Vehicle Modifications: Keeping you moving

Is your Vehicle becoming harder to access

Getting out and about shouldn't become impossible because your vehicle no longer meets your needs.

Whether you're having difficulty getting in and out of your car, accessing your wheelchair, controlling the vehicle or travelling safely as a passenger, the right vehicle modification can help you maintain your independence, safety and access to the community.

At Ganly Allied Health, our occupational therapists assess your individual needs and work with you to identify practical vehicle modifications that can help you drive, travel as a passenger or transport your mobility equipment more safely and independently.

You might be noticing that:

• Getting in and out of your vehicle has become difficult.

• You struggle to transfer safely between your wheelchair and the vehicle.

• You need assistance to get into or out of the car.

• Your wheelchair or mobility equipment is difficult to transport.

• You are finding it difficult to control the vehicle.

• You need additional support to operate pedals, steering or other controls.

• You need to travel as a passenger in your wheelchair.

• Your current vehicle setup no longer meets your needs.

• Your physical abilities have changed since your vehicle was modified.

• You are considering purchasing a new vehicle and aren't sure what will work.

• You want to continue driving but need modifications to do so safely.

• Your family or support workers are finding it difficult to assist you with vehicle access.

You don't need to know which modification you need before contacting us.

That's where an occupational therapist can help.

the Right Vehicle Modification starts with you

A vehicle modification isn't simply about installing a piece of equipment.

The right solution needs to consider your physical abilities, your vehicle, how you travel, your mobility equipment and what you need to be able to do independently.

Our occupational therapists assess how you currently access and use your vehicle and identify modifications that may improve your safety, independence and participation in the community.

We can work with you, your family, vehicle modification specialists, suppliers and other members of your support team to develop an appropriate solution.

How we can help

We provide occupational therapy assessment and recommendations for a range of vehicle modifications, including:

Vehicle access

If getting into or out of your vehicle is becoming difficult, we can explore solutions to improve access.

This may include:

• Transfer aids

• Swivel seats

• Transfer boards

• Grab handles

• Running boards and steps

• Hoists and lifting solutions

• Door modifications

• Seating adjustments

Wheelchair & mobility equipment access

We can help identify ways to transport your wheelchair or mobility equipment safely and practically.

This may include:

• Boot hoists

• Vehicle hoists

• Wheelchair loading solutions

• Roof-loading systems

• Wheelchair restraints

• Internal wheelchair transport systems

• External wheelchair carriers

Wheelchair accessible vehicles

For people who need to remain seated in their wheelchair while travelling, we can assess vehicle access and restraint requirements and work with appropriate vehicle modification providers to identify suitable solutions.

We provide occupational therapy assessment and recommendations for a range of vehicle modifications, including:

Driving controls

If changes in strength, movement, coordination or sensation are affecting your ability to operate your vehicle, we can assess potential adaptations.

This may include:

• Hand controls

• Electronic driving controls

• Modified pedals

• Steering adaptations

• Indicator and control modifications

• Other specialised driving controls

Seating & positioning

We can consider your seating, posture and positioning within the vehicle to help support safe and comfortable travel.

Transfers

If transferring between your wheelchair and vehicle seat has become difficult, we can assess your current transfer technique and explore equipment or vehicle modifications that may make the process safer and easier.

Passenger travel

Vehicle modifications aren't only for drivers.

We can help identify solutions for people who need additional support to travel safely and comfortably as passengers.

buying a new vehicle

If you're considering purchasing a new vehicle, talk to an OT before you buy.

The vehicle that looks right on paper may not necessarily be the right vehicle for your individual needs or the modifications you require.

We can help you consider factors such as:

• Vehicle size and configuration

• Door access

• Seat height

• Internal space

• Wheelchair storage

• Transfer requirements

• Equipment compatibility

• Driving controls

• Passenger access

• Potential future changes in your functional needs

Getting the right vehicle from the beginning can save significant time, cost and frustration later.

What happens next

1. Get in touch

Tell us what's becoming difficult when driving or travelling in your vehicle.

You don't need to know what modification you need.

2. We talk through your needs

We'll discuss your mobility, physical abilities, current vehicle, equipment and how you need to use your vehicle.

3. Your OT completes an assessment

We'll assess your vehicle access, transfers, seating, mobility equipment and, where relevant, your ability to operate the vehicle.

4. We explore your options

We'll identify potential modifications and consider what solutions may be appropriate for your circumstances.

Where required, this can include equipment trials and working with vehicle modification specialists.

5. We provide recommendations

We'll provide the appropriate clinical recommendations and supporting documentation required for your circumstances.

6. We work with your team

Where appropriate, we'll liaise with vehicle modification providers, suppliers, support coordinators, families and other professionals to help progress the recommended solution.