About Us
Hand controls inspired by racing, family-owned and operated since 1982
DADC was born in 1982 when Roger Perry wiped out on his motorcycle. The love of racing was on Roger’s face that day when he entered the tight right-hand turn at Rockingham Motor Speedway in North Carolina. Then he hit a small patch of oil. His bike slid out from under him, sending him face down 80 miles an hour across the pavement. Unfortunately, another rider was trailing him. Roger was snatched up under his motorcycle, shattering his spine and taking away the use of his legs.
After a year of extensive surgeries, Roger emerged from his body cast ready for occupational therapy. This included lessons on how to drive using hand controls. However, he felt the controls offered in the training vehicle were clunky, difficult to operate and distracting from the task at hand, driving. At the time of Roger’s injury, his father William was nearing retirement from Sperry UNIVAC, now UNISYS, as a manager of large computer systems development. His son’s frustration his wheels turning. He was an engineer and in his younger days, a tool and die maker and draftsman. A car enthusiast, he had also restored four Mercedes Benz in his spare time. He knew there had to be a better way for his son to regain his independence on the road. Together, they built a better hand control, one that was designed to withstand the rigors of the racetrack not only the road. The result was the patented power-assisted Twist grip hand control and the birth of Driving Aids Development Corporation (DADC). |
Why drivers choose DADC? "This is my 6th set of DADC hand controls. I've worn cars out and never had an issue with the hand controls. I now understand why these are the only hand controls I'll ever own - they were born from racing genes!" - Steve Brown |
Family-OwnedIn 1997, our founder William Perry passed, handing the DADC reins to his son Lee Perry. Since taking the reins, Lee has expanded the DADC family of hand controls to meet the needs of a wider range of clients and improved the system to keep pace with advancements in the automotive industry.
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CommunityA longtime member of the mobility industry, DADC owner, Lee Perry, sat on the board that first created the standards for hand controls. Today, an original set of DADC hand controls is part of the Smithsonian collection, honoring the Americans with Disabilities Act’s 25th anniversary.
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NewsStay up to date with DADC products and services and client activities with our quarterly "DADC Was Here" Newsletter. Each fall, winter, spring and summer, the newsletter is delivered to your email box and available online.
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AdventureDADC is restoring a 1952 Hudson Hornet convertible, adapting it for drivers with a multitude of disabilities, and putting people behind the wheel for an experience that can touch lives on many levels.
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Reclaim your right to independence on the road today. Contact DADC at (703) 938-6435, or [email protected]
Give the gift of adventure this holiday season - Support the Hudson Hornet Mobility Adventure!
Every purchase of these clever Hudson Hornet crayons, mugs, t-shirts, and more go to the restoration and "arrive and drive" events.
Shop Today!
Give the gift of adventure this holiday season - Support the Hudson Hornet Mobility Adventure!
Every purchase of these clever Hudson Hornet crayons, mugs, t-shirts, and more go to the restoration and "arrive and drive" events.
Shop Today!