ACC funding for vehicles
Each year a few people across Aotearoa New Zealand get their vehicle modified to allow them to drive or be driven in safety and comfort. Here's how.
ACC funding can be available to modify, and purchase if necessary, a suitable vehicle for a client.
To be eligible, you must need either standard or highly specialised vehicle modifications, in order to help you complete daily living activities or work.
You can talk to your occupational therapist about whether ACC support might be available in your situation.
Injuries such as broken arms or legs may not stop you from driving, but you need to decide how safe you and other road users will be.
Plaster casts may be uncomfortable and can make it difficult to control a vehicle. You must get guidance from your doctor concerning how the cast will affect your ability to operate all the vehicle’s controls.
What is a vehicle modification?
A vehicle modification is any change made to a vehicle that alters it from its original design or specifications and it can include: seating changes, mirrors, cameras, and transfer benches.
How complex the modification is really depends on what you need. It may be that your vehicle needs a lift mechanism put in the boot to allow a power wheelchair access, or it could be a stick-driving system connected in to allow you to drive yourself.
An assessment
When an occupational therapist conducts an assessment, they determine what the person needs help with when using a vehicle. The goal is to ensure the person's safety, whether they are driving or traveling as a passenger.
For drivers, the therapist considers where the person needs to sit to steer, the position of their legs in relation to the pedals they won't be using, and the placement of hand controls.
If someone needs to travel in a wheelchair, the therapist ensures the modifications are compatible with the wheelchair. Other factors like the person's height and weight are also considered to choose the right-sized vehicle.
Cost of vehicle modifications
The cost of vehicle modifications varies based on complexity. Installing a hoist and restraint systems can cost over $20,000, while simpler modifications like adding hand controls are much cheaper.
As vehicles become more sophisticated, the cost of modifications may decrease.
Features like keyless entry, remote ignition, push-button start, and electric park brakes make it easier for people with high levels of injury or disability to drive.
Restrictions
To ensure modifications are done safely and to a high standard, the Waka Kotahi NZ Transport Agency has rules about vehicle modifications. These guidelines cover what modifications can be made to private vehicles, the inspection and certifications required for certain modifications, and who can carry out modifications.
Visit the Waka Kotahi website for more information about disabilities and driving.