What GM accessibility features are and who can use them

General Motors vehicles come with built-in accessibility features designed to help drivers and passengers with disabilities operate the vehicle safely and independently. These features range from hand controls for people who cannot use foot pedals, to voice commands that let you control the car without taking your hands off the wheel, to door and seat adjustments for people with mobility limitations. GM does not charge extra for most of these features — they are standard options you can request when you order a new vehicle or have installed at a GM dealership.

The features available depend on the vehicle model, model year, and trim level. A 2024 Chevy Silverado offers different accessibility options than a 2024 Chevy Spark, and not every feature is available on every trim. You do not need to prove a disability to request these features; GM dealers will work with you to understand what you need and what the vehicle can provide.

Key Takeaways

  • GM vehicles offer hand controls, pedal extensions, steering wheel modifications, and seat lifts as physical adaptations for drivers with mobility or strength limitations.
  • Voice commands and touchscreen controls let you adjust climate, audio, navigation, and phone functions without using traditional buttons or dials.
  • You can request accessibility features when ordering a new vehicle or have them installed at a GM dealership after purchase, though some require factory installation.
  • GM's OnStar service includes a live operator who can help you navigate menus and features if you have vision or cognitive limitations.
  • Pricing and availability vary by vehicle model and year, so contact your local GM dealer to learn what options exist for the specific vehicle you want.

Physical controls: hand controls, pedal extensions, and steering modifications

If you cannot use your feet to operate the gas and brake pedals, GM dealers can install hand controls that let you accelerate and brake using your hands instead. These are typically mounted on the steering column or dashboard and use a push-pull or lever system. Hand controls are available for most GM sedans, trucks, and SUVs, though installation must happen at a dealership and usually takes one to two weeks.

Pedal extensions move the gas and brake pedals closer to the steering wheel for drivers who are very short or have limited leg reach. Steering wheel modifications include smaller or larger steering wheels, or steering wheels with hand grips or thumb controls for drivers who have limited grip strength or hand dexterity. Seat lifts raise the driver's seat higher to improve visibility or make it easier to enter and exit the vehicle. All of these are installed at a GM dealership and are covered under GM's warranty.

Voice commands and infotainment controls

Most new GM vehicles include voice recognition that lets you control the radio, climate, navigation, and phone without touching buttons. You can say "Hey GM" followed by a command like "Set temperature to 72 degrees" or "Call Mom" and the vehicle responds. This feature is built into the infotainment system and does not cost extra.

The touchscreen itself can be adjusted for people with vision limitations — you can increase text size, change contrast, and enable high-contrast mode in the settings menu. If you have tremors or limited fine motor control, you can use voice commands instead of tapping the screen. For drivers who are blind or have severe vision loss, GM's OnStar service includes a live operator who can walk you through menu navigation over the phone while you drive.

Seating and entry modifications

GM offers power seat adjustments that move the seat forward, backward, up, and down using buttons or voice commands. For passengers or drivers with mobility limitations, power seats make it easier to find a comfortable position without manual adjustment. Some models include heated and cooled seats, which can help people with circulation problems or chronic pain.

Door handles can be modified for people who have limited hand strength or dexterity — GM dealers can install push-button door openers or larger handles that are easier to grip. Running boards and step rails help passengers with mobility limitations enter and exit the vehicle more safely. Ramps and lifts for wheelchairs are available on select full-size vans and SUVs and must be ordered at the time of purchase or installed by a certified dealer.

How to request accessibility features when buying a vehicle

If you are ordering a new GM vehicle, tell your dealer about your accessibility needs before you finalize the order. Some features — like hand controls, wheelchair lifts, and certain seating modifications — must be installed at the factory and cannot be added later. Your dealer can show you which features are available for the specific model and trim you want and provide pricing.

If you are buying a used GM vehicle or want to add features after purchase, contact your local GM dealership's service department. Bring documentation of your needs if you have it, though it is not required. The dealer will assess the vehicle and tell you which features can be installed and how long it will take. Installation typically costs between a few hundred dollars for straightforward modifications like pedal extensions to several thousand dollars for complex systems like hand controls or wheelchair lifts.

OnStar and remote information for accessibility

OnStar is GM's connected services platform that includes a live operator available 24/7. If you have vision loss, cognitive limitations, or difficulty using the vehicle's controls, you can press the OnStar button and speak to a representative who can help you navigate the infotainment system, find directions, or troubleshoot problems. This service is included with most new GM vehicles for the first year and can be renewed for a monthly fee.

OnStar also offers automatic crash notification — if your vehicle is in an accident, OnStar contacts emergency services on your behalf. For people with mobility limitations or medical conditions, this feature can be lifesaving. You can also use the OnStar app on your phone to lock or unlock doors, start the engine, or locate your vehicle if you have difficulty remembering where you parked.

What to know before you visit a GM dealer

Bring a list of your specific needs — for example, "I cannot use my right leg" or "I have low vision and need larger text on the screen." This helps the dealer understand what features will work best for you. If you have a prescription or medical documentation, bring that too, though dealers are not required to see it.

Ask the dealer which features are available for the exact vehicle model and year you want, because availability changes year to year. Get a written quote that includes the cost of the feature, the cost of installation, and the timeline for completion. If you are buying a new vehicle, ask whether the feature can be factory-installed or must be added after delivery — this affects how long you wait and sometimes the final cost.

If the dealer says a feature is not available, ask whether they can refer you to a third-party installer who specializes in vehicle modifications. Some aftermarket shops can install features that GM does not offer directly, though these may not be covered under GM's warranty.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I have to pay extra for voice commands and touchscreen adjustments?

No. Voice commands and text size adjustments are built into the infotainment system and included at no extra cost. OnStar live operator information is included for the first year on most new vehicles; after that, it requires a paid subscription.

Can I add hand controls to a used GM vehicle I already own?

Yes. Contact your local GM dealership's service department and ask about hand control installation. The dealer will inspect your vehicle to make sure it is compatible, provide a quote, and schedule installation. The process usually takes one to two weeks.

What if my dealer says they cannot install the feature I need?

Ask the dealer for a referral to a certified third-party installer who specializes in vehicle modifications. Some aftermarket shops have more experience with complex adaptations than dealerships do. Make sure any installer you choose is insured and can explain how the modification works and how it is maintained.

Are accessibility features covered by GM's warranty?

Features installed by GM dealers are covered under GM's standard warranty. Third-party installations may have their own warranty separate from GM's. Ask your installer for a written warranty before work begins.

How much do accessibility features typically cost?

Costs vary widely. Pedal extensions or steering wheel modifications may cost $500 to $1,500. Hand controls typically cost $2,000 to $4,000. Wheelchair lifts can cost $8,000 to $15,000 or more. Ask your dealer for a specific quote for the features you need.