South Dakota Family Gets New Disabled Vehicle

Patty Sauyres and her mother, Alice Harvey recently visit IMED Mobility of Tea, South Dakota to pick up their new disabled vehicle. They drove up from Yankton to get a better disabled accessible vehicle for Alice, who uses a wheelchair to get around. The accessible disabled vehicle is a 2010 Honda Odyssey EX with a VMI Northstar conversion. Prior to buying the disabled vehicle from IMED, they drove an unconverted Chevy S10.

“This means I don’t have to lift a wheelchair in and out of the vehicle,” Patty said. “Alice had a way of falling under the truck before. Now I don’t have to worry about that.”

They said they were nervous to use the disabled accessible vehicle, but were also happy to get it on the road. They also said it was a great help to buy the accessible disabled vehicle from IMED Mobility. IMED Mobility has locations in South Dakota and Minnesota, so they had a great variety of disabled vehicles to choose from.

Handicap Accessible Motorcycle Review From Abilities Expo

At the recent Chicago Abilities Expo, disabled people had the surprise of a handicap accessible motorcycle from Mobility Conquest.

It is the original handicap motorcycle conversion has been made specifically to be driven from a wheelchair. The Abilities Expo offers individuals a chance to see new products and technologies that will help them achieve their dreams despite being disabled. The expo also has free workshops, adaptive sports, and other events for people of all ages and abilities.

The Mobility Conquest handicap conversion motorcycle is a specially designed vehicle for the disabled. Its three wheel trike design is sleek and stylish. In fact, it was inspired by Formula 1 race cars.

“Our motorcycle conversion was engineered to assist our disabled customers connect with their love for riding” the president of Mobility Conquest, Mark Roberts, said.

Mobility Conquest offerd a demo handicap motorcycle model for customers at the Chicago Abilities Expo. Over 12 individuals had a chance to drive the conversion handicap motorcycle, one even came form 4 hours away.

To see more exciting handicapped products and equipment, visit the next Abilities Expo. It will be August 27-29 in Houston, Texas.

Easy To Find Disabled Van Inventory At MobilityWorks

One of the leading disabled van dealers in the midwest is making it even easier to find and buy a conversion disabled van. MobilityWorks has locations in Ohio, Michigan, Illinois, and California, and they have a brand new search tool to better look for disabled van conversions.

Customers can now search by year, make, model, or conversion type. MobilityWorks usually has around 150 disabled conversion vans in stock, making their inventory of disabled vans among the best in the industry. MobilityWorks is a dealer for some of the largest manufacturers in the industry, including Braun, VMI, and Viewpoint Mobility. They also have a great selection of used conversion disabled vans.

Another great feature of this new search tool is the ability for customers to search by price range. This way, they can find the perfect disabled van conversion for their lifestyle AND budget. Multiple photos are available for their disabled conversion vans, so customers can get a good idea of all the accessible features before they even set foot in a MobilityWorks store or talk to a salesperson.

But the MobilityWorks design team didn’t stop there. Customers can also choose to email specific conversion disabled vans to friends and family, or anyone else they think may benefit from seeing that piece of inventory. The goal is to offer customers with an easy to use, informative, and successful shopping experience.

The Right Process for Handicap Van Conversion Buying

In today’s marketplace, there are a large number of handicap van conversions available for disabled people. There are lifts, driving devices and ramps to make mobility easier. Many customers haven’t owned this type of vehicle before, and the choices can be a lot to take in. However, it is possible to become an educated buyer through researching appropriately. Follow these simple steps to ensure a proper fit and experience.

Understand the disabled equipment available. Today there is a handicap conversion van or other adaptation for almost any physical ailment. Scooter lifts, handicap seats, handicap platform lifts, and hand controls can make almost any car, truck, SUV, minivan, or crossover more accessible. Handicap vans with a ramp are the most common and the peak of accessibility.

Find an accredited mobility dealer. Conversion handicap van dealers are different from a traditional automobile dealership. If a handicap van conversion breaks down, the dealer should be able to assist with a problem right away. After all, an accessible van is far more important than a traditional automobile for the people who use them. In addition to 24 hour service capabilities, a mobility dealer should be certified with the National Mobility Equipment Dealers Association. NMEDA has special programs to certify appropriate safety and quality measures have been taken on each handicap van sold through a NMEDA dealer.

Check their references. Handicap conversion van dealers often have past customers who can serve as a guide to the quality of their work. Many satisfied customers mean a reputable dealership. Be skeptical of any dealer who is unable to offer personal references. Contact each one and find out the level of service they have experienced.

Handicap van conversions can come fully assembled, or you can buy a van and send it to the factory. Buying conversion handicap vans pre-assembled will save time, but you might be able to save a few hundred dollars by shopping for a van and sending it to the factory. Be sure to talk with the mobility dealer before buying an unconverted van because some manufacturers have restrictions as to which vans can be modified.

Make sure it fits. One of the most important aspects to buying a conversion handicap van is to make sure it fits. People come in different shapes and sizes. So do wheelchairs, and entrance into the handicap van should be comfortable, meaning the user shouldn’t have to lower their head to get through the entrance. There should also be enough space in the interior of the van for easy maneuverability. Think about how many people will be riding in the handicap conversion van. Ask your dealer for demonstrations on as many vans as possible.

The VMI Slide-Away Handicap Lift Is Back!

A recent press release from Vantage Mobility International was good news to full size handicap van drivers who use a handicap lift. VMI told the world they were making available a new generation of Ricon Slide-Away platform handicap lift for full size vans. Because they are one of the leading manufacturers and distributors of platform handicap lifts, Vantage Mobility International developed this exciting design for greater access for the disabled as well as other passengers.

“Our new Ricon Slide-Away handicap platform lift is a big step forward in quality, design, and functionality,” said Doug Eaton, CEO of Vantage Mobility International. “The engineering team has worked hard to give it exclusive features and technology… Not only does it employ the highest quality parts, but this handicap platform lifts functionality is unmatched.”

VMI and Ricon also redesigned several system components to give these handicap lifts even better performance than previous models. These upgrades include a better pressure relief valve in the hydraulic lift pump and a change to aluminum from steel to reduce the weight of the handicapped lift.

“While our Slide-Away handicap lift is the culmination of over 20 years of design ingenuity, that is only a piece of this new disabled access product,” added Eaton. “How we put together the Slide-Away is just as important as the parts, design, and technology. VMI has spent the last two years improving our handicap lift manufacturing processes to better ensure the Slide-Away from Ricon will perform up to customer expectations.”

Additional information about the VMI Ricon Slide Away handicap lifts can be found at VantageMobility.com.

Handicap Accessible Motorcycle Displayed At Veterans Wheelchair Games In Denver

The Mobility Conquest handicap accessible motorcycle will make its first Colorado appearance July 4-9 at the National Veterans Wheelchair Games in Denver. These games represent the biggest disabled sports competition in the world.

Adaptive AutoMobility of Denver and Colorado Springs is the only dealer for the Conquest mobility motorcycle. The owner, Kevin Durban will be in attendance for the games.

“We are excited to participate and sponsor the Veterans Wheelchair Games,” Mark Allen Roberts of Mobility Conquest said. “We look forward to helping our service men and women reconnect with their passion for riding motorcycles. Our focus is to help them get on the road again in our Conquest Motorcycle, designed for people with physical challenges from the waist down to drive a motorcycle while in their wheelchair.”

Mobility Conquest is committed to offering disabled people with a love of the open road an ability to reconnect with the sport. Entering a Mobility Conquest handicap accessible motorcycle is simple and safe because the driver doesn’t have to leave their wheelchair. These accessible trikes have six forward gears and a BMW engine. Acceleration is as fast as 0 to 60 in only 7.6 seconds.

In addition to the mechanical aspects of these handicapped motorcycles, they can easily accommodate a passenger and their specific disabled needs. The front and rear suspension has been engineered to make the trike handle and drive just like an original.

Accessible Mobility Conquest motorcycles were selected to participate in the opening ceremonies of the National Veterans Wheelchair Games, and will be rode by veteran biker CJ Snider of Denver, CO. Snider will also help out in an air rifles booth, as well as ride the handicap motorcycle conversion in the opening parade.

Snider is the perfect example of someone who benefits from an accessible motorcycle. She enjoyed motorcycle riding until an injury made her quesiton if she would be able to do it again. She tried custom built accessible trikes, but each had its drawbacks. The accessible motorcycle from Mobility Conquest allows the rider to enter while sitting in their mobility device.

“This was a very comfortable ride,” Snider said. “I would definitely not mind owning one. The owner of the bike let me ride in circles around the parking lot. I told him I was getting dizzy, so we took it out for a ride.”

The National Veteran Wheelchair Games is the biggest annual wheelchair athletics competition on the planet. Some of the sports include rugby, hand cycling, basketball, softball, and more. Kids can even participate during “Kids Day.” During this time, young people who are disabled can meet the athletes who participate in the games.

All told, this event will be a fun and exciting time for all who are involved. The products and abilities which will be on display provide hope for thousands of disabled veterans.

Handicap Parking Sign Redesign Time?

Braun Ability is one of the most well known handicap accessible van manufacturers in the country.  They make accessible minivan conversions like the Braun Entervan and Braun Rampvan.  These handicap accessible vans have helped countless individuals achieve greater independence.  However, Braun also has a pretty nifty blog that talks about their mobility products, the people who use them, and the everyday issues that handicapped people face.

One recent article that lots of people found interesting was their review of “the little blue sign”, the handicapped parking symbol.  Where did it come from?  Who designed it?  How long has it been around?

Back in 1969, the International Commission on Technology and Accessibility (ICTA) held a competition to design a symbol that would designate handicapped accessible areas.  Susanne Kofoed, a graphic designer from the Copenhagen area of Denmark, won the competition. (source)

The blog goes on to outline the need for an updated handicapped parking symbol.  Today, handicap accessible parking needs to accommodate a wider range of disabilities, not to mention the fact that there are quite a few more types of handicap accessible vehicles and accessible vehicle conversions on the road that require more space.

Lift My Scooter | Scooter Lifts

LiftMyScooter.com is a website which was built for people looking for info on handicap scooter lifts for vans from VMI (Vantage Mobility International).  There are a lot of options for people who are looking for greater accessibility in a vehicle.  It is sometimes difficult to process all the different handicapped products online.  It should be noted that a handicap scooter lift may not meet every accessible need.  For those individuals requiring better vehicle access, a handicapped van can be a great option.  LiftMyScooter.com provides information on these handicap van conversions.

Elite G2 Scooter Handicapped Lifts

VMI Elite G2 lifts are designed to be convenient and simple.  They have features.  These scooter handicapped lifts have a platform which can be driven on or off, which is not a standard industry feature.  The Elite G2 also offers enough strength for loading heavy power handicap scooters in a quick manner.  Interior space is also maximized in these handicapped van scooter lifts.  As an affordable scooter lifting solution, the VMI Elite G2 is a great option.  It is even available with 5 color accents to suite your mobility device and vehicle.  For individuals considering a higher degree of access, a handicap accessible van conversion could be a better choice.

Excel Handicapped Scooter Lift

The VMI Excel handicapped scooter lift is perfect for tight fits.  This is possible by reducing the vertical height required at the back of the vehicle.  They are mounted inside the handicap vehicle, and lifts a device inside to protect it.  It features a slim design which blends nicely with almost any accessible vehicle interior.  The Excel also offers curbside loading options, offering accessibility for handicapped people like never before.  A hearty weatherized option is great for access to a handicap truck bed.  These scooter lifts can safely raise up to 350 lbs, meaning most power devices can easily work.

VMI Outback Lifts

VMI Outback scooter handicapped lifts represent a sturdy answer for a hitch mounted transportation.  They also work on almost any handicap vehicle.

Handicap Van Conversions

Handicap van conversions are a higher level of accessible vehicle which should be considered for those requiring better access.  Most handicapped minivans have a lowered floor with a ramp (known as a handicap ramp van).  Many handicapped vans come with either an infloor or folding ramp.  Some manufacturers offer nationwide delivery, while other work with local handicap van dealers.  The VMI Northstar handicap accessible van has an infloor ramp, while the Summit has a folding handicapped ramp.  Both the Summit and Northstar are available on the Honda Odyssey, Dodge Grand Caravan, and Chrysler Town and Country.

Handicap Stair Lifts | Handicap Stair Lift

Handicap stair lifts make it easier for you or a member of your family in a wheelchair to go up and down stairs in your home, business, church, or any other building with steps.  Stair lifts for disabled are designed to help people who cannot safely traverse stairs.  These motorized seats are mounted on a track that will easily move the person with a disability from one floor to the next.  Handicap lifts for stairways are often battery operates, but they can also be hardwired into your home’s electrical grid.  There are even models which plug into the wall, and most types of handicap stair lifts do not require invasive structural modifications to your home.

Lifts for stairs may work well for homeowners who use a wheelchair full time, but anyone with a disability who finds it difficult to get around can use a stair lift.  A big selection of these mobility devices are available, and a local mobility dealership can help you choose the right one for your level of mobility and home.  Some things you will want to consider are the widgh of the seat and weight limit, sometimes call load capacity.

A used handicap stair lift is difficult to find, because most of these items are custom built for the steps in your home or business.  However, some mobility dealers may be able to transform a used lift for stairs that will work in your home.  A mobility store might also have other mobility products like handicap vans, accessible handicap vehicles, handicap lifts, and handicap driving controls.

2010 NMEDA Conference Recap

Prior to the 2010 NMEDA conference in Reno, Nevada, we did a preview about the NMEDA conference as well as a list of vendors at the NMEDA conference. We received a lot of reader feedback requesting a recap of the major events and news. We had a chance to sit down with Bob Lundin of IMED Mobility to discuss some of the major breakthroughs at this year's NMEDA get together.

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