Russia's injured workers receive custom Lada Vestas for mobility and independence

Thirty-three workers in the Sverdlovsk Region have received specially adapted Lada Vestas this year. The cars were provided after they suffered severe injuries at work. Each vehicle is customised to match the driver's physical needs.

The initiative comes from the regional Social Fund, which supports medical rehabilitation for workplace accident victims. Alongside the cars, recipients gain access to additional financial aid and services.

The adapted vehicles feature hand controls and automatic transmissions. These modifications ensure drivers with limited mobility can operate them safely. Each car is tailored to the owner's specific requirements.

Recipients keep the vehicle for seven years but cannot sell or transfer it during this period. After the term ends, they retain ownership, and the fund supplies a new model. The Social Fund also covers one repair within the seven-year period. Beyond the cars, injured workers receive further support. This includes one-time and monthly payments, rehabilitation equipment, and prosthetics. The fund also provides medications, sanatorium vouchers, and partial reimbursement for fuel and insurance costs. Half the price of mandatory OSAGO insurance is covered for seven years. Applications for adapted vehicles, expense reimbursements, or insurance help can be made online via the *Gosuslugi* portal. Alternatively, residents can visit a Social Fund client service centre. The latest batch of cars went to workers in Kirovgrad, Serov, Kushva, and Belyakovka. No official figures have been released on the total number of adapted vehicles distributed in the region since the program launched in 2023. However, 33 workers have already benefited from the scheme this year alone.

The adapted cars and financial support aim to improve mobility and independence for injured workers. The Social Fund's program ensures long-term assistance, including vehicle maintenance and insurance coverage. Recipients will continue to receive help for years after their initial rehabilitation.