Person with Quadriplegia Driving an Accessible Van with an EMC Joystick

[@mom2jeremy]

I just bought a van that I can drive right from my powerchair. I LOVE it. Like you said, it sure does give you a lot more freedom in your life.

[@fgp1inc]

i hv a dodge mini van... that someone else has to drive..i only hv use of 1 hand/arm.. how much does this cost.. n i guess its all out of pocket.. no one gives any help to pay for it?

[@jandy24]

What kind of van do you have?

[@mom2jeremy]

2013 Dodge Grand Caravan

[@JordanLoweElevaToursCanada]

mom2jeremy could you send me a link to a video of that? I'm in a wheelchair myself and I would love to drive a car by myself without having to rely on public transit in the future.

[@mom2jeremy]

@fgp1inc It would be about $25,000 IF your van can be converted

[@MessagesFromKenny]

I am writing on behalf of my son, Kenny. He has a Spinal Cord Injury at C1/C2, and C5/C6/C7. He has (and is still having) miraculous recoveries. Our hope is for him to become independent, and seeing your video has made us even more hopeful than ever before. Thank you for sharing!!!!!

[@MrGoogelaar]

Any update on your son's situation?

[@RickSkorupski]

Dan - Thank you for the video. You have shown me in fifteen minutes what I have not learned in my sixty-four years of life. I congratulate your tenacity and your willingness to achieve. I am an author and am writing my fifth novel. Part of that novel is a story about a paraplegic teenage girl and how she has adapted to life after an accident. Your video told me as much about the mechanics of your vehicle as it did the mental state of the operator. Thank you again for posting this video.

[@SunilBhai1978]

very nice "I thank God for my handicaps, for, through them, I have found myself, my work, and my God."

[@truthinjesus1]

Amen Bro. Whatever it takes to find Jesus, for some that is hard to understand.

[@starengineboy]

truthinjesus1 I will try my best in this life no matter if Jesus or Muhammad have more pull

[@kenbirzneck]

I DONT DRIVE ANYMORE BUT YOUR VAN IS VERY NICE , FREEDOM IS EVERYTHING , GOOD WORK

[@Penn1969]

When they fit the space drive accelerator and brake, you have to push forward for brake, and pullback for acceleration/gas. My systems have always worked like this and it's all down to safety. If you think about it, if you get thrown forward for some reason whilst you are driving, you don't want to be pushing your hand forward and accelerating any more. I'm surprised these companies haven't thought about this.

[@dawnklug6986]

They have. You'd be surprised that the majority of companies forget at times about what you stated. Mine have always been Brake forward, gas down

[@PennG0VQY]

@@dawnklug6986 I absolutely hate joystick steering. About a year after writing my original comment I got a spasm whilst driving and demolished the road sign. I didn't have any confidence driving with joystick any more because it's lethal if there was any chance you will ever have a spasm. I now drive with a mini steering 8-inch wheel that is incredibly safe. It gives you room for error if you go over a bump and get jolted, or have a spasm. I would never go back to joystick and I wouldn't recommend it to anybody who hasn't got full control of their digits. Also, driving without a headrest is crazy, especially when you have a disability. Sorry, I don't want this post to sound negative but I think it needs pointing out to anybody who may be interested in getting behind the wheel.

[@nicolasocampo2176]

Qué precio cuesta la adaptación hoy 2023? Gracias amigo

[@jandwoliver]

Very well done and informative, Thank you for taking the time. Jeff

[@adairosuilleabhain4995]

Thanks for helping others by posting this. :)

[@sherrynevius5639]

I love your video, thank goodness for modern technology. I am a para since birth and have a van with hand controls. Love your smile.

[@jedburgh01]

Hi, great system. Must increase your independence greatly. I'm quadriplegic since 1983 I can drive ok with a simple push/pull brake/accelerator system but I'm stuck when it comes to getting the chair into the car.

[@TheRexberry]

I appreciate the video. I was recently paralyzed, and I'm looking for a van that i can also drive. You answered a lot of questions i had about driving, and some i didn't even know to ask. This type of stuff is so expensive though.

[@GearUp10]

Great job Dan. I loved the video. I use to drive a EGB van but due to health issues I had to stop. This brought back such great memories. I can relate to the utter joy it gives you to have that freedom back. I see this was done in 2012 well it's June 2014 and I pray you're still tool'n down the road in your van. Good luck!

[@kennyjohnson8479]

i am 40 yr old C6 trying to get new van not sure to get joystick or something more simple .Dan what you do for a living bud your an inspiration

[@noaslfakers7395]

all your vds r excellent. both channels. I really hope u will have new vds looking forward to them u r a true inspiration N a role model. great work.

[@maverickdallas100]

Our war veterans who come home paralyzed should by rights have unrestricted access to this type of technology, paid for completely by the government (who sent them to war in the first place). I see too many of our disabled vets having to fight a new battle when they arrive back home, just getting their most basic needs taken care of, and it's a damned shame! Thank goodness for those individuals in the private sector who step up to the plate with the funding necessary to give these most deserving people their freedom back, especially after they sacrificed so much for ours.

[@dawnklug6986]

Any service connected veteran is/has been eligible for a full w/c accessible van since I can remember. The VA has also finally passed a program allowing non-service connected Vets (such as myself) up to 1/2 the price of a new w/c van or a sliding scale for a used one no older than 5 yrs. I have always had to pay full price for mine for 37 years (1980) and now when my current mini (2000) is ready for replacement I will have an easier time paying for it. This most recent van cost $27,000 used at 5 yrs old and I had payments of $300 a month for 5 years.

[@Beyondthechaos1984]

dawn klug hello, yes this is correct that the VA will pay for the vehicle conversion which includes the lowered floor and ramp part of the van for service connected vets. However, unfortunately controls like this are not paid for by the VA unless the veteran is 100% service-connected I believe. Many veterans like myself are under the 100% mark and do not qualify. These controls are so absolutely fantastic and give disabled individuals like myself so much more Independence, it is unfortunate that they're so expensive

[@sargera1]

@@Beyondthechaos1984 how do you explai 100marks im a civilian and for me its like u are almost like steve hawking state

[@sargera1]

This reminds me of a certain mod on the HAL program.if it can be put to input the steering it will be good

[@davidvelasco7420]

Well yeah joining is free will but they do deserve government helping them i agree

[@MrBenEye]

Thank you Dan, you video was very helpful!

[@ayejae1511]

Wow! That van is like some kinda spaceship hehe

[@Penn1969]

Hi there Dan, good to see another tetraplegic driving using specialised controls. I can totally empathise with you regarding the spasms. I've been driving for 20 years and last September for the first time ever had an accident due to a spasm. Like you, it's very important to try and get rid of any spasm before you drive. I would encourage disabled drivers who do suffer from spasms to at least take tablets, even if it's just before they go out. There's nothing worse than having a bad spasm when you're driving, it's absolutely terrifying. I just had my driving controls changed, I was using joystick, I'm now using a mini steering wheel, I will be making a video very soon.

[@matthewbmckinney]

Penn Wooding how can get these controls for my van

[@ouhouhcflo]

Hi, Can you please send me a link to your video? If you have made some, I'd like to watch them, thanks :)

[@abigailtomlinson2187]

at the moment i dont need to have a van im newly in a wheelchair for mobility at the moment.. ty so much for your vid i love the idea of being able to drive ..

[@HighTen_Melanie]

Wow you are amazing! I'm getting my first drive from wheelchair car in the summer 2015. The only concern for you is that you don't have a head restraint for whiplash prevention. Here in the UK they have an automatic head restraint fitted. Thanks for the video, I wish you safe and happy driving.

[@HighTen_Melanie]

Update 3/17 I have a new chair that has a headrest. So automatic headrest no longer needed. Cost £2000GBP just for that part.

[@adepa-kristodea]

It's amazing using such device to make Disabled Persons Drive. We need such cars in Ghana urgently. Somebody should help us.

[@motoman1210]

It took me about 6 months before I got everything setup like I wanted. It does take a few months to get used to but it does become second nature quickly.

[@gabyalex999]

Incredible how far technology reached 😯

[@truthinjesus1]

Thanks Dan. You are an inspiration.

[@MrHairyNeck]

Excellent. Really state of the art. Thanks.

[@tube01]

I know many people need this things but the price is though the roof. I was looking at a little lift seat for my Mom to get here in my truck. It was over $7000 just for that and all it was was a little flat seat that lifts you intothe truck not even a replacement seat that would of cost $11000.

[@MikeFatty]

wow thats awesome. first comprehensive video ive watched about joystick controls. thats pretty badass.

[@kalereborn]

I'm not in a wheelchair or nothing but this is amazing what you can do with a vehicle like this. Hopefully since this was 10 years ago the voice recognition software is better. Not holding my breath though.. Looking at you Google Assistant.

[@stephenmcdowell9210]

Amazing what they can do 'it's like magic 'telling your car to select reverse and all the other mechaisms 'it's truly astonishing how in hell do they do it 'really really smart people in electronics

[@photogrl2020]

Again, I don't negate the fact that many disabled people do have mental disabilities, in which case, yes, I do agree it is safer to have someone else drive. But I have neither a mental disability or "terrible" reflexes, and PERSONALLY (and I think MANY disabled people would feel similarly) would MUCH prefer to have the independence of driving myself, as opposed to being limited by having to work around someone else's schedule all the time. It can affect your daily life more than you would think.

[@charlesbrown8555]

Love this guy's spirit..... and the "TaDa" at the end.... i say TaDa every time i complete a task... lol

[@iamakoolguy]

I am a C3 and my van has just got done with the EMC joystick i am a lil nervous ,but i have drove the joystick like a year ago just think its will take while to be second nature,plus im central cord so my arms don't move that well...GOOD VIDEO

[@DanHarveyFilms]

I'm in Canada, but depending on where you are, there are a number of vendors. The computer, joystick and voice controls were $100,000 (without install or van).

[@faylinameir]

I'm not in a wheelchair or anything but this is amazing to me.

[@christopherkirish]

Great video. But your missing head/neck support to protect from whiplash They have power headrests that mount in the van and power into place. Additional buttons and functions can be added to the headrest as well. Great video again.

[@theadventurebiker]

Wow. The technology at work here is really amazing. It looks ultra expensive. I'm curious to know how much a van like this costs.

[@smartcreatives3401]

This is a great video and uber-useful. Thanks very much Dan.

[@prinssesarwa7946]

Thanks for the informative video! I hope you're doing great ❤️

[@motoman1210]

I've got just the gas/brake version of this system and I've got about 30,000 stuck in it with zero effort steering. I've heard the joystick version can run close to 100,000 bucks with install. There are dozens of dealers that do installs. If your in the states and want to work your local DVR will pay most of it.

[@sergeantseven4240]

I know this video is old, but hopefully newer vans with driver assist features make things like this much easier for people.

[@FRFM00]

Good for you man, awesome!

[@Tay675]

fuck yeah man, not letting anything stop you

[@Sinisher1979]

Awesome!! Congratulations 😀

[@photogrl2020]

That's not true. Lots of PHYSICALLY disabled people, such as myself, have SOLELY PHYSICAL disabilities. The entire mental capacity is just the same as everyone else. This may not be the case for ALL disabled people, I understand, but a very good percentage of us only have physical issues, and therefore there is absolutely no reason to disallow us from being able to drive, assuming of course, there is availability to adaptive equipment such as this.

[@Tedd335]

Great explanation. Thank you

[@JordanLoweElevaToursCanada]

Dude this video was amazing! I'm in a wheelchair myself and I was born with a very rare spinal condition and my number one dream in life is to drive the car but I have too many body spasms in my legs but it is very minor in other parts of my body. I am amazed by the technology that you have in your van it's amazing, I especially like the voice controlled transmission selection, it's a lot easier to get your vehicle into drive or reverse just by using your voice I live in Nova Scotia Canada, was it hard to get such technology or was it fairly simple?

[@killadelphiaHC]

i'm buying a 2011 sienna se tomorrow and getting a broun conversion done to it, I have Beckers Muscular Dystrophy which is not a bad as what your dealing with but i lost the ability to walk after being bed ridden with a broken leg last year. my arms are still pretty good though so im thinking about a guidosimplex accelerator ring and a brake with lock on the right side for my controls. the joystick is rad though.

[@juanluishidalgo5381]

your very lucky bro 4 have this amazing ride! i wish i could have it !! juan from ecuador

[@الحياةتجارب-ت3غ]

wonderful I am Quaderplegic C5 C6 injury. I need like this car . how could I have it?

[@louisck195]

Hi Dan, very good job! I just wished you had explained more of the difficulties you have incurred such as "radio was too loud" for VR to understand or "hit a bad bump, knocked my hand off control". Maybe next video. I am a C5 quad of 48 years and choose not to drive due to safety, expense and need. BTW - what is the expense of the driving mechanics alone, minus converted van? Thanks very much. Jim

[@TherealMrsScottmovingon]

God is so awesome he can work out ANYTHING THIS IS SO INSPIRING 🙌🏾🙌🏾🙌🏾💜😊

[@DanHarveyFilms]

The swap was about $10,000, which primarily covered labour. I'm in Canada, so I can't help you for a location in Australia. I'm sure there is one, though.

[@lifeofaquad7855]

I might have to make a video of my own. Our vans are a little bit similar!

[@ychoi07]

How much will this total system these day? any suggested company making this in Northern California?

[@begotten59]

Kudos Dan 👏👏👏❤️❤️❤️

[@blindthief]

Those electronic ramps make me nervous. When I used to depend on buses sometimes their ramp would malfunction which meant I had to wait a period of time for a serviceman to come out to fix it which can take as long as a few hrs. Sometimes they aren't able to fix it. As a result I along with other passengers had to be transferred to a different bus which causes extreme delay. I can't imagine going through that again. But I'm a paraplegic who wants a minivan. Is it best to just stick to regular cars?

[@nicolasocampo2176]

Hola, éstos comandos y adaptaciones que precio o costo tienen hoy 2023? Gracias

[@MrCreepandJeep]

Thank you for this video. I'm going to work towards being independent like you.

[@Mrjp33]

Great video brother

[@ushatitikshu]

Beautiful.

[@moo_leeokii.W]

I really don't want to ask. Bit how.much is it to have joy stick to turn and gas/breaks

[@BrandonMcBain]

How much did it cost you a: for the EMC control and the installation of it??

[@thientang9359]

You’re super cool. God bless you!

[@LaMondrePough]

Thank you for posting.

[@zaferak707]

Hello, very nice car, harvey liked the car and how much did you pay a total of joistik apparatus

[@hevast]

I love your video, amazing how such a small van is transformable to fit for a wheelchair. I do wonder how safe it is to drive without a neck rest? I'd consider using one in case of an accident. I know, what's the worst that can happen, end up in a wheelchair huh :P But really it's dangerous without a neck rest.

[@alandiba9354]

Hi Dear. Congratulation, drive very good. I have the dodge grand caravan, to arrive this year from your contry, I am from Santiago-Chile. I am cuadraplejic C5-c6 and i want to drive as you, but me car have control manual push pool and three pin... Me english is very bad, sorry. Bye my friend!

[@wendywilkinson2022]

Hi Alan, My level of injury is C6-7 and I drive a van, I work for a company that designs and manufactures hand controls. We have worked with people in Chile. The owner of this company is from Chile. Please let me know if I can send you any information on our driving systems and what we can do to help you. Being able to drive is a powerful, important part of life.

[@tecgrow4922]

New house, new mini van.. sys config.. etc.. where you work ehhh. .😂

[@paulaylward5565]

Cool ride I need a new car mine is old and nothing works well

[@motoman1210]

I'm a c-3/ c-4 and have this system, minus the joystick and voice. That voice command would drive me batshit crazy.

[@dougiefresh007209]

hey great video hope you're doing well , im always looking into these systems and hope prices drop a bit but it gives me hope and a goal to work towards .!

[@djofability]

Is there a way that I could try the system before I convert my van?

[@alagarsamy2509]

good to see you. I am also like you (having same disability). I am from india. How much is it cost.? can you suggest

[@MrHellOnWheels]

Yo bra u kooler than a/c in the winter for this 1. All u need is a motor swap to the supra motor the str8 6 turbo! WWWHHHHAAATTT!! I want 1 of those so bad but I'ma work on getting my DL's 1st #WheelchairPresident #WheelchairPimpin

[@isaiasfurtado3616]

very nice video but i would like to know how much is the cost

[@manfredseis5492]

I have now found a way to get hold of a car, I hope it works and for those who doubt that you can drive a car try it, if you don't try you don't know if it will work.

[@zaferak707]

Can you put videos in more detail, for example Hi harvey wipers signals possible thanks to how it works. What is the price if you want to sell your car?

[@dougiefresh007209]

hey what kind of costs are involved? im a c3/4/5 asiaA and i drive my chair with my hand so this looks feasible , i have other questions id like to ask Thanks

[@TheWheelchairGuy]

HI bro, can you send me the details, I would like to buy a car like yours. Please answer me. Thanks in advance.

[@brianl2035]

Don't know if you're still looking for a van, but if you are, there are many places that sell vehicles for disabled. I was just at a dealership (MobilityWorks) last week looking at some vehicles...great selection.

[@McRetron]

You are Hero!

[@kaimano62]

And if you have a contraction in the hand or arm and steering or full throttle? The system will recognize it or not?

[@andreasantiago8677]

Wow.eso es sentirse Libre. Como megustaria tener uno asi.🎉

[@fgp1inc]

Hi my friend can you write to me and let me know the cost you payed, and also to know where I can go or what number to call, thank you ..ok i see the emc link... but what is approx cost & anyone, org etc help pay, sponsor this. oH IF YOU ONLY HAVE USE OF RIGHT ARM & LEFT ARM 100% NOTHING, WILL THIS WORK? THX

[@prettydisabled9060]

That's pretty cool! ♥️

[@akashkamble2231]

I am watching your video from India please tell me how can I import this system my country

[@ericshogan]

How are you doing? Congratulations on driving! Would you please write me back I would like to get some information regarding your equipment and Van?

[@HardscrabbleBlake1968]

Warning to anyone thinking of buying EMC equipment -- DON'T!!! It's extremely unreliable and their customer and technical service is very bad. You can send a piece of equipment in for repair and not only do they fail to fix the problem, they do a bunch of non-related "upgrades", which never make any sense, and charge you a bunch of money for them.

[@yeseniasalinas2580]

Hello, your video is great, what model is your car?

[@rp124ster]

Sounds like you had a really bad experience, that's too bad. I know a few people with them and they haven't had those issues at all

[@laurabornkamp9065]

thank you

[@ThaRealWayTv]

im in Houston Tx , you motivated me even more i got to have that , keep pushin how long did it take to get installed

[@lumniajeti498]

Grazie mille

[@WalkingDan]

Awesome video!!!

[@statusjunction4319]

Where is this place and how much cost

[@bumblebeecaregiversservice4796]

in the western world, the handicap is given all resources to make them as independent as possible whereelse here in singapore a 1st world country, the handicap is made to feel 100% handicap with all items being the most expensive, making almost everything not within normal person with tint income reach

[@dustinpaul8033]

Can I ask the appoximate cost of the contols and what vendor you went through? Im a complete C4 looking for as much info as possible. Thanks.

[@mrpenguinscanada]

how is he quadriplegic if he can move his arms? wouldnt that be pariplegic?

[@salvatoreshiggerino6810]

His arms are clearly crippled and spastic too.

[@wildreamuh1]

If he could move all of his arm/hand, this means fingers and all muscles of his arms, then he'd be a para, but any impairment of arms/hands qualifies one as a quadriplegic. If you can't see that he can't move his fingers, then I'd take another look. Paraplegics don't need ramps/power wheelchairs plus many of those expensive features in the car.

[@micheal355]

if i converted my ford club wagon for my wheelchair, id get pulled over for too much hot rodding with that v8 haha

[@Lark_Vivian]

what was the driver's examination like? did you have to get a new license? :)

[@josecaraballo2203]

HOLA ADONDE TE MODIFICARON EL VEHICULO Y COSTO