The ability to drive is significant to the independence, dignity and self esteem to which people with disabilities aspire.

The South African Bureau of Standards awarded their Design Institute's Design Award to Neville Cohen, for his Co-Driver. The Co-Driver enables people, who have lost the use of their legs, to drive an automatic.

With the Co-Driver fitted, a disabled person uses one hand for brake and accelerator and has the other hand free for steering.

Neville was injured in a car accident at the age of 19 and has been in a wheelchair since then. In 1956 he drove from South Africa to England in a hand controlled car, taking six months to complete the trip. Three years later he drove back to South Africa.

The Co-Driver is connected directly and securely to the car's pedals, with no cables involved, making it user friendly and cost effective. Over 3 000 units have been made to date.

Vesconite bushes are an integral part of the Co-Driver. Neville (who is a BSc engineer) says that the Vesconite bushes work well, as they require no greasing and give a long life, without any maintenance.

Vesconite bushes, being low friction, long life and self-lubricating, are ideal for many applications on equipment used by people with disabilities.

To manufacturers of equipment and aids for the disabled, we offer Vesconite bearings at a discount of 50% of the normal commercial pricing.

If you know anybody involved in the manufacture or repair of wheelchairs or other products for the people with disabilities, please tell them about this initiative.