How I Drive As a Paraplegic | DISABILITY HACKS & TIPS FOR ADAPTATIONS ON YOUR CAR

[@billm6294]

I have to say this is your BEST VIDEO EVER! And Nissan (or some competitor) totally need to hire you to do adverts...you are so good at this...OMG...much better than any of their professional adverts...and so honestly believable...sweet, lovely, credible, honest, etc. I just love your channel, you are a total inspiration. (Oh and your hair looks magical, couldn't forget that ♥) Rock on young lady, you are just awesome!

[@Wheelsnoheels]

ah your so lovely thank you. I filmed this all on my own and it was freezing. but comments like yours keep me going. :)

[@nealeburgess6756]

Back in the late 70s I trained as a driving instructor with BSM. One thing they taught me was that anyone that has two working limbs can drive. I even saw one car that had been converted for a young lady that had no arms. It was all done on foot controls! I have driven several cars on hand controls, and found them very easy right from the start. So I agree with you. If you have a disability, go to an expert and see what they can do with the controls to make it possible for you to drive!

[@queenavacado6762]

My mom has muscular dystrophy and I wish she could drive BUT I'm so thankful to have as my wonderful mother and she can still walk a little 😊❤️

[@beth23sayshi]

Thanx for doing this video. Iv wanted to learn to drive for 20 years but thought I wouldnt be able to. My husband only rides a motorbike, and so I feel stuck in prison (prison is what I call my home). I need to look into driving. Thank you for giving me confidence and making me aware of what adaptations can be made. Thank u xx

[@johngreen6375]

Beth Penn learning to drive will change your life and break you free from the chains. There’s plenty of driving schools these days that teach with hand controlled cars. Go for it!

[@beth23sayshi]

Thank you john. This week I brought a new wheelchair more suited to my needs and a batec wheelchair attachment to make my chair electric. It was so fun and loved it so being made aware of things like the batec or disability aids for driving has been a amazing eye opener. Thanx 😀

[@johngreen6375]

Beth Penn aw that’s good to hear, and hopefully will get you started with your independence. Don’t give up on the hope of learning to drive. My mum is a mobility customer ( she has a car from them ) and they are so helpful with accommodating your needs. A car is so important for people with limited mobility and a lot of cars are 0% advanced payment. I hope you take the plunge into the car world. Take care, stay safe 😊

[@surjitdhoot1459]

Nice

[@mindbodysoulmeditationmusi3557]

I love your channel. Just discovered it as I'm looking to disability car, been diagnosed with PPMS, my legs don't work basically. Thanks for making these videos, I can now move forward in getting back my independence, thanks 😊 🙏

[@mrs.bissonnette7498]

I’m way older than you Gem, aside from the things you covered, my favorite thing is ventilated seats 💺. I coined them as “a menopausal woman’s dream”. It’s important to note that my body doesn’t regulate temperatures very well, so I get very hot and itchy, and oh so cold 🥶 way too easily. Now I’m toasty in the winter and cool in the summer in my vehicle.

[@tuckerphillips8274]

Most of this isnt appliciable to my disability, but that steering wheel knob is genius, especially for someone with shoulder issues. I literally clicked off of the video to add one to my Amazon cart. Thanks!

[@themainescratcher476]

Would love to see a video on dealing with being in a wheelchair in the snow!!! That’s one I haven’t figured out yet!!! Lol, and I live in Maine USA, where there is lots of it!!

[@Wheelsnoheels]

we don't really get snow here. Just a light sprinkling every few years and it only lasts a day. I don't know what to suggest really. xx

[@laurenmcpherson614]

Love this video , very professional ! Who doesn’t love a car tour!! A great insight in to your day to day life! My favourite car gadget is def parking cameras and sensors... especially when my husband drives as that dude can’t park to save his life !! Looking forward to the next vid! Thumbs up from me :) x

[@Wheelsnoheels]

hahaha thank you. ;)

[@ZombiieLoveQuadCreations]

Yes it looks like you keep your chair all the way in the back.. How do you get in and put the chair all the way back there!

[@Wheelsnoheels]

depends who I'm with etc, but ill sort out a video soon. :)

[@HighTen_Melanie]

Alicia She has a stick in the boot and another in the passenger side. Looks like she lifts the chair into the boot and then walks to the drivers side. Keeps the chair safe. Pretty amazing task!

[@bertiepimplebum5633]

I've seen a wheelchair bound person (somehow) transfer themself into the drivers seat ... and then fold their wheelchair and place it behind the drivers seat.

[@foxtrotbravo4495]

you can try search 'power seats + your car' on google or ebay, and ask your local auto shop to do the modification for you. it's relatively cheap compare to factory pre-assembled options. I've done this in my VW for less than 200US$, and if I want the original one I need to pay over 2K $.

[@dellacooper7060]

Excellent Gem, I'm getting an auto mini, with reversing camera, electric sunroof, & it's electric, I'm only 4ft 6in with pump up seats for hieght, I'm on crutches at the moment, but there are times when I will use a wheelchair. I have a Corsa at the moment, but she's got to be scrapped soon😥 I'll probably need hand control's later on.

[@fi5715]

I have a ford and it has all you mentioned except keyless entry. It also has electrics for the front seats. Not everyone needs a steering ball or indicator switch. Also it is wise to have a driving assessment so you can discuss what adaptations you need.. Adaptions can be expensive. Everybody is different so one size does not fit all. I would never be able to get myself into a car that high as I cannot stand let alone walk.

[@maranda67lambeth84]

I have recently been relying on my wheelchair more and more I would love to learn to drive an adapted car it would give me so much more freedom I’m just wondering were to start

[@melanielee9390]

Brill .... you should send to the M.D. of Nissan ... Love the car colour . Good insight and tips ! Keep them coming

[@Wheelsnoheels]

thank you. glad you enjoyed it. :)

[@kjn68i]

I drive a Vauxhall Astra GTC 1.4 Turbo with push-pull Hand Controls like yours I even have the indicator switch. Have a strap connected to my tailgate so can pull the tailgate down when fully open.

[@nesha934]

The colour is stunning!

[@juliencartwright4218]

Girl' yu Rock!!!.... I got Bucket full of m/s... i have Peugeot rifter, 130, (whistles & bell's deal) dont ya know!!!... the keyless thing like you say....((Godsend)) excellent ride hight, ... Thank you for your explanation of the indicator on the hand control as my indicator stick is also on the right, so therefore ( what used to be called the third hand/arm) you so eloquently (That was so,so funny)!!! .. the (knob) your words not mine... is very useful when indicating (braking/accelerating) + steering at the same time!. I get it now! .. Thank ya hun xx. Juju...

[@AbleFamilyLife]

Great tips! We've done a video on how I drive, as well. So glad I stumbled upon your channel!

[@Wheelsnoheels]

ooo fab ill come and check it out in a bit :)

[@shaneluke346]

Able Family Life IF YOU HAVE A KEYLESS CAR , WHAT IS there to STOP SOMEONE BREAKING in ? athough as you say it is EASIER FOR YOU from someone who is also disabled , I have Spina Bifida / Hydrocephalus and also use my wheelchair FULL TIME NOW from Miss Shane Luke London

[@peacefulcedarhomestead5242]

Love this! We still have a couple of years before our daughter get’s her permit/license so making sure we have everything in check beforehand. Where can I find the hand control you use? Our local place doesn’t offer it.

[@dx990uk5]

I drive the same as you gem as im a double ampertee lovely drive♿️👍👐

[@themainescratcher476]

I don’t have the indicator switch on my accelerator!!! It does make it more difficult, but I’ve been doing it for five years now!!! Lol!!! I do think you really need to stress people , that although it requires extra effort, here in the us, you have to take another drivers test, it is definitely worth it as it gives you such a tremendous sense of independence!!!!

[@georgecurtis6463]

Thought there would be more about actual driving. Of course i do love the indicator switch on the lever. One other thing is to make sure the front sest is near the height of the chair for easy transfers. As a t10 complete with my spine bolted, i do have an issue turning my body to look at the sides so i do rely on my mirrors much more. Critical to position the mirrors so i can see the lanes next to me. I have a 2001 subaru outback so room is never an issue. Felt claustrophobic looking in your car !

[@voterking]

Great video. Well done! not enough people doing this so candidly. there are cars with the indicators on the steering wheel itself, so no need for indicator toggle switch on the lever. But mainly easier as i dont use a steering ball/knob

[@GAINZonWHEELS]

Toyota auris touring and love him … wheelchair can complete in…

[@2009CarrieFan]

I have a Ford Escape, which is similar. I have it in a similar color too. My friends call the keyless entry the cyborg feature LOL I also live in America so, the driver's side is the opposite. It is awesome that you can drive!!

[@laraleiparas7873]

When you are in the car alone how do you get your wheelchair in and out of the car? Just wondering.

[@josephmirigliano8728]

Awesome 😎

[@hirobeats7360]

Awesome video I love your personality, very informative.

[@lisablake1823]

I drive a Vauxhall Insignia with the same adaptations that you have. The only difference is that I also have a hoist in my boot for my scooter. My last car was a Volvo estate which was the best car I'd ever driven. Unfortunately it was written off after just 2 years x

[@connieevans375]

If you like that car, you should try the kia sportarge .

[@Wheelsnoheels]

oh yes i do like the look of the sportage too :)

[@carola-lifeinparis]

I would love to see more videos of you moving around in the wheelchair, such a great video

[@Wheelsnoheels]

If you've enjoyed this video then feel free to buy me a drink to show your support to my channel! ko-fi.com/wheelsnoheels As part of my community I have turned on “community contributions.” I would be thrilled if you would like to add close captions, translations, and subtitles. Im all about accessibility for everybody. I working so hard on my channel to give you the best content I can make. Lets work together to reach more people to inspire, motivate and entertain. kzbin.info_cs_panel?tab=2&c=UCNP1tYcve1MtivJtDjHsO-g

[@janioandrade2523jla]

Wheelsnoheels boa tarde minha gata gostaria de conhecer você parabéns admiro você e tua vontade alegria Jânio Luiz Botucatu sp Brasil

[@wheeliegirl1630]

I would have liked to have seen you get in and out of your car and put your chair in and out. I’ve always wondered how differently I do it. Also, check out the Max Mobility Smart Drive. It will really help you with getting around. My shoulders are done for and I couldn’t get around independently without. Thank you for your videos. I don’t know why I just discovered your channel today! Glad I did.

[@Wheelsnoheels]

Hi thank you for stopping by. Im glad you like my content. Yes I'm planning on making a video on how i get in and out of my car. (maybe when it warms up!!) I would love a smart drive. But they are soooo expensive. xx

[@voterking]

@@Wheelsnoheels I got mine from the USA, it cost me £2250 for the mx2+ model. and you pay no import duties on wheelchair stuff

[@anneharrison1849]

Do you know what brand your hand controls are, I don't have the indicator switch on mine and I have become quite adept at flicking the indicators on, but obviously it would still be easier to have it. One thing that really helps me is ADAPTIVE cruise control, which I would now never be without. My car if a VW Golf from 2016, the higher of the two that comes as automatic, so it's only a few months until I can get my next motability car. I'm with you on the electric seat controls, I also don't have them, but I also struggle with moving the seat.

[@anneharrison1849]

The thing I don't have is keyless entry, but I'm not sure how much use that would be as I dislocate my fingers very easily on those types of buttons. I don't have a daily school run to do, so mostly I can avoid the worst times to drive and if I'm starting in the house I open the car at the same time as I lock the house.

[@itsleethebee2573]

I love your videos 💜💜

[@NeilBradleyMS]

Hey there, thank you for this absolutely brilliant video!👍 I’m currently thinking about a Motability vehicle, I like the VW Tiguan. I have Secondary Progressive MS and I’m struggling with my legs to drive, so I’m looking at hand controls. I see you have a push/pull gas/brake lever .. I like the look of the ring accelerator which fits around the back of the steering wheel. I’m going to check some of your other videos now, oh and you have my sub too😊

[@jeffosborne1206]

How do you get in and out? How do you handle your chair by your?

[@glorificusbarryhex]

This is the first video I've seen or yours and I immediately subscribed. This is great content and you have a fantastic personality. Now to binge the rest of your videos

[@Wheelsnoheels]

Ahhh thank you so much. I was quite pleased with how this video turns out. I filmed it all on my own, first thing in the morning. But I'm glad my efforts payed off. Welcome to wheelsnoheels. :) I have lots of new content plans over the next few months. :)

[@KristinaCC]

This is such a great video! 😍

[@Wheelsnoheels]

thank you xxx

[@bc0078]

Nice car. May I ask you how much did the adaptations costs?

[@relaxingmelodies5199]

Brill of the video ❤️

[@shortyjac]

I really miss my Qashqai...... I am now driving a skoda estate! I had to change as my mum and my wife were having issues getting my wheelchair into the boot coz I have twion m24 wheels that weight quite a lot and even with quick release its difficult to get the wheels on and off! I had all the add ons in my Qashqai and they help in so many ways! I would have stayed with Nissan but they were not doing any estate cars at the time! How much do the adaptations cost?

[@OutAndAboutHealthcare]

Awesome channel! We've subscribed. :D

[@Terrell3839]

Great video. Can u show how u transfer

[@Wheelsnoheels]

yes! maybe when it warms up a bit i sure will. :)

[@user-hh7ii6rk1i]

I really love your ride

[@Wheelsnoheels]

thank you ;)

[@user-hh7ii6rk1i]

Wheelsnoheels You go girl!

[@chisemali2561]

great video! you should try the toyota rav4 next time, you'll find more space that the nissan doesnt have. come see me toyota in gatwick!

[@BrendaCHughes]

Hi Gem just come across this video of yours using the hand controls in your car. at the moment i have a left foot accelarator due to being an amputee. but i have found this hard to do so was thinking of changing it too hand controls with the know on the steering wheel. I was just wondering did you find it easy to use at first? or did it take you a while to get used to it? also what else would you recommend? indicators on the hand control as well?

[@evegrylz3423]

does the keyless entry make it easier for people to break into

[@leilanihayes787]

How do you load your wheelchair?

[@sixsixteensevens297]

So how do you get into the car and how long does it take.

[@wheelie26]

When you are driving alone or with your child on board how do you get your chair in and out? Also who did you get to do the adaptations for the steering wheel and foot pedals and was it very expensive?

[@Wheelsnoheels]

Hi there. Ill have to look it all up. Are you in the UK?

[@wheelie26]

Wheelsnoheels yes, I live in the midlands.

[@Wheelsnoheels]

ah awesome, can you drop me an email? We can talk there and ill give you some more information. [e-mail] xx

[@emilyb5557]

@@wheelie26 we have the regional driving assessment centre in Midlands (Birmingham). They can do an assessment for free (if GP fills in form or £40 and show you things like wheelchair boot hoists or other options and driving adaptions. I'm in the process of sorting a car with adsptions that they recommended. Still hard to know where to get from/how to fit. This website let's you search on all sorts of relevant criteria like boot size, seat height etc and they gave me precise size and things to look for. www.ridc.org.uk/content/car-search

[@wheelie26]

Em B thank you, I will look into it.

[@bananamanchester4156]

Anyone else in a manual chair go to hug someone who is upset, and you're having a really long meaningful hug, but you forgot to put your brakes on? So you're very slowly rolling backwards while hugging the other person and you're engaging your core muscles like mad trying to stay with the person and not roll away?

[@yzir...1850]

So how do u go about it ... If you have a license already...?

[@chopping_board]

Try the Tesla model x

[@stacykuyewawa9457]

Hey, I need to get myself a car of this nature. If you can help. I am in Africa.

[@amylouise660]

How long did it take you to get your learners license im in a wheelchair myself an ive sent off for my license do you have to have review before you got your learners license

[@ballkeeper6662]

how much are this hand controls

[@mellisa212]

Do wear gloves much when your driving?

[@Wheelsnoheels]

Only in the winter, because its cold.

[@adam_xo1008]

I am subscribe to you

[@lucasgune241]

which campany did you get

[@abdullahi6535]

Me: *eating food* Her: BBBBBBBBBEEEEEEEEEP Me: *chokes*

[@MrAyzek13]

Imagine a guy disliking a video :D Just being like "audio is bad" I mean... omg sorry, I just found it funny in a way. Like a picture of grumpy guy with grumpy face thinking and saying "I doubt this person tried her best making this video... Editing could be better" I think it's funny, am I bad? I btw was glad to see! It IS curious. Thank you. ^^

[@stephenmcdowell9210]

You never showed you getting in out of vehicle that's the most important thing

[@secretsquirrel7374]

I can't transfer or get my chair in the car anymore so I'm getting a wheelchair accessible vehicle.

[@shadowfan982]

Can manual cars be transferred with hand controls?

[@Wheelsnoheels]

I don't know 100% for sure. I don't think so, as it will be too difficult to do the clutch, change gear, steer, and accelerate/decelerate all at the same time. But I know someone who will know this answer for sure, so Ill ask him.

[@shadowfan982]

ah yeah you have to remove your hands from the steering wheel

[@lucasgune241]

drivers license please help me I need it too

[@Wheelsnoheels]

what country are you in?

[@SohiTheTinyKittenHuman]

So I’m going to get my license soon ( I’m 21 so I’m late to the party lol) and I’m not sure how to get the wheelchair in and out of the car when I’m alone as it’s folding and the tires aren’t removable. :/ I don’t know if anyone has any clue how I would tackle that. :/

[@EarthenDemon126]

As an able bodied person, I don't feel like driving is something I am capable of doing. I especially can't imagine driving as a paraplegic.

[@Truth-lf1ov]

Just wanted to know how you drive the car. Not all that other stuff.

[@mydogeatspuke]

She explained though when showing the controls? One hand on the push (accelerate)/pull (brake) control and a flick of the thumb to indicate, and the other hand on the steering ball. The rest is just practice as with learning any new skill.

[@mahijamaulanaazkamaheswara8084]

,

[@keithfraser9771]

Too much talking,irritable should have talked about hp tap pits abs etc and show us how you got in the car and what you did with the wheelchair:

[@Wheelsnoheels]

thank you for your feedback. I do have a transferring in and out video too.

[@topanga5759]

You’re not a disabled person. You’re a person with a disability but you are far from being disabled