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Orthotic Driving Controls – AEVIT™ by EMC

When a Standard Driving Control Isn't the Right Fit

A joystick, lever, or steering device still requires the driver to maintain a certain position and interact with the control consistently.

For some drivers, the challenge isn’t operating the high-tech driving system itself. It’s maintaining the grip, hand position, wrist position, or arm support needed to use a standard control interface.

That’s where orthotic driving controls can help.

Orthotic controls provide additional support or a specialized interface between the driver and the adaptive driving equipment, allowing the control to better accommodate the driver’s available movement and strength.

What Is an Orthotic Driving Control?

An orthotic driving control is a specialized device designed to help a driver maintain appropriate contact with and control of adaptive driving equipment.

Depending on the driver’s needs, an orthotic control may provide:

  • Hand or wrist support
  • Additional stability while operating a control
  • Assistance maintaining hand position
  • An alternative gripping surface
  • Support for limited hand or finger movement
  • A different way to interact with a joystick or other driving control

The purpose isn’t to change what the driving system does. It changes how the driver interacts with the system.

More Than Grip Strength

Orthotic controls aren’t only about whether someone can grip a joystick.

A driver may have enough movement to operate a control but have difficulty maintaining the same hand or wrist position for an extended period. Another driver may need additional support to make small, controlled movements consistently.

That’s why the shape, position, support, and movement of the interface can matter.

The appropriate solution depends on how the individual driver interacts with the control, not simply how much strength they have.

Designed to Work With the Driving Controls

Orthotic controls can be incorporated into a larger adaptive driving setup rather than functioning as a completely separate driving system.

For example, an orthotic interface may help the driver operate a joystick or another primary driving control by providing the support or positioning necessary to use that control consistently.

This allows the underlying adaptive driving equipment to perform its intended function while giving the driver a more appropriate way to interact with it.

Fit & Positioning Matter

With orthotic controls, small differences can have a significant effect.

The angle of the hand, position of the wrist, location of the control, amount of support provided, and movement required to activate it can all affect how comfortably and consistently a driver can use the equipment.

That’s why an orthotic control isn’t simply selected based on appearance or preference. The interface needs to work with the driver’s movement and the other adaptive equipment in the vehicle.

Orthotic Controls May Need Fine-Tuning

An orthotic interface may need adjustments as the driver begins using it during training.

Something that appears appropriately positioned while the vehicle is stationary may feel different after the driver has spent time steering, accelerating, braking, and maneuvering the vehicle.

If training identifies a problem with positioning or interaction with the equipment, the setup can be evaluated to determine whether an adjustment is appropriate.

The goal is consistent control, not simply making the equipment fit once.

FAQs

Frequently Asked Questions

A joystick is the driving control itself. An orthotic device can provide additional support, positioning, or an alternative interface that helps the driver operate that control.

Depending on the equipment, the orthotic component may work together with a joystick or another adaptive driving control.

Not necessarily.

A driver might have movement in the hand or arm but need additional positioning or support to operate a control consistently. The need for an orthotic interface depends on how the driver interacts with the equipment.

Orthotic controls can be selected, adapted, positioned, or configured based on the individual driver's needs and the adaptive equipment being used.

The amount of customization depends on the specific equipment and application.

Depending on the equipment, adjustments to positioning, support, or configuration may be possible.

This can be particularly important during driver training, when the driver and CDRS can evaluate how the control performs during actual vehicle operation.

If there's a meaningful change in your ability to operate your driving controls, the equipment should be reevaluated rather than simply continuing to use a setup that is no longer appropriate.

A CDRS can evaluate the change, and R & R Mobility can determine what equipment adjustments or modifications may be appropriate based on those recommendations.

Talk With R & R Mobility

Sometimes the difference isn’t the driving system itself—it’s how the driver needs to interact with the controls.

R & R Mobility can help provide the specialized equipment, positioning, and adjustments needed to make the recommended adaptive driving controls work appropriately for the individual driver.

Schedule a Consultation