Community
Hand control community, mobility of life
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Welcome to the DADC client community, people of all ages living with disability and thriving. With our safe, reliable and comfortable family of hand controls, they have reclaimed their independence on the road and resumed the joy of living. We thank them for their loyalty and support, and their kindness and generosity in sharing their stories with us.
View some of their stories and videos here, and visit our Newsletter to keep up with the community. 
DADC Client Featured in Sports ‘N Spokes Magazine
We are pleased to announce the publication of “A MINI Road Trip” in the January 2015 issue of Sports ‘N Spokes magazine, the bimonthly wheelchair sporting publication produced by the Paralyzed Veterans of America. The article spotlights DADC client Mr. Ishmael Lara and his hand control equipped 2013 MINI Cooper JCW Clubman, the “Phoenix.” |
Why drivers choose DADC? "I have had other hand controls in the past, and hands down; I am a DADC customer for life. I would recommend DADC to anyone looking for a better driving experience. They are responsive and comfortable to drive and attractive in my new car." |
Going Fast at Summit Point Raceway
Racing enthusiast, MINI fanatic and DADC client, Ishmael Lara, hit the race track again last month, going about 120 mph on the straightaway!
"Thanks to Lee and his magic, I now have 120 laps at Summit Point. And the Instructor said I drive very well considering all the stuff I have to be aware of and handle on the track. He was very impressed."
Racing enthusiast, MINI fanatic and DADC client, Ishmael Lara, hit the race track again last month, going about 120 mph on the straightaway!
"Thanks to Lee and his magic, I now have 120 laps at Summit Point. And the Instructor said I drive very well considering all the stuff I have to be aware of and handle on the track. He was very impressed."
Meet the 1932 Ford Victoria
Recently we had the opportunity to go for a ride in a 1932 Ford Victoria “Vicky”, adapted with DADC Twist hand controls, at Jon Schuchart Customs in York, PA. Jon has restored several vehicles with DADC hand controls, and he is supporting our 1952 Hudson Hornet Driving Experience project with his expert guidance and services.
Words cannot describe what a cool experience this was, riding around in a piece of automotive history, governed by one of our hand controls. It is exactly the kind of thrilling experience we aim to provide with the Hudson Hornet Mobility Adventure.
Recently we had the opportunity to go for a ride in a 1932 Ford Victoria “Vicky”, adapted with DADC Twist hand controls, at Jon Schuchart Customs in York, PA. Jon has restored several vehicles with DADC hand controls, and he is supporting our 1952 Hudson Hornet Driving Experience project with his expert guidance and services.
Words cannot describe what a cool experience this was, riding around in a piece of automotive history, governed by one of our hand controls. It is exactly the kind of thrilling experience we aim to provide with the Hudson Hornet Mobility Adventure.
1968 Ford Mustang with DADC on Board
Meet Ross Yocker, sheet metal manufacturer and classic car enthusiast. New to the DADC client community, we recently installed a set of Manual DADC Twist hand controls in his 1968 Ford Mustang.
Meet Ross Yocker, sheet metal manufacturer and classic car enthusiast. New to the DADC client community, we recently installed a set of Manual DADC Twist hand controls in his 1968 Ford Mustang.
A Day to Remember
Growing up with a disability can be lonely and very difficult in an able-bodied world. But when I was a child, my school hosted a disability awareness day, and it made a huge impact on my life. It showed me that despite having Cerebral Palsy, I could live a normal life and achieve my goals. And it showed my able-bodied peers that there was nothing to be afraid of.
As an adult, I still get stares from people who look at me with fear, something I especially notice when attending my children’s after-school events. This reminded me of that day so long ago, and inspired me to educate young people about disabilities.
On December 3, 2015, we hosted the first annual Disability Awareness Day at Crestwood Elementary School in Springfield, Virginia. We presented nine classes to over 700 students, talking about visual impairment, Down’s Syndrome, and Cerebral Palsy. Afterwards, the students drew pictures or wrote about what they had learned.
I have lived with Cerebral Palsy all of my life, walking with forearm crutches. But the students were surprised to learn that I also drive with the assistance of hand controls.
I first learned to drive with traditional push-pull hand controls when I was in college. But during one lesson I got confused and hit the gas instead of the brake and drove up on a curb. I was completely discouraged and gave up driving. As I approached 30, I knew it was time to give driving another try. Mr. Lampshire of Lampshire Driving School introduced me to the DADC Twist hand control and I loved them.
I showed the students how twisting the knob to accelerate, instead of pulling, was so much less fatiguing on my arm. For me, there was no chance of confusing the gas and brake because they have completely different actions. I got my driver’s license at 30 and today I drive with my DADC Twist on my Toyota Camry. The first annual Disability Awareness Day was a big success and is now an annual event. I intend to do more disability awareness events at other local schools and eventually in other states. I’ve asked DADC and Lee Perry to join me to give the kids a hands-on experience with the best hand controls in the world.
- Rachael T. Price, RN, BSN
Pictured are: Mitch Fischler, Heather Trammell, Tiffany Fetzner (also a DADC client), Rachael Price
Growing up with a disability can be lonely and very difficult in an able-bodied world. But when I was a child, my school hosted a disability awareness day, and it made a huge impact on my life. It showed me that despite having Cerebral Palsy, I could live a normal life and achieve my goals. And it showed my able-bodied peers that there was nothing to be afraid of.
As an adult, I still get stares from people who look at me with fear, something I especially notice when attending my children’s after-school events. This reminded me of that day so long ago, and inspired me to educate young people about disabilities.
On December 3, 2015, we hosted the first annual Disability Awareness Day at Crestwood Elementary School in Springfield, Virginia. We presented nine classes to over 700 students, talking about visual impairment, Down’s Syndrome, and Cerebral Palsy. Afterwards, the students drew pictures or wrote about what they had learned.
I have lived with Cerebral Palsy all of my life, walking with forearm crutches. But the students were surprised to learn that I also drive with the assistance of hand controls.
I first learned to drive with traditional push-pull hand controls when I was in college. But during one lesson I got confused and hit the gas instead of the brake and drove up on a curb. I was completely discouraged and gave up driving. As I approached 30, I knew it was time to give driving another try. Mr. Lampshire of Lampshire Driving School introduced me to the DADC Twist hand control and I loved them.
I showed the students how twisting the knob to accelerate, instead of pulling, was so much less fatiguing on my arm. For me, there was no chance of confusing the gas and brake because they have completely different actions. I got my driver’s license at 30 and today I drive with my DADC Twist on my Toyota Camry. The first annual Disability Awareness Day was a big success and is now an annual event. I intend to do more disability awareness events at other local schools and eventually in other states. I’ve asked DADC and Lee Perry to join me to give the kids a hands-on experience with the best hand controls in the world.
- Rachael T. Price, RN, BSN
Pictured are: Mitch Fischler, Heather Trammell, Tiffany Fetzner (also a DADC client), Rachael Price
One Hand...And an Attitude
A DADC client since 2009, Paul Berger has been inspiring people and their families since recovering from his stroke at the young age of 36. Drawing on his weekly journal, Paul and his wife Stephanie Mensh, co-authored the book How to Conquer the World With One Hand...And an Attitude.
In 1998, Paul and Stephanie founded Positive Power Publishing to prove that a stroke survivor with aphasia, hemiplegia, and a positive attitude can conquer the world. In 1999, Paul was honored with the coveted Award for Individual Achievement from the National Council of Communicative Disorders.
They have since followed up their literary debut with several inspirational books; You Can Do It, 105 Thoughts, Feelings and Solutions to Inspire You, How to Conquer Hobbies with One Hand, and 50 Tips and Tools to Make Things.
Paul and Stephanie are also popular fixtures on the speaking circuit for stroke survivors, caregivers, and rehab professionals. They offer tools and hands-on activities to improve communications, set goals, build a positive attitude, and regain a balanced life with energy and a sense of humor.
Learn more about Paul and Stephanie, and their catalog of books, e-books, presentations, and consulting services at www.StrokeSurvivor.com.
“My attitude was to view therapy as a sport," said Paul, "To succeed in a sport, you have to work hard and practice, even if it is a little painful.”
A DADC client since 2009, Paul Berger has been inspiring people and their families since recovering from his stroke at the young age of 36. Drawing on his weekly journal, Paul and his wife Stephanie Mensh, co-authored the book How to Conquer the World With One Hand...And an Attitude.
In 1998, Paul and Stephanie founded Positive Power Publishing to prove that a stroke survivor with aphasia, hemiplegia, and a positive attitude can conquer the world. In 1999, Paul was honored with the coveted Award for Individual Achievement from the National Council of Communicative Disorders.
They have since followed up their literary debut with several inspirational books; You Can Do It, 105 Thoughts, Feelings and Solutions to Inspire You, How to Conquer Hobbies with One Hand, and 50 Tips and Tools to Make Things.
Paul and Stephanie are also popular fixtures on the speaking circuit for stroke survivors, caregivers, and rehab professionals. They offer tools and hands-on activities to improve communications, set goals, build a positive attitude, and regain a balanced life with energy and a sense of humor.
Learn more about Paul and Stephanie, and their catalog of books, e-books, presentations, and consulting services at www.StrokeSurvivor.com.
“My attitude was to view therapy as a sport," said Paul, "To succeed in a sport, you have to work hard and practice, even if it is a little painful.”
Meet the DADC Community
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!