What the Subaru RAB program is and who it serves
The Subaru RAB (Recognized information for Blind) program provides vehicle modifications and support to people who are blind or have significant vision loss. It is run by Subaru of America in partnership with the American Foundation for the Blind (AFB). The program covers the cost of adaptive equipment that lets a blind or low-vision driver operate a vehicle safely, or helps a blind passenger travel more independently.
This is not a general disability program — it is specific to vision loss. The modifications might include hand controls, specialized mirrors, or other equipment that works with your car's existing systems. Subaru handles the funding; you work with a certified adaptive driving specialist to figure out what equipment you need.
Key Takeaways
- The Subaru RAB program pays for vehicle modifications for people who are blind or have significant vision loss, working through the American Foundation for the Blind.
- You must own or lease a vehicle and work with a certified adaptive driving specialist to determine what modifications will help you drive or travel safely.
- The program covers the cost of equipment installation, but you need to contact AFB directly to learn about current funding limits and what types of modifications are covered.
- Your first step is reaching out to the American Foundation for the Blind to discuss your situation and get connected with a specialist in your area.
How to contact the American Foundation for the Blind about the program
Start by calling the American Foundation for the Blind at 1-800-232-5463 or visiting their website at afb.org. Tell them you are interested in the Subaru RAB program and describe your vision loss. They will ask about your current vehicle, your driving situation, and what barriers you face.
AFB will connect you with a certified adaptive driving specialist — usually someone in your state or region who has training in vision-related driving modifications. That specialist will do an evaluation to see what equipment would actually help you and whether your vehicle can be modified to use it.
What happens during the evaluation process
The adaptive driving specialist will meet with you, usually at your home or at a location where your vehicle is available. They will assess your vision, your vehicle's current setup, and what modifications are physically possible. They may also do a short driving evaluation if you are currently driving, to see how you handle the vehicle and where modifications would help most.
After the evaluation, the specialist writes a report recommending specific equipment — for example, hand controls, left-foot accelerators, or specialized mirrors. This report goes to Subaru and AFB to determine what the program will fund. The specialist can also tell you whether your vehicle is a good candidate for the modifications you need, or whether a different vehicle might work better.
What equipment and modifications the program typically covers
The Subaru RAB program covers the cost of adaptive equipment and installation, but the specific items covered can change. Common modifications include hand controls for acceleration and braking, left-foot pedals, specialized mirrors that give a wider field of view, and equipment that helps with vehicle positioning or parking.
The program does not cover the cost of the vehicle itself, regular maintenance, or insurance. It also does not pay for training on how to use the equipment, though the specialist who evaluates you can often recommend trainers. Contact AFB directly to ask what the current funding limits are and whether a specific modification you need is covered under the program right now.
Timeline and what to expect after approval
After your evaluation report is submitted, AFB and Subaru review it to decide whether to fund your modifications. This review typically takes several weeks. Once approved, you will work with an authorized installer to schedule the work on your vehicle.
Installation usually takes a few days to a week, depending on what equipment is being added. The installer will teach you how to use the new controls and may do a short test drive with you to make sure everything works as expected. You should plan to have your vehicle unavailable during installation.
What to have ready before you contact AFB
Before you call the American Foundation for the Blind, gather basic information about your vehicle: the year, make, model, and current mileage. Have your vision test results or a letter from your eye doctor describing your vision loss — you do not need a formal diagnosis of blindness, but you do need documentation of significant vision loss.
Think about what you are trying to do: Are you the driver, or are you a passenger who wants to travel more independently? What barriers do you face right now — is it hard to see the road, to reach the pedals, to judge distance? The more specific you can be, the faster the specialist can figure out what will actually help.
Other resources if the Subaru RAB program is not the right fit
If you do not own a Subaru, or if the program does not cover the modifications you need, other funding sources exist. Some state vocational rehabilitation agencies pay for vehicle modifications as part of work-related support. The Veterans Administration covers adaptive equipment for may be able to access veterans. Some disability organizations and local nonprofits also fund modifications on a case-by-case basis.
Your adaptive driving specialist can point you toward other programs in your state. The American Foundation for the Blind can also discuss alternatives if the Subaru RAB program cannot meet your needs.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I have to own a Subaru to use this program?
Yes, the Subaru RAB program is only for Subaru vehicles. If you drive a different brand, contact the American Foundation for the Blind anyway — they can tell you about other funding sources for adaptive equipment that may work with your vehicle.
What if I am not currently driving but want to learn?
The program can still help. Tell AFB that you are interested in learning to drive with adaptive equipment. The specialist will evaluate whether your vision loss and vehicle are a good match for modifications, and the program can fund the equipment even if you are not driving yet. You would need to arrange driving instruction separately.
How much does the program pay toward modifications?
Subaru and AFB set funding limits that can change year to year. Contact AFB directly at 1-800-232-5463 to ask what the current maximum is and whether your specific modifications fall within that limit. They can also tell you whether you would be responsible for any out-of-pocket costs.
Can I use this program if I have other disabilities besides vision loss?
The Subaru RAB program is designed for vision loss specifically. If you have multiple disabilities, tell the adaptive driving specialist about all of them during your evaluation. They may recommend modifications that address more than one barrier, or they may refer you to other programs that cover equipment for different types of disabilities.
What if my vehicle is too old or damaged to modify safely?
The specialist will let you know during the evaluation if your vehicle is not a good candidate. In that case, you can ask about other funding sources that might help you buy a different vehicle, or discuss whether a newer Subaru would be a better option. AFB can point you toward programs that help with vehicle purchase as well as modification.