Transportation:
Passenger
Getting around town after a spinal cord injury (SCI) can be hard, especially for people who use a wheelchair. Many factors decide if a person with an SCI can ride in a regular car, or if they’ll need a car with changes. The main thing is what kind of wheelchair they use.
People who use a manual wheelchair might be able to move out of their wheelchair and into a regular car seat. They might do this by themselves or with a little help, and the wheelchair can fold up and ift in the trunk of a car. However, people who use a power wheelchair often need to ride a car with a ramp and a wheelchair lock-down mechanism, which lets the person with SCI stay in their wheelchair while
they travel.
Transportation:
Driver
Many people can still drive after a spinal cord injury (SCI), even if they have trouble moving. To do this, they usually need specialized assessments, vehicle modifications, and training.
A trained expert called a Certified Driver Rehabilitation Specialist (CDRS) helps with this process. The CDRS gives tests to check things like vision, cognition, physical function, and on-the road assessments using a specialized vehicle. These tests help decide if the person can drive safely and what changes or special tools the car will need.
The changes made to a car depend on how serious the spinal cord injury (SCI) is and what the person can still do. Some common changes include hand controls to help with gas and brakes, special steering tools like spinner knobs or tri-pins, and secondary control for things like lights and windshield wipers. To help people get in and out of the car, there are wheelchair-accessible vehicles (WAVs), systems to keep a wheelchair in place while driving and lifts or tools to help someone move into the driver’s seat. After the car is changed, the person needs special driving lessons. These lessons help them learn how to use the new tools, drive safely in different places, and get ready for a driving test that matches their new equipment.
For people with spinal cord injuries (SCI), being able to drive is a big step toward feeling more independent and free, and improving quality of life. Special driver training programs help make this possible for many people.
Public Transportation Options
The Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) has made it easier for people with disabilities to use public transportation. Many towns now have buses and trains that are set up for people in wheelchairs and "Paratransit” service, where a car or van picks you up and drops you off right where you need to go, if there are regular bus or train routes nearby. These rides are usually the cheapest way to get around using public transportation if you have a disability. To find out about these services in your town, ask your local transportation company.
You can also find special services that pick people up and drop them off, like wheelchair van or ambulette services. These are usually offered by private companies and can cost a lot of money, because most companies charge a set fee just to pick you up, plus a certain amount for each mile they drive. You can find these services by searching online for "wheelchair transportation services" in your area. Sometimes, Medicaid will pay for these rides if they are for going to and from doctor or therapy appointments. Usually, private insurance doesn't pay for these, but it's always a good idea to check with your insurance company to see what they might cover for you.
Renting or Purchasing an Accessible Van
Renting a wheelchair-accessible vehicle (WAV) is a great choice if you only need it for a short time - like for a vacation, visiting family, or trying one out before buying. Here’s how to rent a WAV. The easiest and most trusted way to rent a WAV is through special companies called mobility dealers. Some well-known ones are BraunAbility, MobilityWorks, United Access, Wheelchair Getaways, and Wheelers Accessible Van Rentals. These companies have many locations all over the United States, and many of them also sell WAVs if you decide to buy one later.These companies focus only on vehicles for people with disabilities. They usually have more types of vehicles to choose from - like minivans, SUVs, and big vans. The vehicles may have different kinds of ramps or lifts - like side-entry, rear-entry, fold-out, in-floor. No matter which company you choose, it’s smart to book early because a lot of people need these vehicles. For more information, check out the resources below.
Accessible Taxis and Ride Share Services
Wheelchair-accessible taxis and rideshare services are getting better, but there are still some problems. In many big cities, things have improved, and the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) states people with disabilities must be treated fairly. Still, not all taxi companies have cars that are easy for wheelchair users to get into. Big rideshare companies like Uber and Lyft now offer special wheelchair-accessible vehicles (called WAVs) in some cities. These cars are made to help people who use wheelchairs or scooters, but these services are limited in areas and mostly found in large cities like Boston, Chicago, Los Angeles, New York City, Philadelphia, San Francisco, Washington D.C., and Toronto. If someone uses a folding wheelchair or a walker that can be put in the trunk, a regular UberXL might work. But people who use power wheelchairs or need to stay in their wheelchair during the ride will need a special WAV.
Besides Uber and Lyft, other companies like Via Transportation also help people get around. Via works with city transit systems to offer more rides, including for people with disabilities. Their system can work with different kinds of vehicles, including ones that are wheelchair-accessible (WAVs) and make sure everyone has a fair chance to get where they need to go. Rideshare services have made it easier for many people with disabilities to travel, but there are still problems. Sometimes, there aren’t enough accessible cars, wait times can be long, and some drivers don’t treat riders fairly—even though the law says they must. Also, special vehicles that fit wheelchairs can be very expensive, although there may be programs that help pay for them.