Of all means of transportation, the car probably brings people with disabilities the greatest freedom and flexibility. More and more car manufacturers no longer see themselves as carmakers alone, but as service providers for mobility. Older people and people with disabilities count as a relevant customer group for whom solutions are sought: VW, for example, sells 25,000 cars a year to people with disabilities alone. And Toyota is now developing not only cars, but also e-scooters and e-wheelchair systems. Most car suppliers also grant manufacturer discounts to people with disabilities – and in addition, government subsidies of up to 9500 euros are possible under certain conditions.
Special designs
For wheelchair users, there are sophisticated concepts for getting in and out of the car and for stowing the wheelchair. But even for people with physical impairments who do not use a wheelchair, the limitations can be far-reaching. For example, patients with back problems, hip or knee arthrosis may find getting into the wheelchair particularly difficult. For these people, aids for getting in and off the car have been developed: seats that swivel and pivot out of the door make it easier to use the car every day. Hand controls are particularly helpful for people with foot problems such as osteoarthritis, sensory disorders such as diabetes-related neuropathies, or leg weakness caused by herniated discs. If steering the wheel is made difficult by osteoarthritis or rheumatism of the hands, elbows or shoulders, special ergonomic conversions or pedal adaptations are possible, and remote controls and orthopedic seats are also available.
Software and driving safety
The digital transformation has also reached car companies: driving is becoming a “user experience.” Digital driving assistance offers many advantages, especially for people with disabilities: lane-keeping systems, distance control, speed controls and other features that increase safety are available as standard. All functions can be controlled by voice selection, and virtual reality helps to reach the destination safely. Assisted driving can provide excellent support for people with walking disabilities as well as potentially for people with heart, nerve or metabolic conditions. Currently in development is autonomous driving to prevent accidents: If the person behind the wheel is not feeling well, the car can intervene and ensure driving safety. Globally, it is estimated that up to $1.3 billion could be saved by preventing accidents. Digital driving aids can save another $19 billion in healthcare costs. Thus, driving comfort and safety for people with disabilities will blend into each other in the long term.
In summary, more and more technical possibilities are making driving easier for people with disabilities and enabling greater autonomy. Digital driving assistance makes a fundamental contribution to driving comfort.
Bildquelle: Tourning Autoseats by Bruno