Shopping for a car

 I have driven the same car for 20 years, a 2000 Toyota Corolla.  I got it the year I graduated college.  I haven't driven any other car since because my Corolla is adapted for me with AAE (auto adaptive equipment).  I drive with a left foot accelerator and a steering cuff (pictured).  I've loved my car, but it won't last forever and my children have outgrown the back seat.  It was time to start shopping around.  I wanted either a Nissan Rogue or a Honda CRV.   It needed to have an automatic back hatch that would just open with a push of a button and the very back needed to be deep enough for my walker to fit in.  I ended up purchasing a 2017 Honda CRV.  I found a company in Honolulu, Soderholm Mobility that carries and installs AAE.  They were very helpful and thankfully they had a shop here on Maui that is certified to install adaptive equipment.  I also learned through them that if I had chosen to purchase a brand new vehicle that there is a National Mobility Rebate Program through the car makers (Honda, Ford, Toyota, etc.) for up to $1000 rebate towards adaptations. Also, if I was employed and was using my new vehicle to drive to and from my place of work Department of Vocational Rehabilitation may have been able to help with the cost.  I think DVR covered the cost when I purchased my first set of adaptations back when I was a teenager.  

Soderholm Mobility required proof that I was legally able to drive with these adaptations.  It required a doctor's note and a copy of the notation on the back of my driver's license.  I was originally evaluated for these driving adaptations when I was 16 years old by a rehab center.  They had a car with different adaptations for me to test.  

After driving my Corolla for 20 years it's going to take a little time to get used to the feel of driving a CRV.  I am holding on to my beloved Corolla until I am comfortable driving my CRV.   I'm back to practicing in empty church parking lots.  

picture from old vehicle