Section 590.400  Vehicle Adaptation

a)         DHS-DRS shall not participate in the purchase of any vehicle.

b)         DHS-DRS shall participate in the purchase of the necessary vehicle adaptive equipment, and its installation, necessary to meet the minimum requirements for the customer to safely operate his or her vehicle.

c)         As a rehabilitation technology service, vehicle adaptation is exempt from the provisions regarding comparable benefits (see 89 Ill. Adm. Code 567), but not from the provisions of customer financial participation in the cost of the services (see 89 Ill. Adm. Code 562).

d)         The vehicle must be titled in the name of the customer or the customer's guardian.

e)         Any vehicle, new or used, to be adapted by DHS-DRS must be equipped with all necessary factory-installed options so that the vehicle may be modified, using non-standard equipment, at the least possible cost.

f)         The vehicle must be appropriate to meet the customer's disability related needs and the customer's vocational outcome.  Should the customer choose to purchase a vehicle beyond the minimum requirements, the additional cost for the adaptations will be the financial responsibility of the customer.

g)         The customer is expected to insure and properly maintain any vehicle and the equipment in which DHS-DRS has participated in the adaptation.  Manufacturers' specifications are to be followed in terms of proper care and maintenance.

h)         All customers considering vehicle adaptation must consult with DHS-DRS staff prior to the purchase of any vehicle to ensure the appropriateness of the adaptations.

i)          If the customer will be the driver of the vehicle, the customer must have proper licensing and restrictions as defined by the Secretary of State.

(Source:  Amended at 36 Ill. Reg. 5698, effective April 13, 2012)