REHA-SLIDE Assist: wheelchair-to-car-transfer made easy

Mobility is a vital component of self-determination. Wheelchair users who drive their own vehicles have to transfer from their wheelchairs into the driver's seat. This can be a challenge, especially for new wheelchair users. The REHA-SLIDE is an assist device that helps them practice this transition skill.

In this REHACARE.com interview, Jochen Rieß talks about REHA-SLIDE, explains who it is best suited for, and describes how the device improves motivation and boosts the self-esteem of people with mobility impairments who want to drive a car again.

Mr. Rieß, what is the REHA-SLIDE device?

Jochen Rieß: The REHA-SLIDE device allows people with mobility impairments to safely practice transfers from the wheelchair to the car with professional guidance. Users include people with hemiparesis, paraplegia, amputations or those suffering from neurological conditions such as multiple sclerosis (MS) or muscular dystrophy.

The REHA-SLIDE is a car training device that features a rotatable and pivoting slide board, and a steering wheel that is adjustable in height and length. As with a standard car, the doors of the REHA-SLIDE apparatus can be opened from the side and replicate a standard opening angle. The robust steel frame matches the height of a midsize car and has the corresponding head room and leg room measurements and seat height. Right now, there is no other device like it on the market.

Is the device meant to be used in driving schools or healthcare facilities?

Rieß: We aim to assist healthcare facilities and rehabilitation centers. Healthcare facilities often have a training vehicle that is typically located outside or in an underground parking garage, which does not deliver supportive training conditions. Quite often, the car is also sectioned and no longer suited for flexible use. Meanwhile, healthcare facilities can set up the REHA-SLIDE in a gym or take it straight into a patient room.

Newly affected patients, who are paraplegic as a result of an accident often think they will never get into a car and drive again. Yet this is a crucial factor that supports their mobility, independence, and the return to work. The device improves motivation and boosts their self-esteem, especially once they realize that it allows them to practice car transfers and that they can be successful.

You also offer the REHA-SLIDE with different features such as hand controls. Why?

Rieß: When therapists use the REHA-SLIDE to practice car transfers, they can show patients the different available options and how to use them. This might give the patient an idea on how he can operate a car without legs, for example. In this case, patients might need hand controls to operate both gas and brakes, a left foot gas accelerator pedal or multi-function spinner knobs to operate turn signals, windshield wipers, and honk the horn. These features also motivate and mentally prepare the patient to drive a car again.

Healthcare facilities decide what equipment and special features they need. For example, some facilities only practice front passenger scenarios. In this case, we mount a slide board on the car’s passenger side or we install different orthopedic seats.

What feedback do you receive?

Rieß: Every day, customers make car transfers to and from a wheelchair in our showroom. They are excited that they can practice right here and see how it works. Everyone comes from different backgrounds. Some have never practiced transfers before, some are scared to do so, while others can already transfer independently. And for some, the first time they are confronted with this issue is when they convert their car. It is a great starting point if users practice this skill early in rehabilitation with the help of professionals.

You also have to remember that there are different types of wheelchairs. If users can transfer from their wheelchair to the REHA-SLIDE apparatus, it is highly likely that they can successfully transfer to their own car.

Are you planning to design other training equipment or auxiliary driving aids in the future?

Rieß: We continuously develop customizations because all of our customers are unique and have special needs. After all, a disease like MS, for example, has different patterns of progression that require personalized adjustments. We recently built a custom gas cap opener for a customer who no longer had hand grip strength due to genetic factors. Our device allows him to effortlessly open and close the gas cap again. This is just one example of how our client’s needs and wants are continuously reflected in our work.