HAND CONTROLS ON RENTAL CARS
Part of traveling often includes the need for reliable transportation at the destination. For many of us this means renting a car. For people who need hand controls this may be problematic. Questions arise as to who has cars with hand controls, is there a guarantee that the appropriate vehicle will be there for the renter and how does this relate to the ADA of 1990.
One way to look into this is to call the rental companies directly and/or check for information on the companies’ web site. In reviewing this information for one of our consumers most if not all of the major care rental companies provide hand-controls for customers. These include but are not limited to National, Advantage, Alamo, Hertz and Avis. The cars have to be reserved ahead of time with a specific request for hand controls. Some of these companies also have accessible vans for rent as well as accessible transportation to get the customer to the rental area.
Recently legal action was taken against Avis for not providing adequate compliance with the ADA. The complaints came from consumer letters. The complaint was taken to the higher courts for a decision. In the July 6, 2007 edition of the New York Times it was announced that Avis agreed to “…install more hand control for the disabled in its cars…”
“Attorney General Janet Reno said the agreement was part of a broad effort to improve compliance with the Americans With Disabilities Act of 1990, which requires companies serving the public to allow access to disabled people.”
Other companies are also being investigated by the Justice Department with the exception of Hertz because “it has been found to be in compliance with the disability act.”
Hand controls have been available for at least 25 years. They are easy to use and many can be installed within less than 30 minutes. They do not interfere with driving for able-bodied renters.
Another way to assure hand-controls are available is for the renter to buy a set for themselves. Inform the rental agency that you will be doing this so they can make arrangements for the installation into the rental car. The device should be hand carried onto a plane so as to minimize the risk of loosing them in baggage. Notify security what is being carried and that this is part of your mobility equipment and should be allowed on the plane with you in accordance with current regulations. Security may need to hand search the equipment so travelers should be certain to get to the airport very early to allow extra time. Remember that securitylevels can change depending upon the situation.
ROSLYN M.GLEESON RN, BC, MSN
July 6, 2007