There occupational therapists and others who are certified driving
instructors who can help your son pick the correct equipment and probably
help you find ways to finance it.  While it may cost you money out of pocket
in the short run (or you can get vocational rehab to pay for it) it will
save time and energy in the long run.  Here are some resources I looked up
on the American Occupational therapy Association website (my google search
got United Kingdom horse drivers for the handicapped, go figure).  Some of
these are geared toward the older driver so be forwarned, at least one of
them should help:

American Automobile Association Foundation for Traffic Safety
1440 New York Avenue, NW, Suite 201
Washington, DC 20005
202-638-5944
www.aaafoundation.org/home/

AOTA Special Interest Section Driving Network Listserv
Go to www.aota.org, click on AOTA Listservs, then on Driving/Driver
Rehabilitation.

Association for Driver Rehabilitation Specialists
711 S. Vienna Street
Ruston, LA 71270
800-290-2344 or 318-257-5055
www.aded.net


National Highway Traffic Safety Administration
888-327-4236
www.nhtsa.gov

Older Driver Screening and Evaluation (AOTA Online Course)
For information, go to www.aota.org and click on Continuing Ed, then Online
Courses.

Transportation Research Board
500 Fifth Street, NW
Washington, DC 20001
202-334-2934
www.nas.edu/trb/

Beth T. the OT
To: [log in to unmask]
Subject: Re: Driving


I have spastic CP affecting my lower extremities, and I've found that
driving with basic hand controls works just fine for me.  But everyone is
individual.  So I'd say get an assessment by an experienced evaluator.  Keep
in mind that basic hand controls, like push/pull and right angle do not
prevent another driver from operating the vehicle via the pedals.

-----Original Message-----
From: St. John's University Cerebral Palsy List
[mailto:[log in to unmask]]On Behalf Of [log in to unmask]
Sent: Thursday, October 02, 2003 12:28 PM
To: [log in to unmask]
Subject: Driving


My teenage son with CP has spasms in lower legs when excited or frightened.
Would he be able to drive a regular car or would he need hand controls? JUst
want to hear what other people's experiences have been!
Thanks, Cindy