NHED and DriveAbility LLC Partner to Launch High-Tech Adaptive Driving

CONCORD, NH (June 4, 2025) — The New Hampshire Department of Education (NHED) is proud to announce a new lease agreement with DriveAbility LLC to house and operate the state’s first high-tech adaptive driving van. This mobile unit will enable Certified Driver Rehabilitation Specialists at DriveAbility to provide cutting-edge vehicle assessments and training for individuals with disabilities. The van is available to serve New Hampshire Vocational Rehabilitation clients effective immediately.

This effort, led by NHED’s Bureau of Vocational Rehabilitation, is designed to expand access to adaptive driving evaluations across the state – particularly for individuals with complex physical and mobility-related needs. The vehicle is equipped with state-of-the-art driving technology, including joystick controls, electronic gas and brake levers, small electronic steering devices, and touchpad or switch-operated secondary controls. The van will allow the Certified Driver Rehabilitation Specialists to assess and train clients using highly customized driving solutions.

“This is a major step forward in ensuring that all Granite Staters have the opportunity to pursue independence and employment,” said Commissioner Frank Edelblut. “We’re proud to partner with DriveAbility to bring this innovative service to the people who need it most.”

DriveAbility, a respected provider of adaptive driver evaluation and training services in New England, will host and operate the van from its Londonderry location, offering a central base for participants across New Hampshire. “This partnership makes it possible to deliver truly individualized services to people who often face the greatest barriers to transportation access,” said Richard Sala, director of NHED’s Bureau of Vocational Rehabilitation. “By removing distance and mobility limitations, we’re delivering on our mission to provide equal access to meaningful employment and community participation.”

This investment was made possible through a combination of state and federal funds dedicated to expanding pre-modification training and adaptive driving supports for vocational rehabilitation participants. The van is expected to serve dozens of clients each year through assessments, behind-the-wheel training and collaboration with vehicle modifiers and rehabilitation providers.

“We are honored to lease this incredible resource and to be able to offer these specialized and much-needed services to New Hampshire. Adaptive mobility solutions can be life-changing, and this van allows us to bring that transformation directly to the client,” said Staci Frazier, owner of DriveAbility.

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To learn more about the adaptive driving van initiative, visit: https://www.education.nh.gov/news-and-media/nhed-invests-high-tech-adaptive-driving-van. Watch the video overview here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=heh00rebI2A. To learn more about Vocational Rehabilitation, visit: https://www.education.nh.gov/vr. To learn more about DriveAbility, visit: https://www.driveabilitynh.com.