Interacting with Model Ts with disability
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Topic author - Posts: 7
- Joined: Tue Sep 21, 2021 12:22 pm
- First Name: Micaela
- Last Name: Knox
- * REQUIRED* Type and Year of Model Ts owned: Model T Museum, 309 N 8th St, Richmond IN 47374
- Location: Richmond, IN
- MTFCA Number: 12345
- Contact:
Interacting with Model Ts with disability
Hi everyone!
I wanted to start a conversation about accessibility and different abilities involving the hobby of Model Ts. I would like to reference this conversation when considering accessibility within the Model T Museum, so it would be greatly appreciated!
Do you experience life with divergent physical or mental ability? Do you have a friend or family member who has limited visibility, limited mobility, autism, etc? How does this aspect of life impact how you/they interact with a vehicle, especially a Model T? How about within a museum? What social accessibility efforts would help increase your appreciation of the Model T, the MTFCA community or museums in general?
As always, feel free to reply to this thread or email me at micaela@mtfca.com. Thanks!
I wanted to start a conversation about accessibility and different abilities involving the hobby of Model Ts. I would like to reference this conversation when considering accessibility within the Model T Museum, so it would be greatly appreciated!
Do you experience life with divergent physical or mental ability? Do you have a friend or family member who has limited visibility, limited mobility, autism, etc? How does this aspect of life impact how you/they interact with a vehicle, especially a Model T? How about within a museum? What social accessibility efforts would help increase your appreciation of the Model T, the MTFCA community or museums in general?
As always, feel free to reply to this thread or email me at micaela@mtfca.com. Thanks!
Micaela Knox
Associate Museum Director
Model T Museum
309 N 8th St, Richmond, IN 47374
mtfca.com/museum
facebook.com/ModelTMuseum
instagram.com/modeltmuseum
Associate Museum Director
Model T Museum
309 N 8th St, Richmond, IN 47374
mtfca.com/museum
facebook.com/ModelTMuseum
instagram.com/modeltmuseum
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- Posts: 813
- Joined: Sun Jan 06, 2019 3:59 pm
- First Name: William
- Last Name: Vanderburg
- * REQUIRED* Type and Year of Model Ts owned: 2
- Location: Jackson, NJ
- MTFCA Number: 28382
Re: Interacting with Model Ts with disability
I was born with a congenital birth defect as well as club feet, with one ankle pinned in a permanent position. I've had reconstructive surgery over the years, and I drive a Model T without any assistance or problems.
I'm 54 and have owned my car for 25 years.
I'm 54 and have owned my car for 25 years.
William L Vanderburg
1925 Touring
1922 Center Door Sedan
1925 Touring
1922 Center Door Sedan
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- Posts: 4095
- Joined: Tue Jan 08, 2019 1:39 pm
- First Name: Norman
- Last Name: Kling
- Location: Alpine California
Re: Interacting with Model Ts with disability
We have had over the years many people with disabilities. Some able to drive and others not. It is not hard to carry a wheel chair on the running board. Sometimes the person must sit in the back seat because of limitations in entering the front seat for the driver, but many do so and continue to attend tours and other outings.
Norm
Norm
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- Posts: 2477
- Joined: Sun Jan 06, 2019 1:30 pm
- First Name: Dave
- Last Name: Hjortnaes
- * REQUIRED* Type and Year of Model Ts owned: 24 Speedster, 20 touring
- Location: Men Falls, WI
- MTFCA Number: 28762
- MTFCI Number: 22402
Re: Interacting with Model Ts with disability
There was a man in MN, Michael J Dowling, who lost parts of both legs and his left arm to frostbite. I believe there are stories about him driving a Model T. Contact the www.yellowstonetrail.org and they might have some info for you.
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- Posts: 295
- Joined: Mon Nov 23, 2020 3:22 pm
- First Name: John
- Last Name: Heaman
- * REQUIRED* Type and Year of Model Ts owned: Canadian 1912 Ford Model T Touring
- Location: Canaduh
Re: Interacting with Model Ts with disability
I have pituitary dwarfism and had the T's 3 pedals extended. We saved the originals and modified later smooth pedals and then glued the 'CRB' rubber pads to them. This allows me sit on the seat pillow free. Before I always had a 5" pillow at my back. In modern iron I sit on a 4" foam cushion.
My first car! Mom folded a big blanket up and stuffed it at my back.
She was so good to me!
My first car! Mom folded a big blanket up and stuffed it at my back.
She was so good to me!
I’m reading a book about anti-gravity. I just can’t put it down.
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- Posts: 6435
- Joined: Sun Jan 06, 2019 11:18 am
- First Name: Scott
- Last Name: Conger
- * REQUIRED* Type and Year of Model Ts owned: '13, '15, '19, '23
- Location: Clark, WY
- Board Member Since: 2005
Re: Interacting with Model Ts with disability
And who would not be proud of such a great ride and a caring mother?! That's a great picture...made my day.
Scott Conger
Tyranny under the guise of law is still Tyranny
NH Full Flow Float Valves
Obsolete carburetor parts manufactured
Tyranny under the guise of law is still Tyranny
NH Full Flow Float Valves
Obsolete carburetor parts manufactured
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- Posts: 644
- Joined: Sun Jan 06, 2019 11:00 am
- First Name: Michael
- Last Name: Peternell
- * REQUIRED* Type and Year of Model Ts owned: TT gas truck, T tractor conversions, '15 touring, '17 speedster, '26 16 valve speedster
- Location: Albany mn
Re: Interacting with Model Ts with disability
Mine too! Still got the pedal car?Scott_Conger wrote: ↑Fri Oct 15, 2021 3:10 pmAnd who would not be proud of such a great ride and a caring mother?! That's a great picture...made my day.
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- Posts: 295
- Joined: Mon Nov 23, 2020 3:22 pm
- First Name: John
- Last Name: Heaman
- * REQUIRED* Type and Year of Model Ts owned: Canadian 1912 Ford Model T Touring
- Location: Canaduh
Re: Interacting with Model Ts with disability
Unfortunately I no longer have the car. I probably wouldn't need the blanket at my back anymore!
I’m reading a book about anti-gravity. I just can’t put it down.
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- Posts: 366
- Joined: Sun Jan 06, 2019 2:25 pm
- First Name: Dick
- Last Name: Fischer
- * REQUIRED* Type and Year of Model Ts owned: 1912 Touring
- Location: Arroyo Grande, CA
Re: Interacting with Model Ts with disability
Not specifically Model T, but driving with a disability just the same.
My late uncle, George Berrington, Jr. (b. 1922) was born with club feet. When WWII broke out, he wanted badly to serve but was rejected as 4F. One day he read an article in the newspaper saying that the Army needed experienced truck drivers and that some disabilities would be waived providing they could pass a skill test.
Uncle Geordie was one of four sons, raised on a citrus ranch. He was the designated driver for any and all of the farming equipment. Driving a brand new tractor truck was a walk in the park for him.
He was immensely proud of having done his part.
My late uncle, George Berrington, Jr. (b. 1922) was born with club feet. When WWII broke out, he wanted badly to serve but was rejected as 4F. One day he read an article in the newspaper saying that the Army needed experienced truck drivers and that some disabilities would be waived providing they could pass a skill test.
Uncle Geordie was one of four sons, raised on a citrus ranch. He was the designated driver for any and all of the farming equipment. Driving a brand new tractor truck was a walk in the park for him.
He was immensely proud of having done his part.
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- Posts: 218
- Joined: Wed Jan 23, 2019 6:30 pm
- First Name: Peter
- Last Name: Kable
- * REQUIRED* Type and Year of Model Ts owned: 1911 Town Car 1913 Speedster 1915 kampcar
- Location: Australia
- MTFCA Number: 4
- MTFCA Life Member: YES
Re: Interacting with Model Ts with disability
Here is a conversion for someone who had lost his legs back in 1922. It's from a Popular Mechanics magazine.
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- Posts: 1431
- Joined: Fri Jan 04, 2019 1:53 pm
- First Name: Rob
- Last Name: Heyen
- * REQUIRED* Type and Year of Model Ts owned: Models B, F, K, N, Ford racer and 3 Model T
- Location: Eastern Nebraska
Re: Interacting with Model Ts with disability
Ford's with planetary transmissions may have been among simplest (and affordable) cars to drive for those with disabilities. Two examples below "in the day." The first example takes place in Warwick, RI, where, coincidently, our Model K was sold new:
This first, is probably a Model R (cost $750). With the high, low and neutral on a lever, this man without use of his legs would have needed a brake and reverse lever added to have use of all controls:
This 1910 article must apply to a Model T owner in Bakersfield:
This first, is probably a Model R (cost $750). With the high, low and neutral on a lever, this man without use of his legs would have needed a brake and reverse lever added to have use of all controls:
This 1910 article must apply to a Model T owner in Bakersfield:
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- Posts: 540
- Joined: Mon Jan 07, 2019 2:02 pm
- First Name: Vernon
- Last Name: Worley
- * REQUIRED* Type and Year of Model Ts owned: October 26, 1926 Coupe
- Location: New Orleans, LA
- MTFCA Number: 49462
- Contact:
Re: Interacting with Model Ts with disability
Before COVID shut us down, I was working with 50-120 special needs adults a week. They seems to always enjoy seeing an old vehicle that I drove up there, as it was an experience. I could not give rides for liability reasons but it was not necessary. During COVID I was asked to do a special needs birthday drive-by at a park with firetrucks, police and others. That said and having seen the museum again just last month, I recommend reaching out to any special needs group in that Indiana area and offering a free Special Needs Day for people (including the supporting staff and case workers) to see the museum. We crossed the street just fine between the two buildings and there is the parking lot driveway as an alternative to the stairs. I did not notice any safety concerns within the buildings but I wasn't looking for them.
Vern (Vieux Carre)
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- Posts: 338
- Joined: Sun Jan 06, 2019 6:59 pm
- First Name: Gary
- Last Name: London
- * REQUIRED* Type and Year of Model Ts owned: 1911 Touring
- Location: Camarillo
- MTFCA Number: 16592
Re: Interacting with Model Ts with disability
My father's '15 Roadster was modified with hand controls and a starter in the late 1980's. I've posted pictures of them before on this forum, and there was a write up in the HCCA Gazette. I've still got them. He had MS and needed 2 canes to walk. They extended the time he could drive the T by a number of years.
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- Posts: 4967
- Joined: Sat Jan 05, 2019 1:57 pm
- First Name: Mark
- Last Name: Gregush
- * REQUIRED* Type and Year of Model Ts owned: 1925 cutdown PU, 1920 Dodge touring, 1948 F2 Ford flat head 6 pickup 3 speed
- Location: Portland Or
- MTFCA Number: 52564
- Board Member Since: 1999
Re: Interacting with Model Ts with disability
While mine was not from birth; In 1985 I was in a motorcycle accident. My left ankle now has limited mobility and that leg is about 1+ inches shorter. Has not stopped me from driving my T or for that matter any car with clutch. Using the low pedal on a long uphill does put a strain on it.
I know the voices aren't real but damn they have some good ideas!
1925 Cut down pickup
1920 Dodge touring
1948 Ford F2 pickup
1925 Cut down pickup
1920 Dodge touring
1948 Ford F2 pickup
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- Posts: 1186
- Joined: Mon Jan 07, 2019 10:27 am
- First Name: John
- Last Name: Codman
- * REQUIRED* Type and Year of Model Ts owned: 1927 Youring
- Location: Naples, FL 34120
Re: Interacting with Model Ts with disability
My observation has been that a person with physical challenges who really wants to do something, will usually find a way to do it. A very good friend of mine contracted Polio in the pre-Salk vaccine days of the mid-50s. He has used crutches braces on his legs all of his adult life. When he passed his driver's test he was restricted to an automatic transmission, hand brake, and hand headlight dimmer switch. He hated the restrictions and refused to put "Handicapped Person" license plates on his car, thus forfeiting the use of handicapped parking spaces. Over the next couple of years he worked intensely at getting the restrictions removed from his license. He now has a non-restricted license, and can and does drive anything that he wants to. He does not consider himself to be handicapped, and has changed engines and even automatic transmissions on pre-emission cars solo. His day job was as a mechanical engineer. He is now retired.