Adaptive all-electric vehicle funded by ICBC through VGH & UBC Hospital Foundation strengthens G.F. Strong’s Driver Rehabilitation Program for British Columbians

August 06, 2024

ICBC is supporting the VGH and UBC Hospital Foundation to acquire a new fully-equipped, all-electric and adaptable SUV – the first of its kind in Canada – for the Driver Rehabilitation Program at Vancouver Coastal Health’s G.F. Strong Rehabilitation Centre. This new vehicle will allow clients throughout British Columbia the opportunity to develop and utilize their driving skills following illness or injury that may affect their driving ability.

The new training vehicle made possible by $77,000 in funding from ICBC, expands the program’s fleet and the program team’s ability to provide client-centered care. They are now able to select the vehicle size and equipment that best meets the client’s needs and is most similar to the vehicle they will be driving at home, increasing comfort and reducing the learning curve. The new vehicle adaptations include:

• Five different styles of hand controls, allowing people who cannot drive with their feet options that best meet their needs and preferences;

• Seven different options for secondary control activation, such as turn signals or windshield wipers;

• Pedal extensions of varying lengths; and

• More common vehicle adaptations, such a left foot accelerator and a turn signal extension.

G.F. Strong Rehabilitation Centre client, Ahmed Gasem sustained a spinal cord injury 11 years ago. He relearned how to drive and now works as an Uber driver in Metro Vancouver. “I felt hopeless after my accident because I lost my health and started using a wheelchair,” said Ahmed. “I began reading books and thinking about how I could improve myself. I’m so grateful for the Driver Rehabilitation Program, as my experience was great, and it gave me back my life.”

The Driver Rehabilitation Program at G.F. Strong Rehabilitation Centre is led by a team of occupational therapists who work collaboratively with licensed driving instructors and RoadSafetyBC to provide a coordinated approach to licensing and driver safety. The occupational therapists provide assessments, clinic and on-road rehabilitation, as well as vehicle modification recommendations to drivers who have physical, cognitive or visual impairments.

In 2016, ICBC made a donation through VGH & UBC Hospital Foundation to G.F. Strong Rehabilitation Centre funding an adaptive van that serves individuals who need to drive while seated in a wheelchair. The van continues to be an important part of the Driver Rehabilitation Program.

The adaptive van and the new all-electric adaptive vehicle were funded through ICBC’s Community Grants Program.

More information on ICBC’s Community Grants Program is available on icbc.com.

Quotes:

David Wong, President and CEO at ICBC

“We’re proud to support the Driver Rehabilitation Program and the amazing work that takes place at G.F. Strong Rehabilitation Centre. This program aligns with our goals at ICBC, which include helping British Columbians who have been injured in a crash, regain their health and return to their everyday activities.”

Mike Farnworth, Minister of Public Safety and Solicitor General

“I applaud the work being done at G.F. Strong Rehabilitation Centre and the continued support from ICBC towards this important program for British Columbians. This new adaptive vehicle provides hope for so many who are looking to get back behind the wheel once again.”

Michelle de Moor, Vice-President, Vancouver Acute at Vancouver Coastal Health

“We are grateful to ICBC for once again investing in the Driver Rehabilitation Program at G.F. Strong Rehabilitation Centre. This program is so important for clients in helping them to regain independence and increase access to their community – and now with a new, environmentally sustainable vehicle that aligns with the VCH commitment to planetary health.”

Angela Chapman, President and CEO of VGH & UBC Hospital Foundation

"We are thrilled to unveil this innovative, all-electric adaptive SUV at G.F.Strong Rehabilitation Centre, made possible through our partnership with ICBC. This vehicle not only represents a leap forward in adaptive technology but also underscores our commitment as the leading charity for healthcare innovation in British Columbia. By enhancing the driver rehabilitation program, we're ensuring that people living in British Columbia, regardless of their physical capabilities, have the opportunity to regain and enjoy mobility through driving and improve their quality of life.”