CRAZY! A C4 Quadriplegic Driving a Wheelchair Accessible Van with an EMC Joystick

[wheelchaircreations]

thats what i needed. i crashed my van. i had a small wheel. good luck.

dave c2/3 incomplete.

[dvanwage]

Fellow quad here. Those hand controls are nothing like I've ever seen before! The joystick looks extremely easy to use compared to a throttle/small-steering-wheel set up that I've seen. Pretty awesome!

[UnhappyDreamer]

I am on wheelchair and I've started studying for learner's permit and plan to get license in the near future... I can use my arms just fine but I am very nervous whether I'll be abel to learn how to drive or not... :-\

[Blue4cuervo]

HI MY NAME IS DAN, I WAS HOPING TO SEE AND HEAR A TUTORIAL ON HOW THE SYSTEM WORKS, CAN YOU MAKE A VIDEO WITH PLAY BY PLAY ON HOW TO OPERATE YOUR VAN? THANKS'

[brittneyk007]

Hey there, I just wanted to let you know that this is actually going to be my inspiration to learn how to drive. I am 21yrs old and I have Muscular Dystrophy, which confined me to a wheelchair. I dont have much strength in my legs/feet, so a hand control is necessary. Thank you for posting this. I do have a question, how long did it take for you to get used to the entire system? Thanks! :)

[canadianquadfather]

@brittneyk007 That is great news. Truthfully, it is not very difficult -- it just took about 3 months and a lot of practice. You catch on quickly.

Best,

Dan

[WizzzardPenguin]

@brittneyk007

In Europe a new system has entered the market called JOYSTEER. I got used to it in 2 weeks. In my case it consists of a joystick for steering left and right and a gas/brake slide. You give signals, switch the light etc. with an infrared remote control, that is mounted on the slide. For further information search for joysteer. EMC systems are not allowed anymore in Germany.

[cristicb028]

Hello!

I like you video. my problem is that I`m from Romania and I don`t know such type of van to exist here.

How can I get one, except playng loto? :)

I have muschular distrofy and my mobillity is still good.

Thank you for your reply.

Good luck

Cristi

[kevroks09]

How much does this system cost, and does insurance pay for it?

[canadianquadfather]

@kevroks09 The price varies depending on the particular electronics you purchase. My setup -- the single joystick, with the voice recognition -- is the most expensive option. The electronics (NOT INCLUDING THE VAN OR VAN MODIFICATIONS) was just under $100,000. Unfortunately, insurance would not cover any of it. Frankly, I find the cost insane. Good luck -- let me know how it goes!

- Dan

[IndigoJo]

How is it that some C4 quads have so much mobility and some have so little? Some never get away from using a straw to move their chair, some can just about do that yet some have enough to drive a car. Is it just a matter of complete/incomplete or is C4 a particularly sensitive area?

[canadianquadfather]

Hi, IndigoJo:

It really depends on whether the injury is incomplete or complete. My injury is incomplete; I have a little bit more arms, plus I have full body sensation -- so it makes a little difference. In fact, I know one C4 Quad who is able to push a manual chair, live indipendantly, etc. It really depends on the individual.

The worst thing that one can do is compare to other SCIs -- it really varies!

Thanks for the comment.

Best,

Dan

[IndigoJo]

Thanks for replying. However, it seems that there is this variation even among apparently complete C4-5 quads.

For example, have you ever seen the "Joni and Friends" videos? Joni Tada is a C4 quad; she has two separate videos in which she interviews other C4 quads, one of whom like Joni could use her arms to control her wheelchair but said she gave birth naturally and didn't feel a thing. But the other seemed to have no movement whatsoever, and she's not the only one I've seen like that.

[Rafflersauce]

this is really awesome!

[micheal355]

Hey man that is such a cool thing, I myself have been looking to get an joystick powered vehicle, having muscular dystrophy. How would you suggest I go about getting one? any help is appreciated, :-)

[canadianquadfather]

Hi, Michael355:

Try to contact the company that you will have modifying your vehicle, and they can point you towards an OT or Driver Rehab specialist who can help prescribe the hand controls to you.

Get ready for lots of paper work! Let me know how it goes, and post a video of your van after it's done.

Best,

Dan

[micheal355]

Sweet man thanks for the help, and I definitely will post a video of my van if I am able to get one all set up. Oh boy paperwork stinks but hey the end result is completely worth it, being able to take my forza motorsport skills to the open road, lol

[motors11]

how much cost it?

[McWheeler93030]

nice! it is good to see alternative driving aids for persons with disabilities

[aeclayto5]

wow!!