Looking for reputable car modifier in FL panhandle area

Trixie

Trixie

Moderator
I have a disabled friend who lives around the panhandle area of Florida. She needs to have her car (I forgot to ask what she drives) converted but has no idea where to start looking to find someone who does this kind of work.

If anyone has suggestions, or even better names of reputable places to get this done, I'd really appreciate it.

I'm not positive what type of modifications she needs, I don't think she's even sure what she needs at this point.
 
tixer

tixer

Lincoln Evangelist
From the sounds of things, this is more like "hand controls," than "custom exhaust and dubs.."

Depending upon her disability, there are likely state agencies who specialize in assisting with this sort of thing. Often, they will often cover the costs of the adaptations, but not the cost of the vehicle itself. Assuming the state works like Minnesota, they will know best who can make the modifications your friend requires. Even if your friend does not qualify for any kind of formal assistance, I'm guessing they would point her in the right direction.

Florida department of Vocational Rehabilitation: http://www.rehabworks.org/

Various searches on "assistive technology" in Florida also yield promising results.. Still, if she can reach a counselor in one of those offices, They'll know who is best.. They work with folks like her all day, every day.
 
Last edited:
S

steve

With "LOD" Since 1997
The panhandle area of Florida is still kind of big. Close to the gulf, AL, GA? What does she needed converted too?
 
Trixie

Trixie

Moderator
Mike, thank you so much for that post. I shared that info with her and she told me that unfortunately, those people are not as helpful as you would think, she's already gone that route and apparently they are not at all helpful and cannot provide names of places to go. They've been on a list for 20 years for help, but haven't gotten it as no hand controls have "come in"? I'm sorry, I get really confused about this.
 
tixer

tixer

Lincoln Evangelist
Sharon, I'm sorry to hear that.

That's what my dad spent his entire career doing. I know for a fact if someone had just asked him, "who's the best at this?" he'd have an answer..

Not in Florida though, I'd bet..
 
Trixie

Trixie

Moderator
steve said:
what is the nature of her handicap?
Click to expand...
Hard to explain, she has a rare form of Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome. Joints that give out or subluxate randomly, lots of pain, etc. Right now she relies on her mom for the rare ride, was hoping her daughter who also has the affliction would be able to drive, but not sure anymore whether that will happen.

We don't talk about it a lot, she has good days and bad. But I know how hard driving is when your joints won't cooperate. Steering can be especially painful.
 
S

steve

With "LOD" Since 1997
Might be better to put her money in a savings account, sell the car and use taxis. She has to figure no more car insurance, gas, maintenance, spending money on modifying it, etc.
 
tixer

tixer

Lincoln Evangelist
That helps. What your friend is likely looking for is "reduced effort" controls.

Boosted power steering is common. Similar options are available for gas and brake..

I'd start with these guys, they appear to be close to her..
http://www.adstally.com/

I keep seeing references to this orginization as well, but if she's had bad luck with the government options, this may not be too useful either..
http://www.faast.org/

I just really worry that without some sort of counselor/specialist on her side, going directly to the technology vendor will result in her not being properly outfitted..

Alternatively, finding a newer car with the most sensetive controls, and an RFID key (so there's no ignition to turn..) may be an option as well, depending upon her capabilities.
 
Trixie

Trixie

Moderator
steve said:
Might be better to put her money in a savings account, sell the car and use taxis. She has to figure no more car insurance, gas, maintenance, spending money on modifying it, etc.
Click to expand...
Steve, I know you mean well, but she lives in the boonies, and she's an independent type. I don't think that suggestion will go over well. It's really hard for someone to give up their independence like that. She doesn't even remember what kind of car they have, lol. She loves muscle cars, but just doesn't understand cars.
 
Trixie

Trixie

Moderator
OK, Terri has a Kia fitted with a lift in the back. She wanted me to let you both know how much she appreciates the information and advice and your time. She also wanted to let you know that the nearest grocery store (there's a grocery store and two dollar stores near her), sells old bread and dented cans of food, but has fresh hay and horse feed. :)

She's going to check that one link Tixer. Apparently she will need hand controls, but she wants you guys to know that you've given her more help and information than the agencies that are supposed to help her.
 
S

steve

With "LOD" Since 1997
Is the lift for a wheel chair or to help get her in the car?

I understand that the car is her independence but there may come a time when she can't drive safely anymore. Hopefully she can get the controls she needs until goggle has a self driving car in the boonies. She may be able to hire care givers that would help her shop for food etc and provide the ride in the future.

And Mike is the man with all the links and info. :thumbsup:
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Top