NHTSA Unveils New Brochure to Help Those with Disabilities Seeking Use of Adapted Vehicles

3 February 2000
NHTSA Unveils New Brochure to Help Those with Disabilities Seeking Use of Adapted Vehicles
    WASHINGTON, Feb. 3 -- The National Highway Traffic Safety
Administration (NHTSA) today unveiled its first ever consumer brochure to help
persons with disabilities in the market for an adapted vehicle to take
advantage of new technology to increase their mobility.
    "President Clinton and Vice President Gore are committed to removing
barriers for people with disabilities so they can take advantage of the great
bounty of opportunities in America," Secretary Slater said. "This new brochure
is an important step in helping persons with disabilities to gain greater
freedom to get where they need to go."
    More than 35,000 copies of the 13-page full-color booklet, known as
"Adapting Motor Vehicles for People with Disabilities," will be distributed
free of charge in the booklet's first printing. The brochure has also been
posted on NHTSA's web site, http://www.nhtsa.dot.gov .
    "This new brochure will help more Americans with disabilities navigate the
often confusing process of acquiring and using adapted vehicles safely," said
Acting NHTSA Administrator Rosalyn G. Millman.
    The booklet, first released today at the ninth annual conference of the
National Mobility Equipment Dealers Association (NMEDA), provides a step-by-
step process to help consumers evaluate their needs, select the right vehicle
and choose a qualified dealer to modify the vehicle. It also assists those who
need training to use and maintain an adapted vehicle. In addition, general
information is included on cost savings, licensing requirements and
organizations to contact for help. While the brochure focuses on drivers of
modified vehicles, each section also contains suggestions for those who
transport passengers with disabilities.
    There are more than 380,000 vehicles on the road today that have been
specially adapted with new technology to afford greater mobility to persons
with disabilities. Such equipment includes mechanical and powered hand
controls (for gas and brakes), joystick steering, wheelchair lifts and low-
effort braking systems.
    Copies of the booklet will be distributed free of charge through NHTSA's
partnerships with such key organizations as NMEDA, the Association of Driver
Rehabilitation Specialists, the Department of Veterans Affairs and AAA. In
addition, automakers will make the brochure available to their customers.