Survey says rent-a-car firms comply with ADA provisions

The CNMI Governor’s Council on Developmental Disabilities Assistive Technology Project recently surveyed all the rent-a-car companies in the CNMI for the availability of a Vehicle Hand Control Device in their fleet.

A hand control device is an assistive technology equipment that allows a person who are unable to use their legs due to spinal cord injury or arthritis to drive by just using their hands in operating the gas and the brake pedals in the automatic car.

The Federal ADA civil rights law requires private businesses to ensure that their services, privileges, practices and policies are equally accessible and readily available to customers or employees with disabilities.

Individuals with disabilities who drive using the aide of Assistive Technology (AT) have the right to request for accessible vehicle to rent which must include either a vehicle with hand control device and an ADA conversion accessible van mostly needed by individuals with disabilities who use power wheelchair.

Results showed that the following companies have VHCD in their fleet of vehicles: Budget Rent-a-Car, Thrifty Rent-a-Car, Hertz-Rent-a-Car, Dollar-Rent-a-Car and Microl Rent-a-Car.

“This is a good sign that rent-a-car establishments invest in such devices. They do that not only as a matter of law, it’s good business practice,” according to GDDC Executive Director Thomas J. Camacho.

As a result of the Council’s initiative to partner with the private sector, travelers with disabilities who drive using a VHCD may now be afforded equal access within the car rental services.

But the greatest benefits of the program benefited one local individual who is now driving his own vehicle. Another high-school student will soon be driving his own vehicle to school.

The Council, through its Areas of Emphasis, undertakes support for availability and funding for assistive technology and transportation activities mandated in its State Plan goals.

The Council’s Assistive Technology Project was established to enhance the quality of life and opportunities for individuals with disabilities living and/or visiting the Commonwealth by becoming independent, productive, integrated and included in the community.

Through systems change activities, advocacy and planning, the Council works to make the CNMI a better place to live for individuals with developmental disabilities and other individuals with disabilities.