The Challenges of Disabled Wheelchair Users Acquiring a Modified Van to Drive

Image credit: YouTube video by ikrzysio2000

For some disabled people (me included) the goal of driving was non-negotiable. Being able to get myself from point A to point B has been a vital part of my autonomy and independence. This is particularly true when so many other aspects of my life are limited by my physical disability. That isn’t to say that some disabled folks can’t thrive using other ride share services or public transportation. After all, millions of non-disabled people in urban settings around the country and world, are not limited by not having a car.

But should you find yourself living in a part of the country where the public transportation grid is lacking, or, (as with me) you just choose to have total control over this part of your life, then owning your own car and driving is a must. Unfortunately, for many disabled people who require special modifications to their cars, there are many barriers to accomplishing this goal.

In this blog post I want to focus on one of the largest sub-sets of disabled people who I feel are unfairly and unjustly excluded from being able to drive. This group is wheelchair users who need a ramp van. There are numerous challenges to address when acquiring a modified van to drive. From high costs, limited availability of suitable vehicles, complex adaptations, and a monopolized infrastructure that exists for routine repairs and maintenance, just to name a few.

The High Cost of Mobility

One of the most formidable obstacles wheelchair users face in acquiring a modified van is cost. The price of a new wheelchair-accessible vehicle can range from $60,000 to $100,000 or more, depending on the type and extent of modifications required. This price is significantly higher than that of a standard vehicle, making it unaffordable for many. Additionally, the cost of maintaining and repairing a wheelchair-accessible vehicles is prohibitively high for most people. Over the life of the van, it can add tens of thousands of dollars, because it is not only the cost of repair materials, but only specialized mechanics shops are able to make repairs specifically for ramped van.

The financial strain is exacerbated by the fact that insurance and government subsidies often cover only a fraction of the total cost, if at all. Users frequently rely on personal savings, family support, or fundraising campaigns to bridge the financial gap. According to a survey by the National Mobility Equipment Dealers Association, over 50 percent of those in need of mobility modifications do not have adequate funding to cover costs. I have had several disabled friends get their vans either fully or partially purchased through their State’s Department of Rehabilitation. If the disabled person can prove they need the van to get to and from work, they will help subsidize the initial van purchase with its required modifications.

Availability and Customization Challenges

Finding a vehicle that can be suitably modified adds another layer of difficulty. Not all vehicles can accommodate the specific modifications needed for a particular disability. Wheelchair users often need features such as lowered floors, ramp or lift installations, custom seating, and specialized driving controls, all of which require a compatible vehicle chassis. Car manufacturer’s Toyota and Chrysler are two of the most popular brands of ramp vans because they have responded to market demand by making some of their vans more suitable for conversion. Even so, there can be significant wait times from purchase to delivery, depending on the specific modifications needed to complete the conversion.

When it comes to the safety and comfort of driving, there can’t be a standard of “good enough.” Disabled people have to have the tenacity, but also the patience, to make sure their van conversion gets finished as “perfectly” complete, and in as timely a fashion as possible. This can be hard to do when you’ve already invested time and most likely some out-of-pocket expense, to say nothing of just being excited for your new wheels. But making sure the conversion is done right the first time will make it worth the wait.

Driving Training and Licensing

Once a suitable vehicle is secured, some wheelchair users may need specialized training to learn how to operate their modified vans safely. This training can be costly and is not available in all areas, which further complicates access to independent driving for many. In addition to training, obtaining a driver's license with a disability can sometimes be bureaucratic a process involving medical certification that the disabled driver is fit to operate a motor vehicle. Different states have varied requirements and testing procedures, so it is best to check the laws in your states.

Keep in mind, however, that the vast number of disabled drivers pass their driver’s test just like any other non-disabled driver. It is illegal to discriminate against any disabled driver simply because they are disabled. If they can pass the standard written, vision, and practical driving test using the vehicle that has been inspected to have the proper adaptations, then they should be licensed without any other restriction or testing burden. It is also against the law to charge more to insure a disabled driver. Rates should be based on any other insurance factor like driving record and monetary value of the vehicle.

Legislative and Advocacy Efforts

There are legislative efforts and advocacy groups working to improve the situation for disabled drivers. The Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) provides certain protections and rights, but advocates argue that more targeted legislation is needed to address the specific issues related to vehicle modification and affordability. For example, organizations such as the Paralyzed Veterans of America and the National Mobility Equipment Dealers Association are at the forefront of pushing for more robust funding solutions and better accessibility standards in vehicle design. Their work is crucial in not only assisting individuals but in shaping policies that will help future generations of disabled drivers.

Social and Psychological Impact

Beyond the tangible challenges of cost, availability, and training, there are significant social and psychological impacts on wheelchair users attempting to acquire and drive a modified van. The struggle for mobility freedom can affect one’s mental health, leading to feelings of frustration and isolation when faced with such daunting barriers. While many disabled drivers who are able to get a ramp van feel blessed at the opportunity to do so, many realize it can be a singular experience. Some use a life savings to pay for a van. Others who have relied on government support know they likely won’t get an approved a second time should something happen to their van. This lack of uncertainly alone can be stressful for disabled people.

If I had to sum up this blog post with one final thought: for many disabled drivers, getting a van isn’t just like going down to your local vehicle sales lot. We are limited by affordability, accessibility, and generalized attitudes of ableism and exclusion. I think there is an unfortunate ignorance by society at large that disabled drivers who want to drive have access to “special programs” or are just given ramp vans for “free” as an “entitlement” of being disabled. I say this because I see the shocked expression on non-disabled peoples’ faces when I inform them of our reality. My hope is that as the years of advocacy progress, ignorance will be transformed into solidarity, and the number of wheelchair drivers on the road will become a more normalized and common occurrence.