How I drive with hand controls//driving when you're paralyzed

Driving with hand controls is mostly the same as driving without them, but there are a few details that make it unique so I thought I'd share those in a video.
Hope it's helpful!
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[@vickenator]

Fascinating stuff. Once you get used to it, it's muscle memory for you. My friend has muscular dystrophy and very limited use of his arms (no usage of his legs), and he recently had his van retrofitted with a custom control panel for his left hand usage, and his right hand manipulates a small joystick for gas/brake and steering. He had to take his driver's test all over again in the new setup to verify that he was road-ready. Guess who got to ride along with him for practice driving in the week beforehand! I was happy to do it because I knew it would give him a lot of independence back. Plus this means more sushi lunches for me because he can come pick me up!

[@Lost_and_found85]

Thanks for the video Britt, that’s really cool. 😊

[@paulhaupt6798]

Thanks for that. The ergonomics of those controls are splendid - all clustered for relatively easy access. I find your videos interesting and useful.

[@EmpoweredPara]

Glad you like them!

[@aileenclayton6273]

😊 I have been window shopping for a van this video couldn’t have been posted at a better time for me ! Between the van video and Showing how the controls can be placed etc, will help me show my husband how it’s done! ❤❤❤🤟🏻

[@EmpoweredPara]

So glad it was helpful and timely!

[@guysolis5843]

Thanks for the video. I think the one you highlight here is a good option for me. I still have my left foot and the controls on the left side free up my right hand to shift my manual transmission...thanks again.

[@ryanmuir4819]

Great informative video, Britt!! I've been away so I'm a little slow at looking at this video it's awesome. I'd love to try driving a vehicle with hand controls in an open field or parking lot just to say I did it. I don't really have much desire to get my license anymore, the idea gives me a lot of anxiety especially after being hit by a car ten years ago but I do want to know what it feels like with hand controls.

[@Melissa_M88]

I love this. I can't drive thanks to my eyesight but I think this set up is so cool.

[@brianlowther5929]

good little video Brittney very interesting thank you.

[@EmpoweredPara]

You're welcome!

[@TecumsehChris49286]

Thanks for the video, people are always asking about my controls, etc. Mine are on the right hand side and when I’m driving I tend to use the cruise control a lot so it frees up my one hand a bit (we live in a fairly smallish town so there is never much traffic). Here in Michigan they make you go to a “driving school” for 6 hours. Thanks again, very informative video!

[@EmpoweredPara]

Smart cruise control is awesome. Makes things so easy!

[@davegoodridge8352]

Thank you, I always wondered how it's done

[@EmpoweredPara]

You're welcome!

[@ChaiLatte13]

That would definitely take some time getting used to if a person drove prior to needing hand control. Thanks for showing us!

[@EmpoweredPara]

I never drove before I was paralyzed so this is all I know!

[@pigmanobvious]

That was very interesting! I always wondered how the hand control worked.

[@EmpoweredPara]

Glad I quenched your curiosity!

[@CinkSVideo]

None of us were born knowing how to drive. We have to develop the body memory and coordination to do this task. So this is the same. You may have had the “advantage” of always driving with hand controls so there wasn’t the relearning something new issue. Thanks for showing that this is a simple adaptation.

[@EmpoweredPara]

You're welcome!

[@JEFF-ft6qm]

Hello Empowered Para. Here in the UK most manufacturers provide the push/pull handle with an auxiliary switch for the indicators. Just a flick of the thumb rather than reaching through the steering wheel. Safer and easier if you can get similar where you are. Thank you for all of your videos.

[@EmpoweredPara]

A few people have mentioned that! I had no idea! Thank you!

[@KeepPushingForward76]

You explained it much better than I did on my channel❤

[@EmpoweredPara]

I doubt that!

[@leonardmurphy2142]

I assume that, like me, Cruise Control is your best friend while driving when not needing to do a lot of stop-and-start driving. I got some portable hand control online that I love which are a little different. They clamp onto the pedals and have a strap that goes around the steering column to hold the hand part up. They are also pull for gas and then of course push to stop. The pedal clamps use two very large thumb-n-finger screws each and on a good day I can switch them to another vehicle in about ten minutes or so when necessary.

[@EmpoweredPara]

I have friends with simular ones and might try them out on my son's vehicle!

[@donsvlog5235]

Wow very impressive and you are very inspiring to all of us.Just take care alwayd especially when driving..Drive safe...Mew subscriber here... God Bless🙂❤️🙏

[@EmpoweredPara]

Thanks and welcome

[@edl5731]

This video was very "handy". 😀

[@catherinecampos3808]

Thank you

[@shawneequakimbrough8918]

Hi how long did it take you to learn how to drive with the hand controls I will be getting minds installed in my jeep here in about a month I am a double amputee have not drove my in about 4 yrs I’m scared I have watched this video several times it really helps me to learn looks like you are a experienced driver I’m kinda nervous about driving with the hand controls

[@mizscarlettdragon]

I enjoy the videos!! I just became paralyzed. Being home for the first time was July 1st of this year since Nov last year. I’m considered a complete “paralyzed “ no feelings waist down. 😢these videos have helped. I do have some questions about foly care. I need help how to hide it. Right now I have a power chair but they expect to that puff method because of my Ms. Thank you so much. Coping is hard I live in area that really doesn’t have the needs. I live 2 hours away from any good medical and stuff to. Thanks again

[@EmpoweredPara]

Are you a para or a quad? It's really hard living away from resources. I lived in a very small town for 5 years after my injury and it was life changing when I moved to a city that was more accessible.

[@mizscarlettdragon]

@@EmpoweredPara a para but I have Ms

[@stephanietetreault3619]

I just passed my driving test to be legally allowed to use hand controls (Ontario)! The spinner knob i used in the instructors car had the turning signals, horn, wipers and high beams on it.

[@EmpoweredPara]

That's cool!

[@westiepower2020]

I’m retired, I never know what day it is! I gotta start looking forward to Tuesdays! Very slick hand controls Brittney! Re: your radio controls - can you do that with Bluetooth, with just your voice? I’m on a 2023 lease now, and I think my previous 2019 Santa Fe, I could control my phone and radio and GPS with my voice. You have a very nice looking van so I was thinking it would be comparable. In any case, thank you for showing us all this!

[@EmpoweredPara]

I probably have voice control but haven't read my manual so....lol. By bad! I usually post on Mondays but lately I've been all over the place lol

[@westiepower2020]

⁠@@EmpoweredParaIt takes me a very long time to read my manual too. To help, I lease the same model of vehicle every 3 1/2 years. I’m on my 5th Santa Fe in a row. Then I only have to learn a minor upgrade each time. Which makes me smart, or incredibly boring lol ! I know you are an extremely busy person, so I’m just happy to see weekly posts from you. I’ll try to look more often on Mondays and Tuesdays. Live happy!

[@SoleEpiphany]

Are you right hand dominant? What were the deciding factors in why you chose what controls you have? About to go through this but here in NL there is literally one person who can do the assessment and prescription. Awesome content, keep it up!

[@EmpoweredPara]

I'm right hand dominant. I didn't choose these hand controls, they were just chosen for me by my dad when I starred driving. I have since tried other types and like this one the best.

[@cedarwaxwing3509]

Thank you for this video. I always wondered how you controlled gas and brake. Does your arm or wrist get tired applying constant pressure to the gas? Also, I assume you are aware that there are some radio/audio controls on the steering wheel on the left side, near your accelerator hand control. Might save some right-hand reaching if you just need to tweak the volume up or down or change pre-set stations. As always, thank you for giving the rest of us some insight into your life!

[@EmpoweredPara]

Yes I do control thr radio using the steering wheel controls, I totally should have mentioned that! My hand gets tired if I have to break for a long time but not pushing the gas for some reason lol

[@cedarwaxwing3509]

@@EmpoweredPara Thanks for being so generous with your time to answer silly questions like mine. Maybe the braking is more intermittent and therefore more prone to cause repetitive stress nerve, muscle, and tendon fatigue. Anyway, thank you again for your videos!

[@tamerasmith3324]

I was watching this cause I am wanting to see about getting this and a wheelchair accessible car or truck, you were talking about everything but the brakes, how would you do them using this kind of equipment?

[@dananichols3868]

What are the name of the hand controls? I've been trying to find them in the states. I have some i got off Amazon but I'd love to have the kinf you have. Who installed them for you? Your videos are so awesome and informative. Thank you for being so open and honest!!

[@EmpoweredPara]

I'm not sure the name of thr type I have lol. They were installed my a vehicle adaptation shop in my local city called Silvercrosd Automotive

[@2p2walk]

I've always called that knob the speed ball

[@EmpoweredPara]

lol that's a good name!

[@heatherdavis7397]

I haven't started looking into this yet, but I will be soon. Do you happen to know if they have gas/ brake buttons on the steering wheel, like the cruise control button? I feel like that would be an easier option for me personally, but I have no idea what's out there. Thank you for all of your videos and work on KZbin. I've been paralyzed for 11 years now and am still learning from you. ❤❤❤

[@EmpoweredPara]

I'm not sure, sorry!

[@leonardmurphy2142]

I've never heard of individual buttons for gas and brake on the steering wheel. I think this would be too dangerous considering all of the other button controls that are already there to begin with. Plus, hand controls are pretty much an after-market kind of item. even though a few manufacturers will put them on at the factory, I believe they are still considered after-market even then and are just a special order item.

[@westiepower2020]

Te: Radio/Phone - not sure what year your van is, but I control my radio/all media/GPS/phone with voice controls after touching one button on my steering wheel. Maybe that is possible for you as well?

[@We_play_games623]

Hi 👋 i am on a wheelchair i want to ask wat do you do for work

[@nygirlinancworld1628]

Hope you guys are doing ok in Canada. My friend in NY was telling me about the wildfires up there.

[@EmpoweredPara]

They are brutal. They've gotten under control but it was awful for about a month.

[@nygirlinancworld1628]

@@EmpoweredPara oh wow. Please stay safe. The smoke has made it to NY. My friend lives on Long Island and says the smoke is really bad there.

[@mbl36]

I have PPMS Homebound right now I saw on one of your other videos you were making breakfast for your family I was wondering how you got from the front door onto platform that lowered your wheel chair I am looking for something like that to get out of my back door in my garage to floor to get to my mobility vehicle that I am looking into. They are very expensive! Thank you for your time

[@EmpoweredPara]

I have a Trust-t-lift in my garage for this purpose. They are called platform lifts!

[@mbl36]

@@EmpoweredPara thanks so much 😊 🙏🏻

[@IHeartBeachess]

I currently have my permit and i use hand controls. Mine are comtroled by gas with my thumb

[@aliciachavez4930]

Hi, I have the same hand controls you do. I set the radio before I start driving because I feel like that's safer for me. I was wondering if you have any tips on how to set the cruise control while driving? That's one thing I haven't figured out how to do safely yet. Any tips would be appreciated. Thank you for the video.

[@EmpoweredPara]

I missed so many things when I did the video! I'll do another video. Thanks for the awesome questions!

[@francisrobinson8830]

My hand cotrols are pull back to excellerate push forward to brake.

[@EmpoweredPara]

Yeah those aren't my favorite:)

[@Wheeled_Fighter]

Here in the states at least in my state we need an endorsement on our license and driver training. Which can be crazy expensive. $2k-$5000

[@EmpoweredPara]

That is stupid! We get an endorsement here in Canada too but it's free

[@Charles-re4vd]

Hey, I was just wondering as I watch ur car control video, My question is; do you and ur husband share the same van ? Does that van also have regular feet pedals ? Or does he has his own car ? Stay Blessed 💞☕🙏

[@user-zs8mf6sw8h]

Would u let Ryan in drivers seat y or n

[@Mrcheeto.]

How much for the hand control

[@charles_wipman]

It's really different from the usual controls on a car, but hey!, if it works..!? it works!; as long as you've enough practice with that setup and the confidence that comes with the practice... all fine, once one get's used to a system it becomes normal, could be hard at the begining... but drive isn't easy at the begining specailly if they re-arrange the controls from where one used to use or have 'em, attention, patience and discipline.

[@EmpoweredPara]

Yeah I'm fortunate that I never learned to drive before my accident! Easier to learn one way than to relearn another!

[@westiepower2020]

Whoops, I forgot to ask. With the Spinner Knob in place, and the hand controls on the left side, can your hubby still drive your vehicle with the foot pedals, or do the hand controls need to be removed first?

[@SoleEpiphany]

Whether you get mechanical or electronic controls the pedals are still functional from what I’ve been told. I assume this is essentially for after and ease of use.

[@EmpoweredPara]

The pedals are still functional!

[@johnvelas70]

I once took a blind woman into traffic & let her drive. It was an automatic I borrowed.

[@jldav5011]

Wouldn't it be better to have the brake and gas controller on the right so you can use the signals , cause I've seen them like that!! , good luck !! By the way I was diagnosed with syrinx, but I haven't lost any of my senses, strength or movements, I would like to know when you were first diagnosed.. thanks .

[@EmpoweredPara]

I was first diagnosed when I was 15, in 2001.

[@jldav5011]

Did you get surgery done? Because I'm not having any mayor symptoms yet. And the doctors are telling me not to get the surgery done, because of the risks, , thanks for taking the time to answer my questions, and to be honest, I'm really scared. I'm 51 years old, I've been a cancer survivor for almost 2 years, .amd that's how they found my syrinx, by getting mris done. Anyways thanks for taking the time to answer my questions. And I was wondering what you would recommend?

[@aholl2005]

How long did it take to become proficient with the hand controls ?

[@EmpoweredPara]

A couple months

[@catherinecampos3808]

I am going to be driving from my wheelchair and my question is have you ever had a situation where someone parked next to you and you don't have enough space to get back into the van.?

[@EmpoweredPara]

So many times. It's infuriating

[@user-hy4lo5ny3n]

What is the feeling when you sit on a chair and close your eyes?

[@michaelposford2613]

Can you comment on where the brake control is

[@EmpoweredPara]

I did talk about the break:) It's down for gas, forward for break.

[@JamesSmith-pm9gp]

Hmmm. Can we just buy the spinner knob (for the steering wheel) by itself?

[@EmpoweredPara]

nope! It's illegal for able bodied people

[@JamesSmith-pm9gp]

@@EmpoweredPara I was thinking of it for my wife. She has very limited right hand function. Although her right ankle doesn’t bend, her sister has a similar situation and she can drive. So I’m going to do some research on finding out if my wife could drive just with the spinner knob.

[@EmpoweredPara]

@@JamesSmith-pm9gp Your wife can

[@JamesSmith-pm9gp]

@@EmpoweredPara I think my wife is slowly coming to the realization that maybe learning to drive might be helpful.

[@titusmathews8640]

It's called a spinner knob

[@EmpoweredPara]

Yeah I remembered that after lol

[@pmm3353]

I'm Zia, from Bangladesh. I am on wheel chair for 20yrs. Life tough here for a wheelchair user. Anyway May I know the hand control brand name and where can I find that. Regards

[@EmpoweredPara]

I actually don't know the brand name. I've always had my hand controls installed at an adaptive vehicle place and they just give me the quote for them so I've never paid attention to the brand name. Sorry!

[@samanthatremellen7640]

My hand controls have a switch that controls indicators, horn and wipers. I can send you a pic, if you want

[@EmpoweredPara]

I bet that was expensive!

[@samanthatremellen7640]

I can find out. I live in Quebec, in which it is covered by our provincial subsidies

[@samanthatremellen7640]

www.suregrip-handcontrols.com/switch

[@EmpoweredPara]

@samanthatremellen7640 it's ok I was just commenting lol. I don't need the fancy controls, maybe on my next vehicle!

[@westiepower2020]

Odd thing happened last weekend. I say “odd”, but I really mean disturbing. A person whom I thought I knew pretty well, and who is very well educated, commented to me when they saw a friend of mine who uses hand controls, that he shouldn’t be driving. I was absolutely shocked! I said he has a license and that he is a good driver. I was just so shocked that I didn’t know what else to say and then that person got separated from me and I haven’t been able to ask him why he said that. In your experience, is this a common opinion from Able-bodied people?

[@EmpoweredPara]

Yes especially for quadriplegic individuals. People think they are unsafe drivers because they have less reaction time

[@westiepower2020]

@@EmpoweredParaThank you Brittney. Yes, my friend is a quadriplegic. But I assume they test reaction time on the driver’s test. I’d have full confidence driving with him, or with you. And I’m an over-cautious, nervous person about lots of other things, so if I’m confident about being in a van with others driving, I am clearly very much at ease. Plus I had to explain to the person what a quadriplegic really is. Much like I was confused 16 months ago that all paraplegics are paralyzed from the waist down, I guess a lot of people assume quadriplegics are totally paralyzed from the neck down.

[@user-zs8mf6sw8h]

Can u take Ryan out and drive y or n

[@susyq5508]

did i miss you showing how to brake

[@EmpoweredPara]

Yep you must have missed it. Forward for break:)

[@Ken_1957]

Sorry, I haven't watched all of your videos. " ?" What is the level of your injury? I am C6-7 incomplete. I was able to get back my arm, hand, and fingers back.

[@EmpoweredPara]

I'm t6.

[@user-zs8mf6sw8h]

Do u want to be boyfriend and girlfriend y or n

[@user-zs8mf6sw8h]

Are u single y or n

[@williamramirez3087]

Where’s the white women at!? Wheres the white men at?

[@EmpoweredPara]

What lol? I'm white lol

[@HmongTsisNyiamZoo6994]

I am Disability and I lived in California. Wouldn't you mind tell me what company make your vehicle into hand drive. I like to get it for my Sienna too.

[@EmpoweredPara]

Adapt solutions