK, England to be exact, I wasn't obliged to take another test or even have lessons with the h/cs. You ARE obliged to tell the DVLA though, and your insurance company. That is so that your licence is rectified to show the change, so that if you are in an bump they will not find that loophole. My insurance actually issued a discount! ( this will not apply very soon as I am going the Motability route as we speak). The DVLA also states that they are required to know if you have any medical conditions which affect your limbs, diabetes, Heart disorders etc. I filled out a form they sent me which also included adding my drs details. I then crapped myself worrying about it, and they never even so much as rang him.


Good luck

K