377 Vehicle Modifications and Adaptations

Health and Safety

Vehicle Modifications and Adaptations

Vehicle adaptations are devices, controls, or services which enable participants to increase their independence, enable them to integrate more fully into the community, and to ensure their health and safety. The repair, maintenance, installation, and training in the care and use of these items are included. Vehicle adaptations must be performed by the adaptive equipment manufacturer’s authorized dealer. Repairs to and maintenance of such equipment shall be performed by the manufacturer’s authorized dealer where possible. Vehicle adaptations include, but are not limited to, the following:

1. Door handle replacements;

2. Door widening;

3. Lifting devices;

4. Wheelchair securing devices;

5. Adapted seat devices;

6. Adapted steering, acceleration, signaling, and braking devices; and

7. Handrails and grab bars

Adaptations to vehicles shall be included if, on an individual basis, the cost effectiveness of vehicle adaptations, relative to alternative transportation services, is established. Adaptations to vehicles are limited to vehicles owned by the recipient, or the recipient’s family and do not include the purchase of the vehicle itself. The recipient’s family includes the recipient’s biological parents, adoptive parents, stepparents, siblings, children, spouse, domestic partner (in those jurisdictions in which domestic partners are legally recognized), or a person who is a legal representative of the recipient. Vehicle adaptations will only be provided when they are documented in the individual plan of care and when there is a written assessment by a licensed Physical Therapist or a registered Occupational Therapist. The vehicle may be owned by the participant or a family member with whom he or she lives or has consistent and ongoing contact, who provides primary long-term support to the participant, and who is not a paid provider of such services.

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