DEB,
I DRIVE ONE LIKE YOU DO FROM MY POWER WHEELCHAIR. IT LOCKS DOWN WHEN IN PLACE AND I USE HAND CONTROLS.
MINE IS A MINI-VAN WITH A LOWERED FLOOR, AUTO SLIDING DOOR AND AUTO FOLD OUT AND IN RAMP. IT IS CALLED A BRAUN ENTERVAN, AND THE PASSENGER SEAT IS SWAPABLE FOR A REGULAR [AB] TO DRIVE IT AS WELL. YOU CAN LOOK THEM UP ON THE INTERNET. ANOTHER COMPANY IS VMI THAT DOES THESE MODIFICATIONS, BUT I PREFER THE BRAUN RAMP OVER THE VMI.
IF YOU ARE DRIVING ONE OF THE LARGER VANS, YOU MIGHT CONSIDER THIS TYPE AS ANOTHER OPTION. BETTER GAS MILEAGE AND IS EASIER TO DRIVE AND GET INTO PARKING GARAGES.
IF YOU WANT TO BE MACHO ABOUT IT, THERE IS A THREE DOOR PICKUP THAT CAN BE MODIFIED FOR WHEELCHAIRS WITH A POWER LIFT. I SAW ONE THE OTHER DAY THAT WAS ALL JACKED UP, BIG TIRES AND ALL. THE GUY USES IT TO GET OUT ON ROUGH ROADS FOR HIS WORK AND FOR HUNTING AND FISHING.
TRANSFERRING IS FOR THE BIRDS. I GOT TO WHERE I DID NOT WANT TO GO OUT MUCH UNLESS I HAD TO BECAUSE OF THE TRANSFERS = MY FIRST VAN HAD A SWIVEL THREE WAY SEAT I TRANSFERRED INTO TO DRIVE, AND BECAME A REAL PAIN IN THE A _ _ , IF YOU KNOW WHAT I MEAN.
THEY DO MAKE A CAR THAT THE DRIVER'S SEAT SWINGS OUT AND LOWERS FOR YOU TO GET INTO AND IT LIFTS YOU INTO THE CAR UNDER THE STEERING WHEEL TO DRIVE, BUT I HAVE NOT SEEN ONE ACTUALLY WORK, ONLY SEEN PICTURES OF IT.
DO SOME CHECKING BEFORE YOU DECIDE, AND REMEMBER, YOU COULD GET WORSE OR BETTER PHYSICALLY. I HAVE LEARNED TO PREPARE FOR THE WORSE AND HOPE FOR THE BEST.
BEST OF LUCK.
BOB
SPRING, TEXAS
TM CLASS OF ' 94, T-1 PARA
This electronic message is confidential and is intended only for the use of the individual to whom it is addressed. The information may also be legally privileged. This transmission is sent in trust, for the sole purpose of delivery to the intended recipient. If you have received this transmission in error, you are hereby notified, that any use, dissemination, distribution or reproduction of this, transmission is strictly prohibited. If you are not the intended, recipient, please immediately notify me by reply electronic message and delete the message from your system.
IRS Circular 230 Notice: Any advice contained in this message was not written and is not intended to be used, and cannot be used, by any taxpayer for the purpose of avoiding penalties with respect to taxes that may be imposed upon the taxpayer.
----- Original Message -----From: Deb CaseySent: 10/7/2006 11:57:29 AMSubject: Re: [TMIC] today's feat
Hi Ann in Ireland, and everyone else on the list.
I also drive with hand controls. I have a couple of questions for you...
Ann, you mentioned that you don't have any control with your feet. I don't have normal movement with my left and hardly any in my right leg. My lesions are from T8-T10. Right now I'm driving a van with a lift and a power seat that I transfer into. This was a godsend for me 2 years ago.
I have recurring TM and each episode has left me with more disability, but I am getting stronger and feel like I'm ready for a regular sedan with a chairtopper. I'm getting alot of opposition from my family but I've always been independent and it drives me nuts to be driving this huge vehicle with just me.
Also, do you have a powerchair? or do you have a man! ual wheelchair?
If there are any other chair people who are driving I'd love to get some feedback. Right now I'm in a breezy chair and if I get a car with a chairtopper i'll have to invest in a lighter chair.
Another concern is the resale of the van. adapting it was quite expensive and i was wondering if anyone has recently sold an adapted van and how you made out.
I've been in the background for awhile just reading all of your mail. Your experiences and advice are invaluable. I'm always overwhelmed by how generous you all are with your experiences and knowledge.
I love you all!
Deb C. in MI.
--- On Sun 10/01, Ann Moran < [EMAIL PROTECTED] > wrote:
From: Ann Moran [mailto: [EMAIL PROTECTED]
To: [EMAIL PROTECTED]
Cc: tmic-list@eskimo.com
Date: Sun, 1 Oct 2006 19:25:47 +0100
Subject: Re: [TMIC] today's feat
Hi Alton
have you considered driving with hand controls.( I have no control with my feet at all.) I do that and I also drove a stick shift using hand controls, now I have advanced to an automatic, makes life a little bit easier. Plus side is that I can still be independant.
regards Ann in Ireland where it is wet and windy.
----- Original Message -----
From: Alton Ryder
To: TM list
Sent: Friday, September 29, 2006 1:48 AM
Subject: Fwd: [TMIC] today's feat
Begin forwarded message:
From: Alton Ryder <[EMAIL PROTECTED]>
Date: September 28, 2006 8:47:20 PM EDT
To: Carol E <[EMAIL PROTECTED]>
Subject: Re: [TMIC] today's feat
> I can not use my right foot for the brake
I lost my kinethetic senses in the right leg. If I pick my foot up off the gas pedal, I have no idea where it will come down. After driving a stick shift since the early '50's we had to trade in our Subaru for the same model with a slush pot. Bummer! For the next 8 years I drove a lot - even with an AFO on the ankle - keeping my heel down and lifting my toe. Braking was with the left foot.
Now I'm grounded with two blown shoulders, once again begging for rides.
Alton
No banners. No pop-ups. No kidding.
Make My Way your home on the Web - http://www.myway.com
