My Goal

My goal was to raise a portion of the cost of a new van in order to use as a downpayment so that I could afford the monthly payments of a vehicle. I had always dreamt of driving, but it wasn't a realistic dream until I met a guy in Ga who was in a wheelchair and was able to drive all on his own. This dream was becoming a reality but the financial part was a burden. Because of all of you, I was able to reach my initial goal and I thank you for that! If you wanted to contribute and did not get the chance to before I closed it down, please feel free to email for information on how you could still make a contribution.

My Car

This is a photo of my vehicle with the first set of adaptations done. It has a lowered floor and an automatic ramp. I can work the ramp and the doors with the simple touch of a button.

Adaptations I Will Be Using

My Final Steering Device - Sept, 2009

This is what I ended up with! You can see that it is all very similar to the final adjustment we did in Aug of 2008. With a few minor changes, I now have exactly what I need and it works perfectly for me!!

Final Adjustment On Steering Device - Aug, 2008

This was taken during my last training eval. It is very similar to the one used below. Thanks to my new chair, which rises and tilts, it is much easier to get the adaptations the way I need them. This is how MY system will look!

Another Adjustment On Steering Device - Feb, 2006

This is the steering device that we have found to work best. You see that now I am using a 7 inch wheel. This made the steering effort closer to zero and also changed how many revolutions I had to turn the wheel for regular turns. Now to max out the tires in either direction, it is 4-4.5 turns. A regular turn is 1.5-2 turns. This makes less work for me.
Next, you notice the handle I am using! This has made all the difference in the world. The handle is on a tight spring base. This allows the handle to tilt inward if it becomes out of my range. I now have a nice base to set my hand within as well. I had to go to Houston to have this 'funky contraption' made, but it works! The gas/break system is the same as pictured below.

First Attempt On Steering Device - Aug, 2005

First and second pic shows the controls the best. In my right hand is a steering wheel. It is 5 in and has a little knob that I hold onto for gripping purposes. The little holes are also there for some support if I need it. To max out the tires in either direction is about 5-6 complete turns. Just to turn normal is 2.5-3 turns, then I have to do the same the opposite way in order to recover the wheel and get my tires straight again. - In my left hand is the dual control for gas and break. On the right, under my index finger is the gas, and on the left where my middle finger is, is the break! - Then the little button controls on the left and right sides control the ignition, gears, lights, blinkers, wipers, all that jazz!

This last pic just shows how it sets in reference to me!!