A Guide to Adaptations

Transcription

1 Celebrating A Guide to Adaptations Driving Adaptations Driving Excellence

2 Introduction to Jeff Gosling Hand Controls Ltd. Jeff Gosling Hand Controls Ltd. manufactures and installs high quality vehicle adaptations for the disability market, offering the freedom of independent motoring to thousands of drivers. The company was founded in 1988 by Jeff Gosling, a paraplegic wheelchair user. As someone who drives with hand controls Jeff says I m in the same position as my clients. I wouldn t make anything I m not prepared to use myself. This guide is designed to help you to decide which are the right adaptations for you. From product diagrams and photographs to advice on funding and test drive availability, each page has information to help you on your journey. Why choose Jeff Gosling adaptations? All our adaptations are designed and manufactured to the highest specifications by our skilled engineers. Our efficient production systems enable us to have a same day dispatch guarantee to our UK network of more than 70 installation companies. All Jeff Gosling driving adaptations are available at no extra cost to Motability customers. We supply over 50% of the driving adaptations ordered on the Motability Managed Adaptations Programme, making us the largest single supplier to the scheme. customer choices Jeff Gosling Push/ Pull Hand Controls Jeff Gosling Twin-Folding Left Foot Accelerator Jeff Gosling Electric Left Foot Accelerator Jeff Gosling Steering Aid Jeff Gosling Easy Release Adaptations Driving Adaptations are 100% of our business We are dedicated to giving you a safe and enjoyable driving experience 2 Tel: +44 (0)

3 Contents We recommend you choose a conventional automatic when driving with adaptations. Your safety, and that of other road users is always our priority. Details of some of the most popular driving adaptations can be found in this guide. If you are unsure about the best option for you why not try the adaptations at one of this year s free Motability events or at a driving assessment centre (see page 17). Hand Controls Details on page 4 & 5 Hinged Pedals Details on page 5 Left Foot Accelerators Details on page 6 & 7 Steering Aids Details on page 8 Pedal Guards Details on page 9 Boot Strap Details on page 9 Easy Releases Details on page 10 & Questions We answer some frequently asked questions Details on page 12 & 13 A Brief History See the Jeff Gosling journey Details on page 14 & 15 Exceptional Service Take a look at how our full service works Details on page 16 The Association of Disability Driving Instructors Details on page 17 The Forum of Mobility Centres Details on page 17 Funding your vehicle and adaptations Details on page 18 Access to Work Grants Details on page 18 VAT exempt vehicles Details on page 19 Financial support from charities Details on page 19 Our knowledge and expertise is freely available to drivers, car dealers and health professionals alike. If you would like to discuss your options call our support team on

4 Hand Control Push/Pull Brake/Accelerator If you are unable to operate the foot pedals, this adaptation allows you to operate the brake and accelerator by hand using a push/pull single lever. To brake, simply push down on the handle using either the palm of the hand or fingertips A True Driving Experience Using precision components and axial roller bearings, our hand controls offer the driver unrivalled smooth and responsive operation. Smooth acceleration is achieved by placing your thumb around the steering wheel and squeezing the handle with your fingers If you are NEW to driving with hand controls We strongly recommend installation of the hand control with an integral switch, hinged accelerator pedal (where possible) and a steering aid. Jeff Gosling Hand Controls are supplied at cost through the Scheme. If you are not a Motability customer, please contact us on for installation costs. 4 Tel: +44 (0)

5 Integral Indicator Switch Hand controls are available with an integral indicator switch in the handle. When driving with hand controls, your right hand will be operating the brake/accelerator lever. Your left hand will be required for steering, therefore you may find it difficult to operate the indicators with the vehicle s standard indicator stalk. N.B. This is usually a requirement for drivers taking their test with hand controls. Indicator switch Multiplex/Non-Multiplex Indicators? You may hear the term multiplex or non-multiplex indicators. This refers to the vehicle s wiring system. The indicator switch in the hand control will look identical and function in exactly the same way. However, the indicator switch is more complex to install on multiplex vehicles and is significantly more expensive*. * All integral indicator switches (both multiplex and non-multiplex) are available at Nil cost to motability customers Hinged Accelerator Pedal Designed to be used in conjunction with our hand controls, this adaptation eliminates the risk of you inadvertently operating the accelerator pedal and also provides more room for your right foot. Hinged Accelerator Pedal The accelerator pedal is hinged and can be folded up when you are driving with the hand control. By folding up the accelerator pedal out of the way you will have more room for your right foot. This provides the additional space you may need if you have a prosthetic or fused right leg. It also offers you a more comfortable driving position (as shown below). In order to keep your feet clear of the pedals, many hand control drivers adapt an unnatural driving position which can lead to discomfort Driving with a hinged accelerator pedal folded up out of the way, you will have increased space for your right leg and be able to adopt a safer, more comfortable driving position. Tel: +44 (0)

6 Left Foot Accelerator - Twin Folding This adaptation allows you to operate an accelerator pedal on the left side of the brake pedal with your left foot. It is suitable for vehicles with an accelerator pedal that hangs down from the bulk head. Left pedal in use Simple & Safe Operation Mechanically replicates the standard right hand side accelerator pedal with an additional pedal to the left hand side of the brake pedal Allows a vehicle to be converted easily to drive with either the left or right foot Mimics the original pedal with full range of acceleration and no loss of Kick Down The safety function only allows for use of one accelerator pedal at a time N.B. Only suitable for vehicles with a conventional accelerator pedal Operation Simply pull the required pedal down and the opposite pedal will fold up out of the way Right pedal in use N.B. Vehicles with a foot operated parking brake may also require an additional adaptation alongside the left foot accelerator. (See page 11). Please see IMPORTANT SAFETY NOTICE on the opposite page Jeff Gosling Left Foot Accelerators are supplied at cost through the Scheme. If you are not a Motability customer, please contact us on for installation costs. 6 Tel: +44 (0)

7 Left Foot Accelerator - Electric This adaptation allows you to operate an accelerator pedal on the left side of the brake pedal with your left foot. It is suitable for vehicles with an electric floor mounted accelerator pedal. Left Foot Accelerator - Electric Simple & Safe Operation Electrically replicates the standard right hand side accelerator pedal using an additional OEM accelerator pedal to the left hand side of the brake pedal Allows a vehicle to be converted easily to drive with either the left or right foot Mimics the original pedal with full range of acceleration and no loss of Kick Down The safety function only allows for use of one accelerator pedal at a time N.B. Only suitable for vehicles with a floormounted electric accelerator pedal Operation Left to right change over switch Simply select the required pedal using the change over switch. The pedal selected is energised whilst the other pedal has no function and can be used as a foot rest Parallel wire Electric left to right change over switch Left pedal Brake Right pedal IMPORTANT SAFETY NOTICE N.B. Vehicles with a foot operated parking brake may also require an additional adaptation alongside the left foot accelerator. (See page 11). If you have previously driven with manual transmission we would not recommend a left foot accelerator as the finesse required for accelerating is very different from the operation of a clutch. In this scenario we would generally suggest that you consider driving with hand controls. If you are considering driving with a left foot accelerator for the first time we recommend that you first have a driving assessment (see page 17) or lessons with a qualified instructor using a left foot accelerator. A register of instructors is kept by the Queen Elizabeth Foundation (Telephone ). Tel: +44 (0)

8 Steering Aids Ball, Peg & Tetra-grip Designed to aid one handed steering, these aids are also useful if you have limited arm or shoulder strength and reduce the effort required to steer. Steering aids can be used independently or in conjunction with hand controls or a left foot accelerator. Ball (Fixed or Quick Release) The most commonly used steering aid, the steering ball is grasped from the front using a partially clenched hand. Available in fixed or quick release versions. Grasp Ball Peg (Quick Release) The steering peg is grasped from the side using a partially clenched hand. Available as quick release only. Peg Tetra-grip (Quick Release) The tetra grip is controlled by placing the wrist between two adjustable supports and fingers around the peg. Available as quick release only. Weaker grip Tetra grip Grip Quick-release operation The quick release mechanism is operated by pushing the pin at the back of the steering aid and sliding out the handle. N.B. Steering aids are available to buy on-line, with free delivery, for self-install. Visit http: /store.jeffgosling.co.uk/ Jeff Gosling Steering Aids are supplied at cost through the Scheme. If you are not a Motability customer, please contact us on for installation costs. 8 Tel: +44 (0)

9 Pedal Guards Designed to be used in conjunction with our hand controls, this adaptation eliminates the risk of you operating the pedals inadvertently. Pedal Guard The pedal guard is a detachable plate which sits in front of the pedals. The push/pull hand control operates by physically moving the brake and accelerator pedals. If your feet are likely to impair movement of these pedals (i.e. slide underneath the pedals), or you are susceptible to spasms, we recommend that you have a pedal guard. Available in Standard (as shown) or Single Brake or Accelerator Only versions. You can remove the pedal guard easily by unfastening the wing nuts and detaching the guard. Boot Strap Designed to assist with closing the tailgate, where it is too high to reach. Simple & Safe Operation The strap is fixed at a convenient point on the inside of the tailgate. It is used to pull down the tailgate to a height where it can be reached and then stores away neatly using a magnet before closing. Operation Tailgate too high to grab Strap Stowage magnet Reachable handle Tel: +44 (0)

10 Handbrake Easy Releases If you have limited hand function, these adaptations reduce the grip required to move the handbrake lever and eliminates the requirement to depress the button. Our handbrake easy release is available in standard and in-line versions to suit your individual needs. However, options are limited for some vehicles, so do please check by calling In-line version Standard version Adjustable cam mechanism Soft grip moulded handle Improved mechanical advantage In-line version Fully adjustable webbing belt for universal fit Sympathetic cam for easy button release N.B. Handbrake easy releases are available to buy on-line, with free delivery, for self-install. Visit http: /store.jeffgosling.co.uk/ Jeff Gosling Easy Releases are supplied at cost through the Scheme. If you are not a Motability customer, please contact us on for installation costs Tel: +44 (0)

11 Unconventional handbrakes Some vehicles do not have a conventional handbrake. We have tailor made designs for a wide range of these models. Contact us on to discuss your own requirements. Picture left: Vauxhall Mokka with release button on the top. Hand Operated Parking Brake Easy Release Some vehicles have a foot operated pedal to release the parking brake instead of a handbrake lever. This adaptation enables drivers who are unable to use their feet, to operate the parking brake by hand. N.B. A hand operated parking brake may also be required alongside a left foot accelerator (See pages 6 & 7). Gearshift Easy Release If you have limited hand function, this adaptation reduces the grip required to move the gearshift and eliminates the requirement to depress the button. Our gearshift easy releases are specifically designed for each model of vehicle. We have designs for a wide range of models. Contact us on to check on availability. Soft grip moulded handle Fully adjustable 360 degree handle positioning to ensure suitability for the driver Fully adjustable webbing belt results in maximum grip without damaging any part of the gearshift Specifically designed to each model of vehicle Jeff Gosling Easy Releases are supplied at cost through the Scheme. If you are not a Motability customer, please contact us on for installation costs. Tel: +44 (0)

12 20 Questions We answer some frequently asked questions Q: Do I need to take another driving test before driving with adaptations? A: No, as long as your doctor has said that they consider it is safe for you to drive. Q: Do I need to tell my insurers or the DVLA about my adaptations? A: Yes you should tell your insurers, although your premium should not be affected. You should also advise the DVLA. Q: Can I get financial help with the cost of adaptations? All Jeff Gosling driving adaptations are available at no additional cost to Motability customers. Details of other funding options can be found on page 18 & 19. Q: What happens to the adaptations when I change my vehicle? A: If you are a Motability customer there is no need for you to have the driving adaptations removed. For your safety we do not reuse any parts from driving adaptations that have already been fitted. It usually takes less than an hour to reinstate a vehicle. Note, new plastics or a pedal may be required. Q: What if something goes wrong with my adaptations? A: It is quite rare for anything to go wrong, however all our adaptations carry a full 3 year parts and labour warranty. Q: Can I transfer my hand controls or left foot accelerator to my new car? A: Our hand controls and left foot accelerators are designed specifically for each make/model of vehicle. For your safety, we do not consent to the transfer of primary driving adaptations. (ie. any adaptations linked to the brake and/or accelerator). Transfer of primary adaptations is not permitted on Motability vehicles. Q: Can I fit my own driving adaptations? A: We do supply some of the smaller, secondary control adaptations for customers to fit themselves. However, if you are a Motability customer your adaptations will have been fitted prior to handover of your vehicle. For your safety and that of other road users, we only supply our hand controls and left foot accelerators through our fully trained network of installers who carry the relevant public liability insurance. Q: Who can install my adaptations? A: We have a network of more than 70 fully trained installers throughout the UK. For details of your nearest installer contact us on Q: Where will my adaptations be fitted? A: Most adaptations are fitted at the dealership before you take delivery. However most of our installers work on a mobile basis and will be happy to fit at your home or alternative address if required Tel: +44 (0)

13 Hand Controls FAQs Q: Can hand controls be fitted to any vehicle or is my choice limited? A: Jeff Gosling hand controls can be fitted to any vehicle, although we strongly recommend you choose a conventional automatic. We currently have a design for almost 1,400 different models of vehicle. If your chosen vehicle is not on our list we can design the controls for you at our workshop. Although we will need your vehicle for several days to do the design and installation, there is no additional charge to you for the design work. Q: Will the fitting of hand controls cause any damage to my vehicle? A: Safety is our primary concern when we design adaptations, however we pay great attention to the integrity of the vehicle. Any cutting or drilling is kept to a minimum, ensuring an aesthetically pleasing result and minimum cost to reinstate the vehicle when the adaptations are removed. Q: Can someone else drive the vehicle with their feet when the hand controls have been fitted? A: Yes, we do not remove any of the original controls. However we recommend that you make the driver aware that the adaptations have been fitted. Q: Can I adjust my steering column after the hand controls have been fitted? A: No, by adjusting the steering column you may affect the function of the brake/accelerator hand control. The standard set-up when fitting hand controls is for the steering wheel to be at its highest position and fully out (towards the driver), this gives maximum space for the push/pull brake/accelerator lever. Q: Can I set my steering column position before the hand controls are fitted? A: Yes, we recommend that you do this if the position is critical for you. Some vehicles have a limited range and therefore we suggest you discuss this with your installer before your hand controls are fitted. Q: What if I decide I want indicators in my hand control after they have been fitted? A: It is possible to fit an indicator switch retrospectively, although it is more expensive than if the indicator switch had been included at the time of the original fitting because your hand control will have to be partially dismantled to enable the wiring to be connected. Indicator switches are only available at Nil cost to Motability customers when ordered and fitted prior to handover of the vehicle. Left Foot Accelerators FAQs Q: Can a left foot accelerator be fitted to any vehicle or is my choice limited? A: Jeff Gosling left foot accelerators can be fitted to most vehicles, where we consider there is enough room to the left of the brake pedal to do so safely. We currently have designs for almost 400 models. If your chosen model is not on our list we will need your vehicle in our workshop for several days to complete the design and installation work. Q: Can someone else drive the vehicle with their right foot when the left foot accelerator has been fitted? A: Yes, we do not remove any of the original controls. However we recommend that you make the driver aware that the adaptations have been fitted. Q: Will fitting a left foot accelerator cause any damage to my vehicle? A: Safety is our primary concern when we design adaptations, however we pay great attention to the integrity of the vehicle. We may need to remove the footrest to make room for the accelerator pedal on the left hand side. It is not always possible for this to be replaced. For twin folding left foot accelerators a new accelerator pedal will be required to reinstate the vehicle when the adaptation is removed. Q: My car has a foot operated parking brake on the left side of the driver s foot well. Can I still have a left foot accelerator fitted and if so, how will I operate the parking brake? A: When a vehicle has a foot operated parking brake we consider this as part of our left foot accelerator design and include an extension to convert it to hand operation. There is an additional charge for the hand operated parking brake, however it is supplied at NIL cost to Motability customers. Q: How can I be sure that my right foot will not interfere with the vehicle s standard accelerator pedal on the right side. A: A twin folding left foot accelerator has a hinged right pedal which folds up out of the way automatically when the left pedal is in position for driving. This creates extra space for you to place your right foot comfortably. With an electric left foot accelerator, the right pedal is inactive when the switch is in the left pedal position. The right pedal can then be used as a foot rest. Tel: +44 (0)

14 A Brief History Over the next 17 years the business expanded and outgrew several workshops The Company was founded by Jeff Gosling (a former aircraft engineer) in Following a motorbike accident as a teenager, Jeff was left paraplegic and decided to use his engineering experience to set about making the best hand control on the market. Jeff started his business literally in his garden shed. Jeff received the inaugural Motability Adaptations Supplier Award; the first of many. This year also saw the introduction of our restyled Leg Impact Protection System and new ergonomic handle for our hand controls. We opened our dedicated engineering workshop and inhouse welding facility Training sessions at our National Installer Network Conference, ensuring high standard of installations with ongoing training and support for our UK installers We celebrated with Motability at The Palace of Westminster where Jeff was introduced to Motability s Chief Patron, Her Majesty The Queen and also to HRH The Duke of Edinburgh Tel: +44 (0)

15 Celebrating We moved into our newly purpose built workshop in March The building was officially opened by Dame Tanni Grey- Thompson in September Our first patented Leg Impact Protection System was introduced, addressing secondary safety concerns. The hand control also saw its first major upgrade with the use of axial roller bearings in the main pivot point to produce a smooth operation and eliminate unwanted free-play We were invited to celebrate Motability s 40 th Anniversary with Her Majesty The Queen at Windsor Castle. We held a series of refresher training seminars around the UK for all our installers. Celebrating years of Driving Excellence Our pioneering patented Leg Impact Protection system was completely redesigned. The new slimmer protective guard is designed to protect the driver whilst maintaining aesthetics. The Company is now the largest volume supplier of driving adaptations to the Motability fleet, offering independent motoring to thousands of drivers. Over the past 30 years our commitment to making the best driving adaptations has remained the same. We are dedicated to giving you a safe and enjoyable driving experience. Tel: +44 (0)

16 Exceptional Customer Service A commitment to manufacturing to the highest standard combined with dedication to providing exceptional customer service. Motability Operation s testimonial on presentation of one of our adaptations partner awards. From raw steel,...we manufacture,...design, assemble...and check every adaptation...before it is installed or despatched to our national network of installers. National Dealer Network of Installers Tel: We offer a free mobile installation service within a 60 mile radius of our base in Stockport, Greater Manchester. Jeff Gosling Hand Controls Ltd Installers We have a network of over 70 companies with fully trained installers covering the whole of the UK. We guarantee same day despatch for adaptation orders received by 1:00pm. offering the best possible service through our UK installer network. For information on your local installer: Contact us on Tel: +44 (0)

17 The Association of Disability Driving Instructors The Association of Disability Driving Instructors is an independent, not for profit Community Interest Company. They provide a one stop shop to help disabled people get impartial advice about how to start to learn to drive, how to return to driving after an accident or illness and how to keep driving safely. They have a register of specialist driving instructors who have adapted vehicles and can offer driving lessons and familiarisation training using a variety of driving adaptations. To find out where your local Disability Driving Instructor is and more about the Association visit The Forum of Mobility Centres The Forum of Mobility Centres is a network of 17 independent organisations covering England, Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland, who offer professional, high quality information, advice and assessment to individuals who have a medical condition or are recovering from an accident or injury which may affect their ability to drive, access or egress a motor vehicle. All centres offer advice and assessment to people who wish to begin, or return to driving following an illness, injury or accident. They also offer advice with regard to getting in and out of a vehicle and with regard to loading and transporting a wheelchair or a scooter in a motor vehicle. Some centres also offer assessment and advice with regard to wheelchair or scooter selection. Although independent, the centres are recognised by other mobility organisations including Motability and the Driver and Vehicle Licensing Agency (DVLA). To find out where your local centre is and what services they offer visit Experience Jeff Gosling adaptations at one of these events Each year Motability hold a series of summer events throughout the UK where you can test drive vehicles and try Jeff Gosling s adaptations. All the events are in accessible locations with free parking. There are a huge range of cars, scooters, adaptations and wheelchair accessible vehicles on display and they are totally free! Free test drives - book on the day Visit our stand to discuss your individual adaptation requirements For more information visit the mobility website Tel: +44 (0)

18 Funding your vehicle and adaptations... The Car and Scooter Scheme About the Scheme The Motability Scheme enables people with a disability to become mobile by exchanging the mobility allowance to lease a new car, scooter or powered wheelchair. Who can join? To be eligible to join the Motability Scheme, you need to receive one of the following mobility allowances and you must have at least 12 months award length remaining. Higher Rate Mobility Component of Disability Living Allowance Enhanced Rate Mobility Component of Personal Independence Payment War Pensioners Mobility Supplement Armed Forces Independence Payment Why join? Motability offer an all-inclusive leasing package. They arrange insurance, breakdown assistance, servicing and maintenance which are all included in the price you pay. You just pay for your fuel. All Jeff Gosling driving adaptations are available at cost to Motability customers. Access to Work Grants If your health or disability affects the way you do your job, Access to Work can help with extra costs which may arise because of your needs. An Access to Work grant can pay for special equipment, adaptations, support worker services or help getting to and from work. The money doesn t have to be paid back and won t affect your other benefits. You may be able to get financial help from Access to Work if you are: In a paid job Unemployed & about to start work Self employed To find out more about Access to Work grants visit Tel: +44 (0)

19 VAT exempt vehicles Some people with disabilities are eligible to purchase an adapted vehicle with zero-rated VAT. There is a limit of one VAT exempt vehicle purchase for an eligible individual every 3 years. Who is eligible to purchase a VAT exempt vehicle? A disabled wheelchair user or an individual purchasing a vehicle on behalf of a disable wheelchair user. What is meant by adapted for a disabled wheelchair user? A vehicle is adapted for a disabled wheelchair user if it is substantially and permanently adapted to meet the specific needs of that person s disability and the adaptation is necessary and: allows the disabled person to travel in the vehicle. allows the disabled person to leave the vehicle. allows the disabled person to drive the vehicle. For example a Jeff Gosling hand control is a qualifying adaptation. For more information on VAT exempt vehicles call us on Financial support from charities You may be able to approach a national or local charity to help with payment for adaptations. Details for national and local charities can be found in local telephone directories or through the internet. You can now purchase some of our products online for self-install. Visit our online shop. http: /store.jeffgosling.co.uk/ Tel: +44 (0)

20 Tel: +44 (0) Enquiries: /JeffGoslingHC /JGHCLtd jeffgoslinghandcontrols Driving Excellence Copyright to Jeff Gosling Hand Controls Ltd. 2018