22 - Quadriplegic getting into van and driving

Opening van door and ramp using remote, getting into six-way-seat, showing how hand controls work and driving around the yard.
I am a C6-C7 quadriplegic incomplete, with partial arm and wrist function, and no control or feeling from my armpits down since February, 1987. Having always been very active, and teaching practical manual arts at a boarding school in the mountains of south Mexico, I suddenly found myself very limited when I became paralyzed. It took some time to become adjusted to life in a wheelchair, but I learned many tips and ideas from others, and decided to share what has worked best for me through the years. To learn how I became paralyzed and how God helped our family deal with this turn of events, feel free to check out my video playlists on this channel, and also this link: Paralyzed: Why? www.adamsamigo...

[@TheRealNewBlackMusic]

God bless you, my man. You are so inspiring.

[@WILLPowerTV]

Hi my name is Willy and I'm a C5 C6 Quadriplegic. I'm planning on driving soon and I was wondering where I could possibly get those abdominal and chest straps? I to struggle with trunk control and need something to hold me in place. Enjoyed watching your videos thank you and God bless!

[@AdamsAmigos]

+915power I use the Grandmar Padded Chest Strap, with the Type II closure. It is very adjustable and holds me securely in place on the curviest of roads. This video for the Nutec Torso Belt looks exactly the same as mine. However, the plastic D ring on the velcro tightening strap was too small to hook my thumb, so I got a larger steel D ring and had an upholstery shop sew it in place of the plastic one. Video: kzbin.info/www/bejne/j5aZgX96r7Kti7c

[@WILLPowerTV]

+Fred Adams Awesome, I've had various velcro straps that just can't hold me in place sometimes while I'm pushing the chair. I mentioned I wanted to drive and honestly I wanted to see what you'd recommend. My hands are the opposite to yours they are closed and the hand controls still look pretty much something I would use. the only difference is I plan to drive my 06 Mustang. it's an automatic and I've been sitting on the passenger side using a wheelchair honeycomb cushion called "stimulite" that I also plan to use once I start driving. so any information would be appreciated. thank you for responding!

[@AdamsAmigos]

+915power I have seen but not ever used the Stimulite cushion. I'm happy with the Ease Overlay Waterproof Cushion, which has air chambers that alternate pressure every 4 minutes. See easecushion.com. It has the advantage of only being an inch thick. Feel free to ask more questions if you wish!

[@dandaddavich4638]

Where do i get that push and pull type system can that be mounted to a car, waiting on ur response please. I am a c6c7 quadriplegic

[@Penn1969]

Very impressive indeed. What level of injury are you? You are certainly able to handle the van extremely well. I do have a few concerns though. Firstly, do you have any type of pressure relief device on your car seat? Also, I would be extremely concerned that it would not be easy to exit the van quickly if something were to go wrong. However, it's interesting to see how other disabled drivers are able to drive their vehicles. I use joystick steering and try from a power wheelchair, I find that driving from an electric wheelchair gives the much wider degree of independence as I can get anywhere I want by myself. I'm not sure that's the word "handicapped" is really the most appropriate term to use nowadays, I'm afraid it's a word that makes me cringe. :-)

[@AdamsAmigos]

I am a C6-7 incomplete. I use an EASE Overlay Waterproof Cushion, run by a quiet little air pump in the pouch behind the seat. I guess I forgot to mention that! See easecushion.com/products It runs up to 80 hours on a single charge, or can be plugged into a 12 volt power plug in your vehicle. Every 4 minutes the air pressure changes in alternating chambers, so I can drive for hours without having to stop for a pressure relief. However, I stop for breaks frequently on long trips, and town trips have me getting in and out fairly often. My doctor wrote a prescription, so my Worker's Comp insurance paid for it. As far as getting out in a hurry, it would be a problem if I am alone. But with help, I could be pulled out through the driver side door.

[@Penn1969]

Fred Adams Yes, I have heard of the ease cushion, it's an alternating cushion isn't it? So you find it prevents skin problems? If you look on the Internet, there's so much information that contradicts each other, it's difficult to actually determine exactly what to believe. But I think you're the first person I've spoken to who uses one. I'm C5 myself, complete. I've had a bit of a history with sinus tracts, not pressure sores as such, just these blasted sinus is that suddenly appear. I did purchase the air pulse cushion, but sent it back for a refund because I wasn't sure it was helping. But I am assuming that the ease gives you 100% protection? Anyway, your dexterity is truly amazing, but I am not surprised sent you tell me what level you are. I've enjoyed watching your videos, I've made a few myself and intend to update them with a few new ones. It's good to educate people and I'm sure that you will give a lot of people hope. I know people often think life is all over once you're in a wheelchair, but we can prove that isn't the case. Good luck

[@AdamsAmigos]

Penn Wooding You're right about life not being over after being in a wheelchair - I've lived a very fulfilling life serving others in the U.S. and abroad. I've been helped by others who share ideas on wheelchair life, so I decided to do the same. I've used the EASE overlay for 12 years in the van and never had a pressure sore. I use a Pindot Silhouette cushion on my wheelchair, which is fitted to the contour of my bottom. That distributes the weight evenly and helps me sit more stably in my chair. See www.freedomdesigns.com/PinDot/Silhouette%20Products.html Thanks for your comments, and if you're a C-5 Complete, you sound like you're doing very well for your condition! I'll have to check out your videos later - now it's nearly time for my Shower Trolley bath!

[@presley1712]

this guy looks like Kip from Napoleon Dynamite