To the maximum extent possible VR will use service providers and vendors in our geographic area to complete driving assessments, driver’s training, and to install driving control systems. Access to service providers and vendors in our geographic area for assessments, training, installation, and ongoing maintenance of the driving control system must be weighed against comparative costs for these services outside the geographic area. 

The policies outlined in the ATP/VR Partnership manual chapter are to be followed when considering driving control systems for clients. This is particularly important with driving systems to ensure collaboration and communication.

The AEVIT driving control system cannot be installed on a vehicle that is more than 5 years old and preferably with fewer than 50,000 miles. The reason for this is the system is make, model, and year specific, so the manufacturer does not or cannot maintain an inventory to accommodate all makes and models. Additionally, because of the cost for this system VR doesn’t want the vehicle to wear out and incur costs for reinstallation or replacement if the existing system is not compatible with the new vehicle.

1. Answer Critical Case Questions

Prior to considering the purchase of a driving control system the VR Specialist must discuss the case with the Office Director and answer the following questions:

• Is driving a personal vehicle necessary for the client to achieve the employment outcome? 
• Has VR determined there are no other options to addressing the client’s needs?
• If there are several options to address the client’s needs has VR ensured the driving control system is the most reasonable option given the client’s current and future situation?
• Has there been a discussion with the client about their ability to afford to maintain and repair the vehicle and the driving control system? See Background and Training section of this chapter.

2. Refer Client for a Driving Evaluation - If in doubt as to whether a driving evaluation is a necessary or there is a need for information about driving evaluation providers, contact your local ATP Technology Specialist.

(A) A driving evaluation is an essential first step to determine if:

• following an injury or illness the individual is capable of driving or
• an individual with a disability who has never driven is capable of driving.

This evaluation will provide clinical findings regarding finger and hand dexterity, body strength, and range of motion and include recommendations for the type of solution (low or high tech) needed. A Certified Driver Rehabilitation Specialist should conduct this evaluation. VR needs to use the least cost option and in-state providers or venders when possible. There may be travel and per diem costs as the High-Tech Driver Evaluation and Training providers may be out of state or the client may have similar expense if they need to travel a great distance. The number of hours required for the evaluation depend on the client and whether they were driving prior to incurring the disability. If the client is a previous driver the required number of training hours will be approximately 15 to 20 hours. If not, the required hours will be approximately 30 to 40.

(B) Authorize: Driving Assessment: Career Planning - Other Assistance (assessment support service). 

• If the client has insurance to cover all or part of the evaluation, this comparable benefit must be utilized and documented in the QE2 Comparable Benefits screen prior to considering accessing VR funds for the remaining amount.

3. After successful completion of driving evaluation, refer client to ATP Technology Specialist to determine recommended accommodations:
   • Complete the ATP Referral Form electronically (no handwritten referrals) providing all the information requested and send by email, as an attachment to atp.vrforms@nebraska.gov
   • Discuss with the client the need to complete the Service and Device Application (S&D) and explore existing benefits while participating in the ATP assessment. The S&D Application will generate the Resource Letter which identifies potential funding resources.
4. After ATP has met with the client, the ATP Program Coordinator will schedule a team meeting (VR specialist, office director, ATP Coordinator and Self-Employment Team) to discuss preliminary assistive technology recommendations: 
   • Determine or confirmed the need for any driving control system being recommended.
   • Ensure ATP and VR agreement on recommendations prior to moving forward. 
   • If the recommendation is for an Advanced Electronic Vehicle Interface Technology (AEVIT) driving control system, a high-tech driver’s evaluation is needed.
   • Ensure Service and Device Application was completed, and resources are being explored during the evaluation, rather than waiting for the completed ATP Report. 
5. ATP Report (assistive technology recommendations and required quotes) 
   • VR Specialist will review the ATP final report with the client and make funding decisions. See Program Manual Authorizing Case Services
   • If the high-tech driver’s evaluation has determined the client will be capable of driving safely with the AEVIT driving control system, the ATP final report will include a recommendation to refer the client to a Certified Electronic Mobility Controls (EMC) Dealer. Only a Certified Electronic Mobility Controls (EMC) Dealer can install an AEVIT system.
6. The ATP Program Coordinator will send a funding email to the referring VR Specialist and VR Associate providing information about available funding, if any.
7. For all new modifications, VR submits authorization to ATP as an IPE Service: Rehab Technology - Vehicle Modification - New 
   • The VR Authorization must clearly specify what VR is funding and the amount. ATP in turn sends the ATP Service Authorization to the vendor. Email completed authorization as an attachment to atp.vrforms@nebrasksa.gov
   • Prior to the AEVIT driving control system being installed the EMC Dealer must receive documentation from a Certified Driver Rehabilitation Specialist (DRS) certifying the client has completed an assessment and driver training program with the DRS.
   • If driver's training is needed, Authorize as an IPE Service: Disability Related Skills Training to vender.
8. Processing Payment 
   • Upon receipt of the invoice by ATP, the ATP Associate notifies the ATP Technology Specialist.
   • The ATP Technology Specialist completes an inspection and has the client sign the Acceptance Agreement Form. The Acceptance Agreement Form is sent to the ATP Associate who then pays the invoice.
   • Once payment has been processed, the ATP Associate sends copies of the Acceptance Agreement Form, paid invoice, ATP Service Authorization, and the VR Service Authorization to the VR Associate.
   • The VR Associate enters the payment into QE2 and notifies the VR Specialist that the ATP process is completed.​​​​​​​

AEVIT (Advanced Electronic Vehicle Interface Technology) Systems

The AEVIT driving control system usually comes with a 5 year, 2,500 hours of operation or 60,000 mile warranty whichever comes first for Servomotor(s), Display, Input Device(s), Vehicle Interface Module, Drive Module(s), Control Module and Chassis. All other components have a 1-year warranty.

The system requires maintenance and system checks every 6 months or 500 hours of operation. This maintenance is not covered by warranty or VR and conservatively may cost over $1,000 annually, so client needs to take this into consideration whether an AEVIT system is a reasonable option. At or just prior to the 5-year mark, the AEVIT driving control system must be removed and shipped to EMC for maintenance, repair, and parts replacement. This process will take between 10 to 20 days. The client will need to make alternative arrangements for transportation during this time. Cost varies depending on the amount of necessary repairs and/or number of replacement parts.

The insurance premium increase to cover the cost of the vehicle modifications and AEVIT system is approximately $1,500 - $2,000 per year. 

Service & Device Application - English

Service & Device Application - Spanish

Acceptance Agreement Form (Equipment Agreement)