how I learned to drive with hand controls

[@michaelfenton1887]

Your channel was suggested by KZbin, up until today I thought I was the only one to go through a spinal infection like this, my God the pain was horrible, I feel for you, I too had to do the 2hr mri.. your an inspiration to everyone that goes through things like this.

[@stormiesellars4928]

Fellow para here! I was paralyzed December of 2014 (19 at the time). It’s lovely to see someone educating others on our situation. I started off using a Ford Fushion and breaking down my chair. It got super hard on my back and shoulders so I now use a truck with a lift in the back to load my chair in the bed. It has been a life changer and saves so much time! Much love ❤️

[@OriginalBeast]

How would you be able to get into the driver's seat with your chair being in the back?

[@stormiesellars4928]

@@OriginalBeast I’ve posted a link to a video to something similar to my setup! Hope it helps. kzbin.info/www/bejne/jWbGl5Sul8mXn9E

[@amandaembrey8085]

That is really neat! What a wonderful option.

[@how-i-roll-rb5796]

I have a similar setup and it's great. I think most everyone learns to break down their chair unless they have an accessible vehicle like a van(which it does help knowing last time I traveled only vehicle rental they had with hand controls didn't have a lift and I was alone) . The big thing i like about it is I can pick friends up or not drive alone. My only complaint I live where it snows and like accessible vehicles, adaption are also expensive I priced out a cap conversion for my truck and it's alot. So I know why alot of people start out with trying to use a normal vehicle because adaptions and accessible vehicles are expensive. I was getting my lift serviced last week and asked a price on an accessible SUV and that one was close to $90k when that SUV normally is like $30k

[@how-i-roll-rb5796]

@@OriginalBeast to answer your question, it depends on the person and what they want to spend or can, because cost is huge with adaptions, me personally at first I used to transfer almost to floor than seat, but switched this dangerous but use to pull myself right into the driver's seat(takes little practice to get it right on but some risk of blowing out shoulders or missing) now I have a custom almost bench it slides in the metal loop that's attached to the door frame or "B" Pilar(that metal loop thingy is super strong their hard to cut so weight not an issue) so it's like few half transfers floor to bench and to seat. If I had the money they make a seat that deploys out of the vehicle which is a easy transfer and it lifts you back in the vehicle, a cheap cloth version probably on low end $4-5k besides lift no power options but I could get one to match other seats and have the options like leather and heated & vented seats those are $6-8k (my truck I had when I first got hurt had leather and heat and honestly not only more comfortable, easy to clean more so if a spill/leak is liquid, but on cold days heated seats are great(even if I can't tell my lower half there is a difference) but even for pain or spasms I found depending on day I could use heat or cooled seat like ice/heat packs some trucks now have massage functions hmmmm I need to hit lottery lol. You can buy a pickup from factory with conversions but it's usually 2wd & has little to no options and stating price is roughly what a top of line truck is also depending on conversion some you loose use of the back seats and finally the issue I had not only do I like to get out of my wheelchair when ever I can, but I am tall so because of my height I didn't fit and don't fit in alot of vehicles that require driving from your chair. Everyone and every injury is different me personally I do alot of driving and spend a fair amount of time in my wheelchair as is I have found if I can I like to get out if safe and possible, like I belong to a private club and we have super comfortable leather chairs and I will transfer out of my chair most everytime. Everyones situation is different yes I could get the stereotypical mini van but I do enjoy things like hunting and though probably doable trucks are better also even though most MV's are AWD in deep snow trucks are better and you can get a 4wd van(I like to break stereotypes) and Honestly not that I care but so many people compliment on the lift and are amazed, i even helped someone get one because they didn't know they had them and they missed having a truck. But I got finding for adaptions I do have and truck payments are expensive but me personally I can't control much in life but I can look good doing it haha. I personally found depending on your needs sometimes cheaper to buy a vehicle and modify it to your needs and you almost get what you want.

[@manfredseidler1531]

To bad a story of overcoming adversity and staying positive just does not make headlines in our society, to me you are a role model and inspiration... wish we could have more folks like you.

[@steveworthman7681]

God bless you girl ! You're an inspiration.

[@timbroderick4454]

Thank you for your informative video. I’ve been driving over 30 years and my disability has progressed to where I need hand controls. KZbin has been a great source of information. Once again thanks for your video.

[@Sans4AU]

You are doing amazing!! I drive with hand controls too. I had Polio as an infant (long story) but as a result I don’t have full use of my legs. I am almost 54ish 😳 and I must say hand controls have come a long way!! Mine are similar to the ones you have. I didn’t know about the blinker control. I am going to check into that. The blinker has been aggravating at times on the interstate. The knob on the wheel looks like it would help so much in. It is hard for my friends and family to understand sometimes I honestly don’t have a free hand lol. And when I need to adjust the heat or air it must wait until I get to a red light or stop sign. I appreciate your time making these videos!! They are very helpful and inspiring!! Thank you so much!

[@Raymondgogolf]

Hi Sandra 👋 I hope my comment didn't sound as a form of privacy invasion your comment tells of a wonderful woman with a beautiful heart which led me to comment I don't normally write in the comment section but I think you deserve this complement. If you don’t mind can we be friends? Thanks God bless you….🌹🌹🌹🌹

[@ΑντρεαςΣωτηριου-μ6υ]

You look so excited and you are so amazing ..lot of wishes and we love you

[@clintonmerchant6868]

Such a awesome video I have cerebral palsy I’m learning how to drive to your a inspiration

[@karenjatana394]

I drive with adaptive equipment. I use pedal extensions because of my shortness in height. I had to get comfortable with the gas pedal.

[@AyeYoTay]

Omg girl I want to say I love your positive attitude.... I couldn't imagine how I would act.. God bless you and YOU WILL BE WALKING AGAIN I CLAIM IT . 🙏🏼⭐

[@tjhoss6729]

I know you meant well but nevertheless that's horrible biblical theology, You claim it??? If God wants to heal her precious legs completely HE definitely can, I pray HE does, but if HE doesn't It's HIS will not yours..... example: What do you do with Exodus 4:11??? Also...... God didn't heal Apostle Paul of his thorn in his side!!! Nor did he heal his felling eyesight. The Lord Did say to Paul, MY grace IS sufficient for you. Be very aware....There's a lot of name it and claim it prosperity gospel teachers out there that shouldn't be out there! Matthew 24:24. God is Going to cast those into h***!!!! Revelation 20:10. Name it and claim Prosperity gospel preachers are no more than clowns entertaining the goats.... JESUS'S true sheep hear HIS voice and they follow HIM. JOHN 10:27-28....... Not a clowns teachings..... I recommend you listening to good biblical teachers like. RC SPROUL, Paul Washer, Jeff Durban, And Doctor James White would be a great start. God bless.

[@nachobear24]

Can tell how happy you are on this video!! Actually learned allot. happy to hear nothing can limit you!

[@AdventuresWithAudreyLeigh]

I have neuropathy and I have lost the ability to feel my feet. I am so excited to get hand controls for my car so I can return to driving! Thank you for making this video, it really helps to see how the hand controls will be set up in my car!

[@marthasdays]

I’m learning to drive with hand controls too ! I’m 18 and a bit but still waiting to get my chair, I’m probably going to get it august time so still got ages to wait 😫💗

[@judyallen4868]

Great video Sydney! Very informative and super job explaining how you learned to drive and get in and out of your vehicle. Nana and Popie are so very proud of you! Love you!🙏❤️🤗

[@larrygaal4808]

wow! very impressed with the getting in-out of you and the wheel chair as it relates to your car. I am going to make sure my wheel chair dependent daughter watches your videos. She has her drivers license but has no desire to drive so i hope this will change her mind!

[@curtisjohnson2240]

Thank you for sharing I just received my license and I'm handicapped as well

[@_sydney.fowler_]

Awesome congrats!

[@hernyjohnson9660]

I love your videos & how you explain everything best way you could..

[@robinaroundtown...2194]

Bless you young lady... Your beautiful and amazing... Your an angel 😇 among angels 😇...best

[@bellamerlo3750]

I’m so proud for you that your able to get around your self and I’m glad your doing well since you found out you were paralyzed and here you are today doing stuff and driving around

[@purelove8972]

Seeing you, your beautiful face, your smile and your happy eyes makes me so genuinely happy. Thank you for being you. Thank you for being so beautiful and authentic ❤ May God send you all His love always

[@rexfleming3534]

Well your arms sure will be strong. I liked the video of you water skiing. That was cool. Looked like fun. I'm sure God has a great plan for your life. God bless

[@timgrace227]

Good instructional video - if I would have been taught that well when younger, am sure I would be a better driver now. Safe driving hon, and maintain that super smile of yours. Going to try real hard to absorb some of that lovely attitude you bring to your posts...Be careful; behind the wheel - lots of jerks driving out there.

[@positivevibes6541]

First🙌 10 minutes of pure hapiness 😍

[@Pimporly]

You are not the only want the Drive with Hands Controls me to. And it happen exactly what happen to you. IN the Hospital here in Miami Which is call Miami Memorial Hospital they had a Similar Program for me to. So I took the advantage of it. And Since age 18 I been driving with it ever Since. I'm 64 and I still do it. When we put our mind on Something there is no Stopping us. God Bless you Sydney

[@robertstrassner2027]

Don't know how old this story is. Proud of you, I have to do the same thing, and I'm 58.

[@stonedinsect]

My dear friend was in a wheelchair he had no legs he would use a plank of wood to get into his car basic stuff he would put it on the seat and slide across from his chair then drive using his hands he was a great lad never complained about his situation he left this world in 2013 what i learned from him was never take anything or anyone for granted i admire your independence

[@tiffanyjohnson7876]

I would have to learn how to do that too

[@andyadventures2841]

Very interesting to see how the car works. Great video Sydney ❤️ from 🇬🇧. 🙏

[@ElphabaWeaslely]

Congrats on getting your license. Thanks for sharing how it all works, very interesting!

[@chrisreeves1547]

Thank you, Sydney. I have portable hand controls , but in the future I would like permanent.

[@mikemaloney5830]

Saw your water skiing video on Dans probable cause video. Consider getting him to get you a ride in an Ercoupe aircraft. All hands no feet. ( designed that way!) I had one for years..... no paralysis just lazy feet. For all you pilots out there Ercoupes land fine in crosswinds and CANNOT SPIN. YOU ARE AN INSPIRATION YOUNG LADY!

[@lisasheppard5317]

Thanks for the video. Can you tell me which hand control you have. It looks perfect to me. It looks like an able driver wouldn't be bothered by my controls. Can you also tell me how much they $ were? And installation cost. Tt b us girl has to budget. Thanks again Lisa from Massachusetts

[@juttakasapis6408]

You go !!! Happy for you !!😊😘

[@avinandanbhadra1274]

PLEASE BE CAREFUL, PLEASE BE SAFE SYDNEY JI. IT'S A BAD WORLD OUT THERE. PLEASE BE SAFE. PLEASE PROTECT YOURSELF. NEVER COMPROMISE ON YOUR SAFETY. I WILL PRAY FOR YOU ❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤

[@garyragsdale3]

Hello again from Florida I messaged you before about how this same thing happened to me sept 2020 I use a similar setup for driving but mine are portable so I can switch cars I’m using glad to see you in bright spirits today I currently have an imobilizer on my foot to straighten it out from the drop foot another few weeks of this and I get to put it on my other foot Yaay good news is it’s going good the dr said then I can have some orthotics made with me having a flat foot not on heels 👠 like I was I’m hoping it will help with pain and balance also your in my thoughts and prayers daily and I’ll message you on the next video 😎

[@brett4511]

Could you please do a full video on transfers?

[@johnfullbrook628]

I saw a man who was in a wheelchair getting in a Ford Focus a few weeks ago. And the car had this rooftop box arrangement that I think it opened up and lifted the folded chair inside the rooftop box. I only saw the last few moments of it doing it’s thing but It was fascinating. I had a grandfather that was had lost the use of his legs and eventually had to have them amputated I don’t remember what his condition was but he died when I was 12. I do remember when ever we went shopping with him he’d call a taxi and a London style taxi cab would turn up open a large side doors and put a ramp down and wheel him in to place and all he had to do was put the brakes on the chair on. This was in the 90s so I am not sure what type of vehicle he could have got. He did have a car but it was a standard car that would only get used when dad was around to drive it after his legs were amputated he sold it to dad as he could never use it again. I recently came across your channel and have been on a it of a binge watch keep up the good work

[@michaeltodd7501]

Hello! I am a driving rehab specialist and the “box” you saw is by Braun and is called the Chair Topper. It is a great device that allows for independence with wheelchair management for those that use them for community mobility.

[@misssdmj]

This is so helpful. I am going to share this with my niece. She just started college this year and it would be so helpful for her to be able to drive. I would love to see how you put the wheels back on. I'd also love to know if there are any grants or financial help out there that you may be aware of. Somehow I just hopped upon your video so this is the 1st one I watched. I am also going to share this with my niece.

[@GoFishOffice]

Thank you for this video ☺️

[@conquerorspdv1835]

Congratulations, thank you for sharing with us this! I have a question, where do you get that mechanism that you installed in your car for brake and gas, thank you

[@GoFishOffice]

I enjoyed, thank you!

[@kuldipjandu1313]

Your hand control system is Nice also

[@HarrietUlrika]

I am not sure if you’ll see this comment since the video is over a year old, but I had a coworker some years ago who was in a wheelchair. She drove a little sports car because the transfer from wheelchair to car seat was more or less level. Other than that she did exactly like you, wheels in the back seat and the rest in the front seat. The lifts also looked a bit smoother when she didn’t have to lift the parts so high. She found it very hard to get in to an SUV or other higher vehicles, even if she’d get help storing the wheelchair (like going somewhere with family/friends). So she always preferred us going in her car when we went for lunch etc.

[@hayleygrimes8804]

Very cool! I am not paralyzed, thankfully and honestly was just curious. I had never seen anyone drive with them or what they look like. As an able bodied driver, I think it would be interesting to get use to doing everything with your hands.

[@Remnants_]

Congrats!! 🎉

[@jbreezy101]

Thanks for sharing. I always wondered

[@scarletrosegaming3688]

If it were up to me I’d make the back of the car big and a wheelchair left to just wheel it in the back without having to take apart the chair but would probably cost more

[@jbreezy101]

Maybe. If it's ada compliant the manufacturer can apply for a tax deduction and pass it onto the consumer

[@dennisgallear409]

Way proud!

[@SweetTrecee]

Hi loved this video ur channel was recommended by KZbin this inspired me a lot I’m trying to get my license too I have cerebral pulsy right sided I just turned 31 last April just subbed to your channel

[@edieevette]

Hi do you live in California? I wonder if I can find a program for driving too. I am a wheelchair user too who wants to learn how to drive.

[@bobajanan5721]

Very good 👍 well done 👍

[@skyemckee5014]

Good video.

[@steveworthman7681]

What brand of brake do you have ? I am looking for one just like yours.

[@Kymber472]

Well your lucky that your state gave youf time to learn I was give 6 lessons and told if I didn't improve they wouldn't continue teaching me.. I live in CT and they have quit for people hear who want learn to drive and what's worse they bring a car down to me , from whether field, CT each time. I get 1 hour and no way to practice and my instructor died a day later. That was my first car experience. Most other states have places people can go and learn CT suxs!! By my second time I was better but by the thi😂rd although I wanted to do 😂it I ❤had just had spine surgery and wasn't well. Because the doctor left my back open and for a month was dripping spinal fluid onto the hospital bed not seen until Christmas Eve. It took months for me to recover - I was also born with spina bifida.

[@lies4751]

very inspiring!! :)

[@hayleygrimes8804]

I got mine around the same time! (I am a bit older than you, but that is ok. )

[@ericvonwiegen5672]

Nice 👍

[@DefaultName-yf5sd]

I have one question, do you feel that as each month passes you are slowly recovering?.Also I think you are fantastic.

[@_sydney.fowler_]

Thank you! Yes and no some months I will get recovery back and some I will not:)

[@jbreezy101]

@@_sydney.fowler_ 😢 but keep on keeping on

[@jflores7803]

Hi I became paralyzed 2 years ago and I want to start driving again ,what kind (brand) are your Hand controls?

[@iamluvhxpuppy]

6:10 is where the fun starts

[@javierbarrucz7755]

❤❤❤❤ 9:39

[@rozitsegaye3802]

You will walk again😇

[@ralphneuman5910]

Have you considered a vinyl wrap for those areas most likely to be scratched by your chair?

[@malyssahoward677]

I have a learning disability ( ADHD) and am short so idk how driving is going to going to look for me. When I turned 15 I never got my permit because my mom said it'll be hard because I have a learning disability, bad eyesight that gets wrost every year, and am very short (4ft 8). So now I'm 16 and never got my license. Part 2: My younger brother is 15 turning 16 this year and he has ADHD and ADD and he never got his permit because my mom also thinks he won't be able to do it. But he is not short. Side note: We've both had one driving lesson together with our dad in his car down my dad's road because he lives on a back road. But he says he'll take us to his work because that's private property and there's a lot of space.

[@kuldipjandu1313]

See hand control systems A & B 2 in 1 A B C 3 in 1 by Kuldip jandu

[@renem2257]

Cool

[@roberteisenman4173]

Those "suicide knobs" are great for farm equipment but illegal for non special needs vehicles. Never figured out why.

[@shrimpflea]

They are not illegal in any US state. Some states require an inspection to make sure that you can't get jewlery or clothing caught up in them.

[@devanandvishwakarma478]

I liked, 💘,

[@bryonsusedautos]

Where are you from?

[@alexmenell260]

6:18

[@abdokalhed7412]

I can help you ❤️

[@williemacon30]

Quick question Sydney because I am totally blind when you get out of your chair and transfer do you stand and just sit in your car and put the wheelchair into your carQuick question Sydney because I am totally blind when you get out of your chair and transfer do you stand and just sit in your car and put the wheelchair into your car

[@JimBob-kl5te]

Hope the driving is going well! I know you use hand controls, but do you always just drive in socks? 😂

[@_sydney.fowler_]

haha Always

[@shaileshpatel4450]

I'm waiting formrcaradaptions

[@shaileshpatel4450]

Ihadaheavystrokemyleftarmandlegisparalysed

[@thedinnerparty4795]

You be careful of someone watching you as you are at their mercy with that door open. If the worse happens, accelerate into a wall. whatever, never let them drive you to a quite place.

[@elmaatibounouala2819]

Hello beautiful girl in the World ❤️🥰🌹

[@NaveedKhan-bs7ct]

❤ hi

[@roberto.peterson9917]

Watching you load chair into vehicle looked to be real pain not knowing your circumstances I also watch Empowered Para which has system that lifts chair in the area behind driver seat that you may want to check into hope this helps

[@TitikKoma-dr4cl]

hello

[@lisabaker6514]

Don’t you have a lift that puts the chair automatically on the roof?

[@davidparnell2684]

4th

[@epicbecc4543]

Why don’t your feet work???

[@gatorred157]

Sydney i had a girl friend who could not walk after a car wreck she broke her back, this was in 1979 in 1980 -81 i saw her well i was in military they found out i was stationed in us after over seas she quit i don't want to see you, i think it had to do with my sister she was a step sister nothing to me! jackie my brother told me there mad she wants closer man! well i saw her & they said out don't come back, i got married divorce I was lied to or not told she was with a broken head hit her head in grade 3 had head operation & i though a short crabby girl that liked me! ok she switched big time ran away after a baby daughter! her aunt barb said she a bigger ex like crabbyer bossy too! i was in pain 24 hours a day this is it I gonna died leg half feeling & unknown blood illness I was a believer in church of Jesus Christ LDS so i pray well driving a boat ( i heard ask i answer) why i not healed it not needed ok when i die i healed, i heard it don't cause your death, this is really God or Jesus. or holy spirit its real not man, i asked why or how a control would come! it did in 2010 more in 2016 i have blood cancer & the treatment based on my real uncles blood this was the guy in 1963 was asked by court to inform my real father he asked court a favor & was granted threw my uncle he handed me a book in that book was his military info and and number, all those medical computers( in the military it was my job watch Mr gates one day less then hour ) I the man in 1984 I told Mr gates its your job to fix this( a IBM first gen 8088 floppy driven computer) to have it used by normal people tied to numbers and files, put in my uncles name and file number out came data info and tests reports and samples on blood thinner first man to live threw blood cancer & why i was sick too was in those records my feeling & a broken un operable back I still walking & alert more Gampenton a head med for seizors & it kills pain all pain i could walk and be normal no pain after blood clots treat i grumpy some days 100% less pain then before!