Many people without individual limbs doubt their independent mobility. To answer all questions related to this topic, F. Sodermanns Automobile GmbH is available for people with limited mobility, thanks to its now more than 26 years of experience in the field of vehicle conversion.
The latest technology combined with expertise makes many things possible. Starting with automatic door opening, various entry aids, voice control, Space Drive System, steering aids and much more. Specially qualified driving schools are located at a total of eight sites throughout North Rhine-Westphalia. Some people compensate for the absence of body parts or limbs by wearing a special prosthesis. Driving a car is of course also possible with a prosthesis.
An important prerequisite here is that the residual limb has healed completely and very well and that the prosthesis fits optimally and perfectly. In addition, the reaction time and the force that can be implemented with the prosthesis must be sufficient. F. Sodermanns Automobile GmbH has taken a big step forward in driving with prostheses and orthoses thanks to its collaboration with rahm Zentrum für Gesundheit GmbH. Using 3D scanning, an exact image of the residual limb is created and transferred directly to the computer. With this data, the 3D printer creates an individual prosthesis or orthosis that is almost 100% accurate. In this way, the prosthesis and orthosis can be combined with the driving aids, enabling a firm and secure connection that is approved by the TÜV. In this case, an orthosis is attached to a Space Drive accelerator-brake slider, which is used to operate the accelerator and brake without muscle power. Every prosthesis and every orthosis, every stump and every vehicle conversion is different. Such solutions are always custom-made and have to be worked out together with customers.
The unique needs assessment is also precisely tailored to people without individual limbs or with prostheses. The certified needs assessment, conducted at the time of the independent driving consultation, includes the following, among many other items:
- Motion analysis
- Force measurement
- Reaction test
- Operation of turn signal, horn, light or sun visor
- How do drivers get behind the wheel?
- Is independent transfer possible?
- Is a vehicle necessary for wheelchair access?
- How can the engine be started?
- How can passengers fasten their seat belts?
- Are the legal requirements for operating the steering and brakes achieved or is muscle power to be supported by electronic or digital controls? With electronic input devices, just a few grams of one's own muscle power are sufficient for safe braking or steering.
Own possibilities, interests and needs are the basis here. Already during the first meeting of the needs assessment, one of the ten driving school vehicles is adapted to the drivers. This means that already during the very first appointment it is possible to drive a car independently – in more than 95% of the cases. The case that no independent transfer is possible, that means the transfer from the wheelchair to the driver's seat, and customers also do not have a suitable wheelchair with which they can drive directly behind the steering wheel, is not a problem. In this case, the company provides an appropriate wheelchair. In general, an important part of the needs analysis is a test drive that customers carry out themselves – so that it is clear beforehand that independent driving with the vehicle conversion will work.
The prerequisite for independent driving without individual limbs is an approving medical certificate or expert opinion from a neurologist with additional traffic medicine qualifications, recognized by the personal driver's license office. This should show that, from a medical point of view, there is no objection to driving a car independently, with an appropriately modified vehicle, as well as a successful driving aptitude test. In addition, a positive examination of the ophthalmologist-eye test is required for driving.
The F. Sodermanns Automobile GmbH has wheelchairs with approval as driver's seats, converted driving school vehicles and its own traffic training area. In addition, they offer, among other things, various loading systems for transporting aids, various steering aids, for example foot steering, individually adapted operating devices, buckling and unbuckling aids and much more.
Many customers, with very different modifications, have successfully passed their driving test or passed a driving test without individual limbs, with or without prostheses. The vehicles range from a small car with a wheelchair loading system to a minibus in which the wheelchair can be driven directly behind the steering wheel if required. With the help of partner driving schools, converted driving school vehicles, medical expertise and experience from over 25 years, F. Sodermanns Automobile GmbH gives its customers a piece of freedom and independence.
REHACARE.com; Source: F. Sodermanns Automobile GmbH
