Staying Mobile
Driving With Multiple Sclerosis
BraunAbility: BraunAbility sells, services and rents wheelchair accessible vans through more than 250 mobility dealers in the United States and Canada. - MagicMobility Vans: This program refurbishes donated adapted vans and distributes them to families in need.
- The Mobility Resource: This adaptive vehicle marketplace provides information about adaptive driving options and maintains a database of independent dealers that sell and service wheelchair accessible vehicles nationwide.
- National Mobility Equipment Dealers Association (NMEDA): NMEDA is an organization that accredits mobility equipment dealers.
- Use their online search tool to locate accredited dealers near you.
- Learn more on their page What To Know Before Purchasing a Wheelchair Accessible Vehicle.
- Vantage Mobility International: Vantage Mobility offers a nationwide network of accessible vehicle dealers.
- Wheelchair Getaways: This nationwide network of independent mobility dealers rents wheelchair vans.
- BraunAbility: BraunAbility sells, services and rents wheelchair accessible vans through more than 250 mobility dealers in the United States and Canada.
- MagicMobility Vans: This program refurbishes donated adapted vans and distributes them to families in need.
- The Mobility Resource: This adaptive vehicle marketplace provides information about adaptive driving options and maintains a database of independent dealers that sell and service wheelchair accessible vehicles nationwide.
- National Mobility Equipment Dealers Association (NMEDA): NMEDA is an organization that accredits mobility equipment dealers.
- Use their online search tool to locate accredited dealers near you.
- Learn more on their page What To Know Before Purchasing a Wheelchair Accessible Vehicle.
- Vantage Mobility International: Vantage Mobility offers a nationwide network of accessible vehicle dealers.
- Wheelchair Getaways: This nationwide network of independent mobility dealers rents wheelchair vans.
Following your evaluation, some adaptive equipment may be recommended to you. This equipment can help you adjust for deficits that interfere with your driving and may include:
- Hand controls to operate the gas and brake pedals
- Spinner knob to turn the steering wheel
- Modified mirrors
- Lifts for stowing wheelchairs and assistive devices
- Your medical and driving records
- How MS impacts your ability to perform daily tasks (bathing, getting dressed, etc.)
- Functions such strength, coordination and range of movement
- Visual and cognitive performance
- Getting in and out of the vehicle
- Following the rules of the road
- Staying within your lane and changing lanes safely
- Reaction time while driving
If you are worried about driving safely, you might want to get a driving study. During the session, an expert will look at what changes could help you drive more safely. It includes a check-up in an office and a road test.Both occupational therapists (OT) and certified driver rehabilitation specialists (CDRS) perform these tests. An OT helps you improve your ability to do daily tasks, like driving. A CDRS helps you learn how to drive safely or find other transportation options.The office assessment reviews:
- Your medical and driving records
- How MS impacts your ability to perform daily tasks (bathing, getting dressed, etc.)
- Functions such strength, coordination and range of movement
- Visual and cognitive performance
- Getting in and out of the vehicle
- Following the rules of the road
- Staying within your lane and changing lanes safely
- Reaction time while driving
If you are looking for a vehicle ramp or lift, 2 online nationwide retailers may be able to help:They offer a wide array of transport devices at competitive prices.
- 211.org: Call 211 or visit their site for information about programs near you.
- Centers for Independent Living (CIL): CILs help you find local funding. They may be able to help you cover the cost of car and/or vehicle modifications.
- Digital Federal Credit Union (DFCU) Mobility Vehicle Loans: Loans from this nonprofit credit union can finance new or used adapted vehicles.
- Job Accommodation Network (JAN): Search for your local vocational rehabilitation office through JAN. Vocational rehabilitation programs provide resources related to employment options for people with disabilities. This includes transportation options
- MobilityWorks: MobilityWorks sells, rents, and services wheelchair accessible vans, cars and SUVs. Visit site to explore grants and other assistance.
- MS Foundation: MS Foundation offers funding for vehicle modifications.
- The Mobility Resource: Find state grants and rebate programs from vehicle manufacturers.
- Social Security Administration (SSA): The Plan to Achieve Self Support (PASS) Program can help you budget for transit expenses for work.
- Statewide assistive technology (AT) programs: These programs are in every U.S. state. They help people with disabilities get loans to buy items to aid with daily living.
- U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA): The VA helps with vehicle modifications for qualifying individuals. Helps Veterans with a service-connected disability and those with a non-service-connected disability.
- Certified driver rehabilitation specialists
- Mobility equipment dealers that install equipment
- Rehabilitation specialists
- Accessibility in Public Transportation: Momentum Magazine describes what’s working and not working in public transportation for those who need accommodations and explores what we can do to make it better.
- National Aging and Disability Transportation Center (NADTC): NADTC helps people with disabilities understand and find transportation options that fit their needs. Call 1-866-983-3222 for one-on-one support.
Car Insurance for Drivers With DisabilitiesSee the Zebra’s Car Insurance for Drivers With Disabilities page for information on how to find insurance to cover adaptive vehicles. Their search field will connect you to companies that work with your needs. The site also offers tips for other ways to lower your car insurance premiums.Your state’s insurance department can also direct you to a list of insurance company offerings throughout your state. You can use the directory to get started comparing rates and saving money.Finding Certified Driving Rehab SpecialistsAssociation for Driver Rehabilitation Specialists (ADED): ADED’s search tool can help you find:
- Certified driver rehabilitation specialists
- Mobility equipment dealers that install equipment
- Rehabilitation specialists
- Accessibility in Public Transportation: Momentum Magazine describes what’s working and not working in public transportation for those who need accommodations and explores what we can do to make it better.
- National Aging and Disability Transportation Center (NADTC): NADTC helps people with disabilities understand and find transportation options that fit their needs. Call 1-866-983-3222 for one-on-one support.
Mobility Aids for MS
Functional Electrical Stimulation (FES) - Manual chairs
- Motorized scooters
- Orthoses (braces)
- Power wheelchairs
- Pushrim-activated power-assist wheelchairs
- Walkers and wheeled walkers (rollators)
- Canes
- Crutches
- Functional Electrical Stimulation (FES)
- Manual chairs
- Motorized scooters
- Orthoses (braces)
- Power wheelchairs
- Pushrim-activated power-assist wheelchairs
- Walkers and wheeled walkers (rollators)
- AT3 Center: Learn about equipment programs and financial assistance in your state.
- Guide to medical and assistive equipment resources: This resource outlines the process of purchasing a mobility device.
- Choosing the Mobility Device That’s Right for You: This two part video series from the National Multiple Sclerosis Society goes over the assessment for a wheeled mobility device and wheeled mobility options.
- Digital Federal Credit Union Access Loans: Loans from this nonprofit credit union can finance specialty equipment and home modifications for individuals with a disability.
- Free From Falls: Falls can be more than just a nuisance. They can lead to serious injuries. This video series offers comprehensive fall prevention strategies.