A $75,000 grant from the Craig H. Neilsen Foundation has enabled the Helen Hayes Hospital Foundation to purchase an Adapted Driving Evaluation Van.

This van, for the Helen Hayes Hospital Adapted Driving Program, will allow the hospital’s occupational therapists to provide driving evaluations and adapted equipment training to patients whose orthopedic or neurological conditions may affect their ability to drive, explains a media release from Helen Hayes Hospital.

The van is equipped with a power lift and wheelchair lockdown, giving drivers the option of transferring into the driver’s seat or driving while still in their wheelchair. It is also equipped with hand controls, a left foot gas pedal, a standard right directional for single-arm driving, and other evaluation tools.

“Being able to drive once again enables individuals to return to work, school, and other activities, helping them to regain their independence,” says Eileen Szysh, OT, director of Occupational Therapy for the Outpatient Neurology Service, in the release.

Per the release, the Adapted Driving Program serves licensed, medically cleared drivers who have conditions such as spinal cord injuries, stroke, MS, amputations, and other disabilities.

For more information, visit Helen Hayes Hospital.

[Source: Helen Hayes Hospital]