Wheels: Adaptation Options
By Beck, Karl; New Mobility, Vol. 15, No. 126, pp. 48-49Publication Date: March 2004
Article discusses assistive technology options for drivers with disabilities. General Motors’ Sit-N-Lift power seat was designed for the company’s vehicles that have long wheelbases, such as the Pontiac Montana, the Oldsmobile Silhouette, and the Chevrolet Venture. The lift was designed to assist passengers with disabilities to exit their vans. The Sit-N-Lift mounts under the bucket seat located next to the passenger side sliding cargo door. The seat rotates outward, moves out of the van, and then moves downward so that the occupant can transfer to a wheelchair or stand. A slide-out footrest is included, and controls are operated by a television-style remote control. The Bruno Turning Automotive Seat system and the Braun Companion Seat are similar competing products. The use of adjustable pedals in the 2003 Chrysler Town and Country Limited is also discussed, as is a new guard from Mobility Products and Design for gas and brake pedals of vehicles with hand controls. The intention of adjustable pedals is to allow drivers of various heights to use the vehicle comfortably and to maintain a proper distance from the steering wheel and airbag. Mobility Products and Design’s guard is designed to stop the feet of people with paralysis or who have prosthetic limbs from being able to go underneath the brake pedal, or to accidentally press on the accelerator pedal. Poor placement of the limbs, a sudden stop, or spasticity can create this problem.
Assistive Products Discussed: BRUNO TURNING AUTOMOTIVE SEATING (TAS) 2500 TURNY
COMPANION SEAT
Published by: No Limits Communications Inc. (Website:http://www.newmobility.com)
