Where the use of alternative or unmodified transport is not a viable option, a person may be able to get:

i. modifications to their own or a family vehicle, and/or

ii. equipment to be used in and/or around the vehicle.

 Alternative transport means:

• Public transport
• Mobility taxi
• Being a passenger in a private vehicle.

Not a viable option includes:

• No access to regular and reliable transport (e.g. person doing shift work, person lives with others who cannot assist with transport)
• No available physically accessible or safe transport.

Such equipment or modifications must be considered as a long-term solution that is essential to enable the person to be able to drive independently or travel safely, including transferring in/out of the vehicle and transporting mobility equipment.

 The maximum level of funding available for vehicle modifications is $11,900 (inc. GST). Subsequent funding will generally only be considered after a period of six years.

 The following costs will be included in the maximum funding contribution:

• modifications to the vehicle
• certification of the modifications
• equipment to be used in the vehicle or to support a person get in/out of the vehicle safely.

The funding for equipment and/or modifications to vehicles is considered separately from funding for purchase of a vehicle.

 Equipment to transport a wheelchair on a vehicle that is not a permanent fixture on the vehicle may be considered when it is provided to support a person with their general independent mobility or to support the main carer of a dependent person.

E.G. A rooftop hoist or wheelchair carrier.

CRITERIA FOR DISABLED DRIVERS

 Funding for vehicle modifications and/or equipment will be considered where it has been identified as being essential for the person to do one of the following:

i. Get to/from or undertake their full time employment.

ii. Get to and from tertiary education or vocational training.

 E.G. Modifications to enable safe and independent driving include:

• Hand controls
• Extended foot controls
• Transferring equipment
• Platform hoist.

iii. Undertake their role as the main carer of a dependent child or children.

E.G. Equipment to enable safe and independent travel and/or transferring include:

• Portable hoist or ramp

The person must require modifications to the vehicle and/or equipment for the vehicle in order for them to undertake their work, study, or main carer activities (as above), and either:

i. be the vehicle owner (or intending to purchase a vehicle), and be the intended driver of the vehicle, and have a minimum of a learner's licence to drive a vehicle, or

ii. be an employee of an organisation which has provided a vehicle for their use, or

iii. be unable to drive because of their disability but need to travel in the vehicle as a passenger. The person requires a modified vehicle in order to undertake their work or tertiary study requirements, but intends to be a passenger in the vehicle and has someone who is able to drive the vehicle for them.

 CRITERIA FOR DISABLED PASSENGERS

 Funding for vehicle modifications and/or equipment will be considered for disabled children 15 years of age and under where it has been identified that the modifications are essential to enable the child to:

i. get in and out of a vehicle safely, and/or

ii. travel in a vehicle safely.

 E.G. Modifications to support a child in safe travel and/or transferring include:

• Platform hoists
• Wheelchair tie-downs.

E.G. Equipment to support safe travel and/or transferring includes:

• Portable hoists
• Swivel seats
• Wheelchair carriers or roof-top hoists.

The applicant must be either:

i. A family or whanau member applying for vehicle modifications or equipment on behalf of a child 15 years of age or under who is living with them full-time and being cared for by the applicant in a family setting that is anticipate to be long-term (i,e. minimum of 2 to 3 years).

ii. A foster family member applying for vehicle modifications or equipment on behalf a child 15 years of age or under who is living with them full-time and being cared for by the applicant in a family setting that is anticipated to be long-term (i.e. minimum of 2 to 3 years).

Where a child is living regularly in a shared cared arrangement, modifications to one vehicle only will be considered.

GENERAL INFORMATION

• The maximum funding contribution for vehicle modifications is $11,900 incl. GST.
• Applications for vehicle modifications or equipment are not subject to income and asset testing.
• If the person's needs change and further modifications are required to the vehicle, applications will be considered on a case-by-case basis, generally after six years.
• Modifications to vehicles will only be considered for funding when it is confirmed that it is economically viable to modify the vehicle. Confirmation of this may be required from the Specialised Assessor or the vehicle modifier.

The Lottery Grants Board may be able to assist with funding for purchase of a vehicle in some circumstances.

Contact:
Phone: 0800 824 824
Email: grantsonline@dia.govt.nz.

REPAIRS AND MAINTENANCE

Instructions on the use and maintenance of the vehicle modifications and equipment should be given to the vehicle owner by the Specialised Assessor and/or the vehicle modifier.

Modifications to Vehicles:

All repairs and maintenance of vehicle modifications are the responsibility of the vehicle owner.

Equipment:

All repair costs for equipment used in and/or around the vehicle will be covered by Ministry of Health funding except where:

• The equipment remains within the warranty period. In such cases, Accessable or Enable New Zealand will contact the supplier to arrange the necessary repairs.
• The repairs are required as a result of damage to equipment and/or its components caused by careless or inappropriate use. In such cases, the costs of repairs will be the responsibility of the vehicle owner.

Repairs to equipment are carried out during normal business hours. The person should discuss with the Specialised Assessor and decide on an emergency plan to cover equipment breakdowns which may happen after hours, at the weekend, or on a Public Holiday.

INSURANCE

The person is encouraged to insure high cost equipment items or vehicle modifications (such as a platform hoist), in order to cover damage, loss or theft of items.

REPLACEMENT OF EQUIPMENT

If the equipment for use in and around the vehicle is found to be Beyond Economic Repair, Accessable or Enable New Zealand may arrange a "like-for-like" replacement. If like-for-like replacement is not appropriate or available, the person will need to seek a reassessment by a Specialised Assessor.

Like-for-like means items that are the same make, model and size.

RETURN OF EQUIPMENT

The person's needs may change as a result of growth, deterioration, or other circumstances. This means that an assessment with a Specialised Assessor will be required and this may result in a new application for different equipment and/or modifications.

Equipment items that are no longer needed by the person should be returned to Accessable or Enable New Zealand. Items that are suitable to be reissued to another person with a disability will be refurbished by Accessable or Enable New Zealand.

VEHICLE MODIFICATIONS AND EQUIPMENT NOT COVERED BY MINISTRY OF HEALTH FUNDING:

The purchase of a vehicle (unless the person is eligible for funding under Vehicle Purchase criteria).

• Vehicle modifications for people 16 years and over (unless the person is eligible for funding under Vehicle Modifications & Equipment criteria as the driver of the vehicle).
• Insurance costs of any modifications to the vehicle.
• Modifications to vehicles owned by residential care providers.
• Modifications to vehicles where it is not considered economically viable to proceed with modifications.