Getting Adaptations Installed On My New Car! Driving With Cerebral Palsy

I just went through the entire process of getting the adaptations I need to drive with my disability installed to my new @Subaru Forester Wilderness and wanted to share for others who may need to do the same.
Whether you’re in the process of getting a new car now or will need to in the future, an amazing resource to check out is Subaru’s Mobility Assist program. Through it you can be reimbursed up to $1,000 for medically necessary vehicle accessibility modifications. Head to the link below to learn more!
www.subaru.com/owners/benefit...

[@realchelseabear]

A lot of people are shocked to learn that I can drive (because I have cerebral palsy). I actually don't use any special modifications, but other people with CP or other disabilities can drive using things like hand controls or other assistive devices. For me, the biggest issue I face is getting my mobility devices in and out of the car. I'm so incredibly excited to be partnering with Subaru to bring awareness to their Mobility Assist program that helps with the financial burden of medically necessary vehicle accessibility modifications. As a consumer, I've been so appreciative of Subaru's inclusive marketing campaigns and give-back initiatives for years. If you're curious about the process of getting a modification added to a car I shared my experience in this video!

[@irenebrophy3284]

My late husband used a 'suicide' wheel on steering wheel. BUT he was not the best driver... 😂😥

[@c-rad2419]

I drive, but I have to have everything hand controlled because I can't drive with my feet. That being said, I haven't driven in a long time because the equipment will only go into a certain type of car. I have a question for you, chelsea... Something has been concerning me regarding driving. How does your startle reflex affect your ability to drive safely? How does your start a reflex act when emergency response vehicles approach? Or anything else that might trigger it while driving? B. How do you deal with that? Thanks for sharing Conrad

[@bgrimlan]

@@c-rad2419 I can't answer for Chelsea, but for me, it has very little effect. I am assuming you mean startle reflex. I do jump when driving but it has never caused an issue other than embarrassment and loss of pride when people are riding with me. The only time I jump is when a LOUD motorcycle goes through traffic beside me pretty fast with no warning. In that case, I am usually in a bumper-to-bumper situation, so it has no effect in the sense of my jumping being dangerous. Emergency vehicles usually give a block or 2 warning and usually not in a high-speed situation, so they impose no danger with my jumping. Like Chelsea, I use no hand controls, other aiding devices, or other modifications. I do have the option to use a suicide knob, stated on my license, since they are illegal to use for other reasons here in my state, but I haven't used one in 30 years (my 1st vehicle didn't have power steering... Gawd, I miss that vehicle!!! I wish I still had it.).

[@c-rad2419]

@bgrimlan thank you for replying. It's comforting to know

[@bpunisher94]

Would you want to date?

[@scotttharp5015]

Such a Strong , Inspirational and BEAUTIFUL Young Lady ( inside & out ) and a SMILE to Die For ! ! !

[@realchelseabear]

aww thank you! thanks for watching!

[@shawncrosby5076]

You rock Chelsea Bear! I am very happy for you. Please be safe from all the stupid drivers on the road.

[@realchelseabear]

thank you!!

[@BernsteinOmega]

Great educated choice in a vehicle. Reliable, safe, AWD and easy to enter and exit. Thanks for taking us along.

[@realchelseabear]

Thank you for watching! and agreed, I feel so safe in it and have loved it the past few weeks. Excited to go on road trips with it!

[@irenebrophy3284]

Loved watching this video!! Your expression, you're like a kid in the candy store. I am so happy for you!!! Thank you for this imformative video.

[@ronalddawson3873]

God Bless You,for being so ,INDEPENDENT,and POSITIVE, Best of luck and happiness as you go.

[@realchelseabear]

thank you!!

[@LoriAnne808]

Congrats!!! So happy for you!!!! Stay blessed Sweetheart. ❤🎉

[@realchelseabear]

thank you!!

[@Srflzrd]

You are a Rock Star!!! Congratulations on the new ride.

[@realchelseabear]

thank you!!

[@photogrifmike]

Welcome to the Subaru family! The wilderness package is nice, that color accent stitching is SO sharp!

[@realchelseabear]

thank you! love being part of it!

[@TarynnElizabeth619]

Awe Chelsea!! You are too cute! You’re an amazing young lady! I’m blown away with your tenacity and your independence, spirit! #girlpower

[@realchelseabear]

thank you so much Tarynn!! it means a lot to me!

[@videobiker9131]

Thank you! Not that I would need a car or special modifications, but at my age you never know if I might get married to a woman who would need them. Your information is top notch and I really appreciate this video

[@realchelseabear]

thank you so much for the kind words! I'm glad you found it helpful, whether you end up needing this information or not! it's always important to know what options are out there.

[@bigroy38]

The Wilderness is a sweet option.And you’re one of my favorite people on Earth.Keep smiling,sweetheart.

[@marrudnick3205]

If I had my life together better then I would one hundred percent ask her out. Just wow😍........wow😍 Congratulations to her for the vehicle purchase! Enjoy and keep us up to date on any developments

[@Loanwa]

Congratulations 🎉 To God be the Glory 🙏🏽. I'm proud of you 🩷

[@clarekoloski8259]

Beautiful new car!! Enjoy it pretty lady!! ❤❤❤

[@realchelseabear]

thank you so much!

[@erinbrady1994]

I am so happy for you that you got a lift for your scooter to make your life a lot easier

[@realchelseabear]

me too! seriously, it's been such a helpful change. thank you for your kind words!

[@erinbrady1994]

That’s good and your welcome

[@thomaskappauf7345]

❤❤ very nice rig ,congratulations from your neighbors in highlands county ❤❤

[@realchelseabear]

thank you!!

[@jonathankoster547]

Congratulations in your new ride, Chelsea!

[@realchelseabear]

thank you so much! appreciate you watching!

[@marcofacen9564]

One of the best Moments one can have is to get a new car and realize that the adaptations work great! I remember how I felt when I finally got a set of hand controls in my 2nd car that really worked for me. I brought the old system with me when I changed car... When an older Mechanic asked me: "You have bought a such beautiful car... do I really have to install that old, ugly crap?" He was so damn right... Not just for the look of it... I drive with electric Gas Potentiometer, combined with a mechanical brake lever, and adapted (duplicatet) controls for indicators and lights... Problemfree for 12 Years with the same controls. Luckily I don't need helps to put the wheelchair in and out of the car. Thanks Chelsea for covering the topic! Sometimes I wonder if we should mark our car (for CP People of Wheelchair Users) to show the world outside that we drive too... and that someone really needs the extra parking spaces... Many thousands miles of great and save trips ahead, Chelsea!

[@catkeys6911]

Such a sweetheart (and a cutie pie, as well). She's SO positive and strong!❤❣😍

[@simmybear31]

From the UK, you are an inspiration and such a beautiful person inside and out. Always stay strong ❤

[@KIRK_TX]

Congrats Chelsea! You deserve it!

[@realchelseabear]

thanks kirk!!

[@michaelcorpus5023]

Congratulations on your new vehicle. Love your strength and independence.

[@realchelseabear]

thank you!

[@joeleo5654]

You’re an amazing lady. Subarus are great cars. Please please be careful when driving. Lots of inconsiderate drivers out there. Good luck with it

[@andrewbroadfoot6195]

I absolutely loved my Forester. Excellent visibility, legroom for tall people, and still plenty of storage. The semi panoramic sunroof was nice too. Hope you enjoy yours!

[@micksterboone4517]

Lots of good information and a great presentation. Really nice that it clamps down automatically, that saves a lot of hassle securing Scoots.

[@realchelseabear]

it's been so so helpful! thank you for the kind words!

[@richardscott5155]

Good luck 🍀very nice , may all your travels be for Joy & Happiness

[@realchelseabear]

thank you!!

[@StevenAbbott]

My wife broke a bone in her foot due to muscle tension at about 57 years. She was decimated when her doctor casually referred to her as a quad spastic. She cried and I consoled her.

[@The_Fancave]

Congrats, beautiful new ride you've got there! Welcome to the Subie club, you won't be disappointed! I bought my Forester new in 2017, and 104K miles later, it still runs like a top! I plan to get a Forester Wilderness as my next vehicle. (I'm leaning toward Geyser Blue though).

[@realchelseabear]

that's so great to hear! I'm one month in and have been loving it. the Geyser Blue is so pretty too!!

[@jaspersteve9420]

Congrats on the new ride! The scooter lift looks like it will be a huge help. Enjoy and thanks for sharing with us

[@realchelseabear]

thank you for the kind words and for watching!

[@thatdave86]

Great choice of vehicle,and yes access has been a winner for the Forester,also the doors open to 70 degrees (they open wider)and then the vision from inside is all-round better than most . I would even suggest that a mobility device could go into the back seat area with a suitable ramp assist device, The only thing that I would ask of the tail lift company is that they make the unlock method be a remote operation so you don't need to try and pull that pin , something to consider. Fantastic that you drive and have mobility,it's a game changer . Enjoy ,be safe ,be happy you deserve that .

[@wheelchairmanjon]

You are so beautiful you are so fortunate to have the ability to drive. I do not have that ability. It is very liberating to drive. I’m sure it’s frustrating having to rely on other people to take you places and dealing with public transportation. You are so fortunate to have anybody to drive, stay strong, beautiful beautiful lady Chelsea. I appreciate your video so much. They are very inspiring to me.

[@ronfisher7529]

We really did a great job in putting this video together.

[@carlostorres7663]

Beautiful strong woman 😍

[@realchelseabear]

Thank you!

[@carlostorres7663]

@@realchelseabear u welcome 🤗

[@noomoon2833]

That's cool! A lot less effort and stress. 🤗

[@kewlkarl1]

Thank you for sharing. Just over a year and a half ago, I bought a brand new 2022 Subaru Impreza, and I love it with my CP disability The Sports Subaru of Orlando dealership was very helpful. I'm in several different Orlando, FL Subaru groups and Subaru KZbinrs I learned something new from your video today. I had never heard of the Subaru Mobility Assist grant program. Thank you for sharing. This is another reason why I love my Subaru One extra thing I bought was Subaru seat back protectors they look great and you can throw stuff around when you have the back seat up or down

[@GretatheEvilGremlin]

I nominate Chelsea as an honorary member of the Fozzie club😂. Well done Subaru for designing something practical too.

[@mmmmmccxxc]

Congrats!! I can tell you’re excited about it. Life changing for sure. That swing arm is sweet too. No more fiddling with Scoots, now you can just go. I’m so happy for you

[@realchelseabear]

yes it's been such a helpful and needed change. thank you!!

[@joshporter8286]

I agree. Beatiful, confident, strong. I love your personality and ambision

[@mohammedziauddin601]

You should make videos on accessibility. Examples are cars, ships, airports, trains, shops, hotels. Great job.

[@artd.1498]

I admire your positive attitude. Thank you for sharing your videos.

[@budcanter9747]

You are such a beautiful and independent woman, bless you!❤️🙏🏻🇺🇸

[@stingray2134]

Awesome, you will love it. I had a 2017 Subaru Forester and it was a great vehicle!!

[@whizzle_kake8055]

Congratulations Chelsea! Super Awesome! Thanks for the video❤

[@realchelseabear]

thank you for watching!!

[@nickefgen9219]

Congratulations on the purchase of your new car and the addition of the the lift for your scooter.very happy to see your doing well

[@henrykoning9461]

Congratulations with your new car .We have 2 of those with no problems . The oldest one is 6 years old . You are gonna be very happy with it

[@michaelpalus7929]

YOU are going to love your new SUBARU.

[@markharrisllb]

In the U.K. we have an organisation called Motability that we can lease cars through. They fitted a hoist to mine for my scooter, a left hand accelerator for my hemiparuplegic wife, steering knobs etc. We do have to pay a significant deposit because we always go for higher spec models, we automatic lights and wipers as well as a few luxuries. So we had to pay £7.5k towards it, but we could have got a lower spec model for zero deposit.

[@rodolfomelgoza4591]

You are such an angel with a big smile 😀. Lovely lady.

[@lisaannkey]

Great video Chelsea! Ive really been wanting to do this to my car too. Thanks for the advice ☺️

[@realchelseabear]

I hope you can get this done to your car soon! I hope the video was helpful :)

[@James-yp5dn]

Congratulations on the new car and the lift addition 🎉ps.you have a beautiful smile 💯 keep smiling 😁

[@realchelseabear]

thank you so much!

[@richg1746]

Subaru is an awesome car. Wishing you all the best with it, Kiddo.

[@realchelseabear]

thank you!

[@charlessanders1342]

Congrats on your new vehicle and your lift to make life so much easier and you no longer need to dis/re assemble your scooter. 👍.

[@realchelseabear]

thank you so much!

[@AdamFlanagan-oq6op]

Nice ride, congrats! 💪

[@ElChristew]

Thank you for sharing hun, very inspiring. ❤️‍🔥

[@bmgmusa07]

You are an inspiring woman. It's great you are showing other with disabilities around the world that it is possible to live a more independent life. God bless you

[@realchelseabear]

thank you! it's so important to me to spread information on helpful resources like this. half the time people don't even know what's out there or it takes a long time to figure it out. I just hope my content is helpful!

[@abelsalazar8677]

Congratulation awesome ride!!!!!!❤

[@donnarequa1863]

Fantastic! I am SO happy for you! ❤

[@waynepeterson1061]

Looks like the perfect vehicle for you. Congrats !!!

[@amangill3154]

Such a strong lady love her smile nice car 🚗

[@AirTodd]

Nice looking. The lift is sure going to make it easier for you in the long run.

[@stc_ct4164]

Great video Chelsea..!!

[@ghud3701]

Great car well deserved

[@pars5027]

Awesome for you! get out and ride!!!

[@REDZ28won]

Awesome!

[@OkieMikester]

That's a great vehicle!

[@Jimsalos]

Very interesting video!

[@theking2000]

You are inspirational

[@bgrimlan]

I am surprised that you wanted an external lift being in Florida. I live on other side of country where it doesn't rain for 9 months straight out of the year. But... in Florida it rains pretty often and with your scooter being outside in the elements. In anyways, I am happy for you for your new vehicle, I have a CR-V with the same features, excluding the automatic trunk lift. In which I regret not getting, like you I am very unstable when taking a step back and have fallen and hit my head on the concrete a few times. I just learned to plant my left hand on the back brake light, open the trunk with my right hand from the side and take a sidestep to get out of the way. I hope the lift makes your life a lot easier, one less variable to make you lose your balance and fall.

[@gregwhitcoe5411]

Super cool!!! So happy for you!!! ❤️

[@realchelseabear]

thank you!

[@reljapopovic]

when a car company makes things for you without a charge, making a commercial for them is a way to say "thank you". At least , that goes for SUBARU. I admired you before, and now I see you have an excellent taste for cars. GO GIRL!! greetings from #subarufanatic ❤

[@diecast_MikeEspo]

Congratulations on that new cool ride . 👍. Be safe . Drive carefully. 👍👍👍👍

[@realchelseabear]

thank you!!

[@PEI_Guy]

Enjoy the new ride. Lots of useful info in your video.

[@realchelseabear]

I'm glad it was helpful! thank you so much!

[@sergeantmasson3669]

Young lady, you are incredibly amazing.

[@davegoodridge8352]

That's a really great car! Congratulations

[@realchelseabear]

thank you!!

[@bruceanderson7762]

Subaru Forester...NICE RIDE!!😊

[@docholliday6338]

Congratulations on the new car

[@realchelseabear]

thank you!

[@neilwood8794]

Loving your new ride Chelsea 😀

[@realchelseabear]

thank you Neil!

[@robinroberts3335]

Fantastic video so Helpful Thxs 👍🏻😎

[@realchelseabear]

thank you! :)

[@4367plu]

Congratulations, you deserve it hope it makes your life easier

[@realchelseabear]

I've had it for a few weeks and can definitely say it has made my life easier. My body is so thankful I don't have to keep lifting it in and out lol! Thank you so much.

[@monacobenedict8991]

Congrats on the new car Chelsea ❤

[@realchelseabear]

thank you!!

[@daviotkelly1267]

This is a really good car, Happy for you hun

[@realchelseabear]

thank you!

[@Fishflorida59]

Awesome! I have a wilderness outback, you are going to love your new car 🙂

[@realchelseabear]

awesome! i love it so far!

[@Jesse-du3nh]

Helps me Alot. need is need & some stuff just does appear to be righ. wicked video

[@realchelseabear]

im so happy to hear this was helpful, thank you for sharing!

[@user-gk9lg5sp4y]

Great choice! Very good car!

[@realchelseabear]

Thank you! I've had it for a few weeks now and absolutely love it!

[@MarkK395]

Congrats on your new car, You're gonna love it! I've always wondered how the ramps on the back of cars work, pretty cool!🙂

[@realchelseabear]

I'm happy to share! thanks for watching!

[@barryhuizing2804]

Looks great! Good luck

[@realchelseabear]

thank you!

[@realchelseabear]

thank you!!

[@robertpiscatelli4855]

Congrats on the new wildness I own a 2022 and love it. Just an FYI you can adjust the rear door height how ever you would like it. It’s in your owners manual or utube videos. That way it will not open so high and you can reach way better. Good luck

[@realchelseabear]

that's a great tip! thank you for sharing

[@ivansmith654]

Great video!

[@realchelseabear]

thank you!!

[@DirtRoadLanding]

God Bless You, Chelsea 🐻

[@howardwilliams5145]

Congratulations ❤❤❤❤❤❤

[@realchelseabear]

thank you!

[@howardwilliams5145]

@@realchelseabear your welcome

[@ericvonwiegen5672]

Nice 👍

[@realchelseabear]

Thank you!

[@backandforthupanddow]

Nice car!

[@MrsAlmaTrumble]

Congratulations on your new ride.

[@realchelseabear]

Thank you!

[@MrsAlmaTrumble]

@@realchelseabear you're welcome.

[@lostsoul1278]

Awesomeness, congrats. ...I love subies

[@realchelseabear]

thank you!

[@timeversman9804]

Super nice car....

[@user-gi3vm7mk6n]

A good choice, a very nice and reliable car.

[@realchelseabear]

thank you!

[@kc0lif]

used is good too.😊

[@JayfkProductions876]

Very cool

[@S-mz2my]

i am glad good for u

[@realchelseabear]

thank you!

[@jimnorthern9587]

Chelsea, I see one very beautiful young woman that will fight to the end. Would be nice if more people with slight difficulties get on their own two hind feet and do something with their lives as you have. Keep it up! Jim

[@brendagreer7909]

I have a scooter with an inside lift. I drive a Chrysler Pacifica. Love it. You are going to love your, I am sure.

[@realchelseabear]

that's amazing! I'd love an inside lift one day. thank you for watching!