Section 166.4 - Vehicle Modification

Purpose

The Program provides a limited amount of funding for vehicle modifications required for a participant to be transported or for independent transportation to the training or employment site. Funds are available to cover up to 75% of the costs of the vehicle modifications but not the capital cost of the vehicle itself. Modifications must be to the vehicle, which provides the transportation. The following modifications may be considered:

1. hand controls;
2. foot controls;
3. zero effort driving controls;
4. wheelchair lifts and ramps;
5. automatic electric door openers;
6. transfer boards;
7. special tie downs or safety devices;
8. communication devices when required for safety;
9. remote control devices; and
10. steering column modifications.

Applications submitted for vehicle modification must indicate confirmation of other sources of funding before marketAbilities Individualized Training Funds will be committed.

The Program differentiates between vehicles owned by a company, business or by disabled persons themselves as outlined in the following two program policies:

1. Where the individual owns the vehicle and requires the modifications to access training or employment, the marketAbilities Program may contribute up to 75 percent of the cost to a maximum of $30,000.
2. Where a vehicle is owned by a company or by a self-employed individual, the marketAbilities Program may contribute up to 75 percent of the costs to a maximum of $25,000, provided there is a confirmed offer of permanent employment or a viable business plan in cases of self-employment.

Price quotations are required from three suppliers unless there is only one or two known suppliers. All necessary safety standards must be met.

 

Standards

The following standards apply to vehicle modifications:

1. The Service Delivery Support Branch approves funding for vehicle modifications where the:

1. participant requires the vehicle modification to overcome a significant barrier to pursuing training and/or employment;
2. the vehicle modification will eliminate or reduce the barriers within a reasonable time and contribute to the attainment of the vocational goal; and
3. vehicle modification is not available as a benefit of a universal plan or through another program or department.

• Vehicle modifications will only be approved where the participant or employer owns the vehicle.
  
• Since most vehicle modifications are major expenditures, price quotations from three suppliers is required unless there are only one or two known suppliers, to ensure the most economical price for services of equal quality.
  
• Estimates for vehicle modifications must be provided by an experienced supplier and the supplier must provide a written guarantee/warranty for work provided.
  

 

Return to the Table of Contents.