Any paraplegic drivers out there?

So its been quite a while since I have been on here, but I just recently had a bad motorcycle accident that has left me paralyzed from mid chest down. I'm doing well trying to make the best out of the situation I'm in, but would like to get back to driving to give me more freedom. I dearly love my truck and was wondering if anyone out there knew of people, sites or links to some info on putting hand controls on the truck. I can get into the truck, but over time I think and have been told by doctors and my physical therapist that it would kill my shoulders over time. Also taking apart my wheelchair from the drivers seat with no core strenght to hold me up is very hard. Not sure what to do. Does anyone out there have any thoughts or experience with this problem. I am sorta leaning towards looking at a car, but man does that not make me happy. I would hate to see my truck go. Thanks for the help.

 

I'm sorry to hear that man.




We're glad to have you back.

 

I web searched "handicap vehicle controls", mobilityworks.com looks like a start. A lot of vans are sold for wheelchairs, your state might have services or funding to help also.

(edit) aavans.com has controls for pickups. i added "for pickups" to the original search.Not sure if it helps much, The physical therapist /hospital would hopefully assist you too.

 

A buddy of mine has a friend that has hand controls on all of his vehicles. Heck, he even has a pulling truck and a drag car with hand controls. The next time I run into him I'll get him to call the guy up and see if I can find out some info.

 

sorry bout the accident man atleast you have a swell attitude bout it my moms neighbors have a ford ranger with sum gnarly tires and rims and he has the wheel chair crane posted up on the driver and passenger side right behind the cab idk how but he does and he has hand control everything its pretty sweet the controls was custom from the dealer but everything else he has had done ill see if i can get some info for you man

 

Great attitude. Hang in there and enjoy your truck if that's what you want. Where there's a will there's a way.

 

I wheel with a guy around here that has an FJ with full hand controls. You can TOTALLY do it.

I shot him a message to see if he's cool with talking to you....but this guy will drive over damn near anything and gets into/out of/around his FJ with no real issues. It's awesome/inspiring to watch...I'll shoot you a PM with info if/when he gets back to me.

 

sorry to hear about your accident. my friend is a paraplegic from a motorcycle accident as well.he horseshoed himself backwards around a tree to the point his feet were hitting the back if his head.his spine was prretty much saw dust.it happened over 10 years ago and he handles it better than i would.he has his off days but for the most part he is ok with it. he has hand conrols in all his cars. a 94 supercharged mustang(daily driver) and a 700hp 12 point caged 67 camaro.his new daily driver is a box cherokee.he has no problem getting in any of them.he goes to therapy 4-5 days a week to build his upper body.he is in better shape(bigger stronger arms) now than before the accident. his wheel chair is only 16lbs and made of titanium($4 grand) and is super easy to break down(quick release wheels) and put it the backseat.
keep your head up and hope you have a great support group. its going to suck at first but dont give up.it will get better in time. its not going to be the same but it gets better.
back to the truck question.FUCK CARS!!!!!LOL get the truck work out and you will be fine.dont lift it than you might have a problem.lol
i can ask my friend who or where he got his controls from if needed.

 

I appreciate all the responses back you guys are awesome. If anyone has any other ideas that would be great I am looking into everything I possibly can. Thanks. Its funny my friends came up with that slogan "where there is a will there is a way" My name is Will and it works out cause I will try and make anything work. Looking forward to hearing more.

 

I'm not sure which version of the tacoma you own but you could also look into getting a regular tacoma not a prerunner. I'm not sure of the height difference between the two but obviously it's lower than the prerunner. I think they are close to the height of a car but it will keep you in a truck...

 

Sorry to hear about your accident, but glad to hear you are making the best out of the situation. I'm not sure where you are located, but up here in BC, there is a company called 'Sidewinder' that installs hand controls and such into vehicles. I think the government will pay for all or most of the cost also. In any case, I wish you the best and I'm sure you'll have a big grin on your face when you get cruising in the Tacoma!

 

I'd say sorry but I'm sure you're sick of pity at this point. I'm sure there are govt programs and assistance out there to cover most of the costs of doing this. I wouldn't hesitate to bring the truck out of state to get it done.

I've decided your new goal is to one-up this kid

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=P5B5iB67Ld0

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7NJvgT60-mk

 

i was just looking for these videos to post. pretty crazy shit

 

Sounds like you got some great ideas for getting yourself back in the tacoma and on the road.

 

I'm located in Morrisville, NC.