For the person with a disability, living independently, obtaining a job or enjoying activities with friends and family often depend on adequate transportation. It can mean the difference between being a wheelchair potato and leading an active lifestyle.

Until future scientists figure out how to beam us from one location to another, the best transportation options for people with disabilities usually are:

1. Public transit systems, or a
2. Privately owned adapted vehicle.

Manufacturers such as Vantage Minivans provide options such as a kneeling system -- the van lowers automatically to just a few inches from the ground -- and an automatic foldout ramp that allows easy access for scooter or wheelchair users.

The least expensive is number 1. However, smaller towns and rural areas may not have buses or other types of transportation suitable for people with disabilities. People in larger cities may face the frustrations of late or undependable transit services. Number 2 is certainly more dependable and flexible, but it can be very costly. A new van, for instance, can mean an investment of $20,000 to $50,000, depending on your needs.

For those considering the purchase of a vehicle, many questions must be answered before deciding on the type of vehicle, lift or other equipment. Here are just a few:

• Will I drive or be a passenger?
• How do I get driver training?
• Can I transfer to a driver seat or will I need to drive from my wheelchair?
• Do I purchase a car, pickup truck, van or minivan?
• What special equipment will I need to operate the vehicle?
• Can I modify a vehicle that I already own, or is it best to buy a new one?
• Where can I find qualified adaptive equipment distributors?

DRIVER TRAINING

Everyone should take a driver training course. People with disabilities are no exception and, in fact, will probably benefit the most from careful evaluation, testing and recommendations on equipment. Those who provide this type of guidance to people with disabilities are physical therapists and occupational therapists who are certified driver rehabilitation specialists, or representatives of driver rehab education programs. These professionals not only recommend adaptive driving equipment based on individual needs, but teach basic driving skills as well.

Judi Hamelburg, president of Advanced Therapeutic Driving Inc. in Hallandale, Fla., stresses the importance of teaching people to drive on a case-by-case basis. "Each person is unique," she says. "Two individuals with the same muscular dystrophy, for instance, could have vastly different abilities for driving. That's why it's important for new drivers to realize that they may not need the same equipment that a brother or friend with a disability uses."

Hamelburg first evaluates the new driver on reflexes, strength, range of motion, response time, vision, perception and more. She then moves to the second phase by placing the student in a training van or car with appropriate adaptive equipment. Some trainers will even use driving simulators if the student needs a little more assurance.

Trainers like Hamelburg keep up with the most current devices on the market, and can recommend items such as simple hand controls, low-resistance steering wheels, adjustable driver's seats, touch ignition pads, wheelchair lockdown devices, gear shifts and lifts. She also advises on the type of vehicle most appropriate to the driver's needs.

Students should continually question themselves about their own needs and ask the instructor about every aspect of driving. In this way, new drivers obtain valuable information that will prevent costly purchasing mistakes "down the road." More questions to ask:

• Will a tall, full-size van fit in my garage?
• If I park the van outside my home, will it be a problem getting in and out during bad weather?
• Do I need a lowered floor conversion?
• Do I need a side-door-mounted lift, a rear-door-mounted lift or will a portable ramp work?

Inside controls are an important part of a good adapted vehicle. Drivers can choose from a wide variety of controls to meet individual needs.

Many neuromuscular diseases are progressive, which is one more point to think about as equipment needs are considered. A car or truck may be suitable for people who have the arm strength to transfer in and out (people with Charcot-Marie-Tooth disease, some forms of spinal muscular atrophy and early limb-girdle muscular dystrophy). Others may want to consider an adapted minivan or full-size van.

Remember, driving instructors won't pass everyone. People who simply can't operate a vehicle safely should consider having a friend, family member or attendant drive the vehicle.

For more information on driver rehabilitation services, contact the Association of Driver Educators for the Disabled at (608) 884-8833, or call the nearest rehabilitation center.

MISTAKES TO AVOID

Making the right choice in adaptive vehicles means gathering as much information as possible and asking lots of questions. Professionals can help drivers avoid costly mistakes. For instance, did you know that . . .

• If adapting a used van or a family vehicle, not all lifts will fit. Check out the facts before making a purchase or contact lift manufacturers (see Resources below).
• Some lifts are built to wheelchair specifications and scooter users may not be able to use them.
• Full-size vans won't always fit in garages or even in certain parking spaces.
• A person whose sitting height is above average may not fit in a minivan.
• There is no current technology that allows a person to operate a van from a scooter. Scooter users must be able to transfer to the vehicle seat to drive (there are electronic seats that go up and down that will help).

Most driver education programs can direct students to an adapted vehicle or lift supplier. Also, most national modified van manufacturers (see Resources below) will put you in touch with a reputable local dealer so that you have easy access to follow-up service and/or repairs.

Some manufacturers are a good source of help. Braun Corporation has an "All-Star" distributor system to educate its sales force so it can educate customers. Vantage Minivans has a program called Vision 2000 that focuses on service. Bruno Independent Living Aids will only sell a lift after a complete needs assessment as well as meticulous measuring to ensure that the equipment will fit the vehicle. Associated Leasing provides a selection of full-size vans, minivans and even used (already-modified) vans.

For more information on local adapted vehicle dealers, contact the Better Business Bureau, your Chamber of Commerce or a new organization, the National Mobility Equipment Dealers Association (NMEDA).

NMEDA is a fledgling group of about 440 mobility equipment dealers and manufacturers. Consumers benefit because it's an independent, reliable source of information. Companies that become members agree to abide by the Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standards, as well as guidelines set by the Department of Veterans Affairs and the Society of Automotive Engineers regarding fire resistance, wiring, seat-belt attachment, seat mounting, switches and more. NMEDA can help in disputes between dealers or manufacturers and consumers. However, the organization is fairly new, and it lacks the power to enforce decisions or punish offenders. Growing interest is likely to bring more power to NMEDA in the future.

To contact NMEDA, call (800) 833-0427 or (813) 932-8566.

TAKE THE STING OUT OF CONVERSION PRICE

Since cost is one of the biggest drawbacks of owning an adapted vehicle, consider the following suggestions from van owners and rehab professionals.

Funding assistance is very limited, but take advantage of every possible program, starting with the rebates offered with the four mobility programs (see Resources below). People with disabilities or their families who purchase a new vehicle from Chrysler, General Motors, Saturn or Ford are eligible for rebates up to $1,000. The rebates go toward the purchase of lifts or other adaptive equipment that will make the van or car more user friendly.

Veterans are eligible for funding assistance through the Veterans Administration, and a small fund may be available at your state's Department of Vocational Rehabilitation as well as the Division of Developmental Services. Don't forget to deduct the cost of adapting a vehicle when preparing income tax returns (see "Finding Tax Breaks," for more details).

If purchasing a new or used vehicle from an auto dealership, you can probably finance the mobility package along with the vehicle and have a monthly payment plan at a competitive interest rate. Also, a doctor's prescription will (in most states) exempt your purchase from sales tax.

Purchasing an already-modified used vehicle may be a less expensive alternative. Many of the major conversion manufacturers such as Associated Leasing, Wheelers Accessible Vans, Tri-State Mobility and others have quality trade-ins that are less expensive. But remember, everyone's needs are different. Be careful when choosing a vehicle that's been set up for someone else. Make sure it fits your needs.

Don't go for all the bells and whistles if you don't need them. If, for example, your attendant will be doing all the driving, he can put up and take down a portable ramp, especially if you have a lowered minivan. You don't need to install an expensive automatic fold-down ramp.

Another option is to share the expense of an adapted vehicle with a friend or set up a carpool-type arrangement. This can be difficult, too. For instance, two people who need different driving equipment may not be a good match for a shared vehicle. Also, shared vehicles can be potential friendship breakers unless many details are worked out in advance.

INSIDE CONTROLS

Depending upon an individual's needs, items necessary for adapted vehicles may include hand controls for braking/accelerating, devices for easy steering, touch ignition pads and gear shifts, adjustable driver's seats, automatic door openers and more. Contact control manufacturers listed in Resources for more information.

People who remain in wheelchairs while traveling in minivans or full-size vans need either a manual tie-down or power lockdown for safety. The manual systems are safe to use, but the user needs help getting strapped in and getting out.

Power wheelchair lockdowns are for drivers and passengers who want to travel independently. The person simply rolls into place and the wheelchair is locked down automatically.

With this information in hand, resources to call and the many things to consider when adapting a vehicle to meet your specific needs, you are well on the road to a more independent lifestyle. Remember, your local MDA office is also available for advice and suggestions.

RESOURCES TO ADAPT VEHICLES

1. Chrysler Automobility Program, (800) 255-9877
2. Ford Mobility Motoring Program, (800) 952-2248
3. General Motors Mobility Assistance Center, (800) 323-9935
4. Saturn Mobility Program, (800) 522-5000

• Ahnafield Corp., (800) 636-8060
• Associated Leasing, (800) 956-6668
• Braun Corporation, (800) THE-LIFT
• Classic Coach Interiors, (800) 209-7225
• Drive Master Corp., (201) 808-9709
• Freedom One, (800) 373-3661
• Gresham Driving Aids, (800) 521-8930
• Independent Mobility System (IMS), (800) 467-8267
• MedNet/Kneelcar, (800) 367-6567
• Mobile-Tech, (800) 835-5007
• National Mobility, (800) 528-3769
• New Era Transportation, (800) 638-8267
• Pick-A-Lift Inc., (800) 743-5438
• Ricon Corporation, (800) 322-2884
• Tri-State Mobility, (800) 343-3150
• Vantage Minivans, (800) 348-8267
• Wheelchair Getaways Inc., (800) 642-2042 (rentals only)
• Wheelers Accessible Vans, (800) 456-1371

• Access Unlimited (cars), (607) 669-4822
• Bruno Independent Living Aids, (800) 882-8183
• Crow River, (800) 488-7688
• Handicaps Inc., (800) 782-4335
• Ricon Corp., (800) 322-2884
• Tip Top Mobility Inc. (cars), (800) 735-5958

• Ahnafield Corp., (800) 636-8060
• Automobility, (306) 791-9840
• Automotive Innovations Inc., (Regional-NE US) (508) 697-8324
• Creative Controls, (810) 979-3500
• Electric Mobility Controls, (504) 927-5558
• The Hand Drive Company, (800) 224-8156
• Judson Enterprises Inc., (800) 587-5212
• Kroepke Kontrols, (718) 885-1100
• Wells-Engberg, (800) 642-3620

• Ahnafield Corporation, (800) 636-8060
• Automotive Inovations Inc., (508) 697-8324
• Constantin E Z Lock, (504) 926-2403
• Creative Controls Inc., (800) KEY-PADS
• Independent Mobility Systems, (800) 622-0623