Disability Vehicle Modification Resources for Melbourne Drivers

We understand that modifying your vehicle can be a costly process. There is funding available to physically disadvantaged citizens from a number of bodies throughout Victoria and Australia.

Explore the following resources to find out more.

Resources

Check if you are eligible for funding from:

• Check NDIS Website for funding information:  https://www.ndis.gov.au/
• Subsidy Scheme (VMSS). The VMSS is part of the Victorian Aids & Equipment Program & is funded by the Victorian Department of Human Services. Eligible drivers/passengers with permanent disabilities living in Victoria may receive a subsidy of up to $10,000 (over a seven year period) for the cost of certain modifications. The VMSS website has detailed information:  http://swep.bhs.org.au/vmss
• The Transport Accident Commission (TAC) will pay for treatment & benefits for people injured in transport accidents.
• Other insurers if you have a compensable injury (e.g.: worker’s compensation)
• Employment Assistance Fund (a Commonwealth Government scheme which funds some work related expenses, including vehicle modifications). Further information is available from: http://jobaccess.gov.au
• Department of Veterans Affairs Rehabilitation Appliances Program which funds vehicle modifications for eligible veterans. See link: http://www.dva.gov.au/service_providers/rap

Who is eligible?

A vehicle modification subsidy is now available for Victorian residents with a permanent or long term disability who meet the eligibility criteria of the Aids & Equipment Program (A & EP)

The subsidy will assist:

• People requiring vehicle modifications to drive their primary vehicle due to their disability
• People with a disability requiring modifications to travel as passengers in their primary vehicle.

For more information and advice:

• Occupational Therapists – speak to an occupational therapist at your local health centre or hospital or ask your doctor to refer you to one. OT – Australia: Victoria can provide information on how to find an OT generalist or driver assessor.
• RACV – advice on vehicle choice, car running costs. www.racv.com.au
• Vic Roads – medical review, licensing, registration of vehicles with modifications, child seating & restraints. www.vicroads.vic.gov.au
• VMSS – funding scheme details, application forms, general advice: http://swepbhs.org.au/vmss

• Disabled Motorists Association– general advice about modifying vehicles, what the process entails, referral to driver assessment & retraining services, hire/purchase of wheelchair accessible vehicles, phone 03 9386 0413
• TAC – for people injured in traffic accidents there is information on eligibility for compensation, application forms & vehicle modifications: www.tac.vic.gov.au
• Support/advocacy groups for people with disabilities – e.g.: AQA www.aqavic.org.au
• NDIS -Frank’s Engineering P/L is an approved & registered provider for NDIS Australia.

Visit website for more information

http://www.yooralla.com.au/ 

Your Rights and Responsibilities as a Driver

Vic Roads has different licensing provisions that permit individuals with disabilities to be independent drivers. This may include requirements pertaining to the driver (e.g: prosthesis must be worn) or the car (e.g: must have certain modifications). All drivers in Australia have a legal obligation to advise their state licensing authority of any long – term or permanent medical condition or disability that might impact upon their driving abilities. Failing to report may mean driving illegally – car insurance could be affected & drivers risk fines or prosecutions.