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Inspiring Independence
We are writing this special update newsletter to share a collaborative story about how the AEVIT™ 2.0 System gave an end-user her independence.
Adaptive Driving Through High-Tech
Written in collaboration between EMC and Carla Cobbs
Since its founding in 1986, Electronic Mobility Controls has been driven by a single mission: to create auto mobility independence for all. Since then, it has helped countless people in the disabled community find their freedom on the road. Today, we continue this mission in collaboration with Ms. Wheelchair Maryland 2025, Carla Cobbs. Carla shared not only her personal driving story, but also the impact independent driving has on people’s lives. By combining her story with EMC’s technical expertise, we aim to inspire and help others on their journey towards automotive independence.
Carla Cobbs is from Glen Burnie, MD. She was born with a congenital condition called Arthrogryposis, which affects the development of joints and muscles causing clubbing of her hands and feet. For her day-to-day mobility, she relies on a power wheelchair. However, her passions and lifestyle require more than the mobility a wheelchair can offer. Whether she was commuting to work or taking a trip to the boardwalk, Carla recognized that she needed the ability to travel freely and on her own terms. This led her down the path towards driving.
Carla began driving with an AEVIT™ 2.0 System in 2016 after learning about adaptive driving through her Division of Rehab Services counselor. She was connected with Chad Strowmatt of Strowmatt Rehabilitation Services in Texas where she began learning how to drive. There are a large number of driver rehabilitation specialists across the United States and Canada who work with adaptive low-tech and high-tech driving equipment. Many of these driving rehab specialists work with an array of disabilities and have the education necessary to know how to fit the equipment and vehicle to the driver. This number continues to grow worldwide!
Each driving instructor may take a different approach to teaching. In Carla’s case, it took about 2 months to learn and a handful of equipment configurations. Carla said it was initially very scary to begin. This was something new and something many people thought to be impossible. She and her instructor began by trying a few different adaptations. They were able to rule out the ones that were too big or too difficult for her hand to grasp. They ultimately selected the AEVIT 2.0 WL-Series, a 5-inch steering wheel equipped with a ball orthotic for Carla’s right hand, paired with a lever for her left to control acceleration and braking.
Practice started in the parking lot, nice and slow. When Carla became comfortable with the controls and how to maneuver the vehicle, her instructor pushed her out of that comfort zone by having her drive on low traffic roads and eventually working up to challenging high-traffic areas. All the hard work paid off when Carla passed her driver’s test using adaptive controls and gained the freedom to drive independently. The other drivers on the road would never guess her vehicle is being operated with advanced electronic hand controls.
The AEVIT 2.0 System is a high-tech driving control system that interfaces directly with the vehicle, enabling operation with reduced physical effort and range of motion through various input devices. Carla uses a wheel and a lever input for her primary controls. Others may use different sets ups, such as a joystick, depending on their needs. An AEVIT System can control either both steering and gas/brake or one primary function if the end-user only requires a single modification to the controls. Secondary vehicle functions, including ignition, turn signals, gear shifting, wipers, HVAC, horn, …etc. are accessible with a simple tap of an icon via a touch screen display.
An AEVIT System is designed to be adapted to its driver. Input devices and activation controls – such as the display or low-effort buttons – can be placed anywhere in the vehicle and operated however the driver rehab specialist deems fit. There have been instances where the driver operates the display with their foot, a button with their head, maneuvers the joystick with their shoulder, or have had their input orthotic molded to their residual limb. EMC can also install an AEVIT 2.0 System into any automatic transmission vehicle, meaning if the driver does not require a wheelchair accessible van they may choose any vehicle that suits their individual needs and budget.
Empowering individuals to achieve independence is the driving force behind EMC and the inspiration behind Carla’s advocacy for adaptive driving. She emphasizes that independence and freedom are the core values of our country and are essential milestones in the journey to adulthood. The ability to go where you want and when you want is not only a convenience, but also a vital part of living a self-directed life.
If you are interested in driving rehabilitation, high-tech driving equipment, or are looking to begin your driving journey, please do not hesitate to reach out! Electronic Mobility Controls is happy to be a resource to help you take the next steps towards independence. We have connections to ADED (The Association for Driver Rehabilitation Specialists), NMEDA (National Mobility Equipment Dealers Association), AEVIT certified driving evaluators and installation facilities, and high-tech drivers, like Carla, all across the nation.
Carla uses her platform of Ms. Wheelchair Maryland 2025 for inclusive education outside the classroom and urges anyone who may need additional information to reach out. Having gone through the process herself, she has the knowledge and motivation to help members of the disabled community who are able to drive understand and find the resources available for driving lessons, getting a vehicle, and learning about the qualifications for financial aid. Reflecting on her own journey, Carla has this to say to others just starting out - “To those thinking about it: No more thinking, time for action! Reach out to your local Division of Rehabilitation Services or mobility dealer and express your interest. Those starting the process: You got this! It may seem scary, mistakes are normal and you may not feel confident initially but practice makes perfect. Trust your driving instructor and your heart. Your key to independence is almost here. If you see me on the road, give a honk!”
You can contact Electronic Mobility Controls at (207) 512-8009 or by email at info@aevit.com. You can also follow the EMC Facebook page, Electronic Mobility Controls, LLC. To connect with Carla Cobbs and follow her journey as Ms. Wheelchair Maryland 2025, find her on Facebook at @ms.wheelchair.maryland.2025.
