See all Motoring AdviceIf you or the person that you care for are disabled, then access to a car or wheelchair accessible vehicle (WAV) is a great way to be able to get out and about while maintaining your independence. Fortunately, there are ways to make this happen, from choosing the right car for your needs to picking a model with specially adapted controls, while there are government schemes available that promote greater independence for people with disabilities.
One example of this comes in the shape of tax relief. The Disabled Drivers and Disabled Passengers Scheme offers qualifying applicants the ability to claim back a car's vehicle registration tax (VRT), as well as VAT on the purchase price and the cost of adapting a vehicle. In addition, you can apply for an exemption for motor tax, while applying for the Disability Toll Exemption Scheme allows you to use Ireland's toll roads without charge. There's also the Fuel Grant, which allows you to claim costs back on any fuel you use during the year.
To qualify for the Disabled Drivers and Disabled Passengers Scheme, you must have a valid Primary Medical Certificate.
Another benefit that's on offer is the Disabled Person's Parking Card. It's part of the European Parking Card scheme, so not only is a permit valid for two years to use at disabled bays across Ireland, but it can also be used in other EU member states, too. The permit currently costs €35 and can be applied for via the Irish Wheelchair Association (IWA) or the Disabled Drivers Association of Ireland (DDAI).
With these benefits considered, what cars are available? Depending on your level of disability, it could be possible that a standard car with specially adapted controls would be all you need to get mobile. You could try and make your own controls using kits available online, but it's probably best to leave that to a professional. The DDAI and IWA will have lists of recommended companies that will be able to offer hand controls and other adaptations that will also come with guarantees.
These controls will include assistance items that can help you get in and out of a car, while the primary controls (steering wheel, gear lever and pedals) can be upgraded with kit such as tiller steering controls, push-button gearchanges or even a four-way joystick for steering, accelerating and braking.
For more severe disabilities, then a WAV will be the answer. These will usually be based on van-derived MPVs - vehicles such as the Ford Tourneo Connect or Tourneo Custom, the Citroen Berlingo, Mercedes Vito or Renault Trafic or Kangoo. Some SUVs can also be converted, although there won't be as much useful space on offer in these. WAVs can be adapted to include access ramps for wheelchairs, while cranes are available to help load and unload wheelchairs and mobility scooters, too.
With so many options available, there are many ways to get out and about and not be hampered by a disability.