Misc

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.

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.

Young Boy Needs Handicap Accessible Van

Any family with a disabled child knows that even simple day to day tasks can be challenging.  If a young child with disability needs accessible transportation, mom and dad can simply lift him or her into a vehicle.  Wheelchairs for young kids are often light weight enough to transport fairly easily.

However, disabled children grow, gain weight, and some want more experiences out of life than they can get with mom and dad constantly toting them around.  A handicap accessible van can be a big step for teenagers with disabilities.  Parents of a teenager living with disability often struggle to balance the desire for a normal life for their child and the enormous expense of buying a handicap van conversion.

I found an interesting blog post about one community is taking an interesting approach to buying a handicap accessible vehicle for a boy who needs one:

A woman named Donna McWilliams attended a church event at Solid Rock Church in Clinton, Michigan a few weeks ago with the Parent family and noticed firsthand the happiness this family illuminates.  We enjoyed the day with Reilly and his family and realized how much easier their life could be if they only had a wheelchair van! A van that has been modified with a lift or ramp and raised ceiling where Reilly could just drive up into the van and could stay in his wheelchair. That way he would not have to transfer from his chair to the van each time they needed to go out.  As a result of that meeting, Donna and her family are making a bold effort to raise the $60,000 that Steven and Charmaine Parent will need to purchase a wheelchair van and to continue living a life that affords mobility for their active young son, Reilly….  You can help! Contribute to the Parent family through ChipIn: www.chipin.com/contribute/id/9863d4079aa568a7 Learn more about Reilly and his family: reillyslift.blogspot.com

Even in today’s age of technology and high finance, it is great to see a community get out and support one of their own.  If you have the ability, consider donating to Reilly’s cause.

2010 NMEDA Conference Exhibitors

The 2010 NMEDA Conference is fast approaching, and the excitement is building among mobility dealers around the country.  Their bags are packed and they’re ready to go to Reno, NV February 10.  But what do they have to look forward to once they arrive?  Here’s a partial list of exhibitors who will be at the NMEDA Conference:

• Access Unlimited – Vehicle Access Seating and Patient Lifts
• Accessible Vans of America – Handicap Accessible Van Rentals
• Adapt-Solutions – XL-Base, XL Seat, Speedy Lift
• ADED - Association of Driver Rehabilitation Specialists
• ALTRO Transflor – Safety Sheet Vinyl Flooring for Handicap Transit
• AOI Electrical – Airbag Control Switches and Deactivation Shunts
• AutoMobility Connection – Financing for Handicap Accessible Vans and Wheelchair Accessible Vehicles
• B&D Independence – Handicap Transfer Seat Bases
• The Braun Corporation – Handicapped Accessible Vans, Wheelchair Lifts
• Bruno Independent Living Aids – Automotive Accessibility Products, Scooter Lifts, Wheelchair Lifts,
• CONNACORP – Door Raise Kits for Handicap Vans
• Drive Master – Hand Controls, Foot Steering, Pedals, Driving Aids, Steering and Braking Modifications
• Driving Systems Inc – Handicap Driving Controls
• Eldorado National – Amerivan Lowered Floor Minivans
• Electric Mobility Controls – Handicap Driving Controls
• EZ Lock – Wheelchair Docking System
• Ford Motor Company – Mobility Vehicles
• Freedom AMCAR Motors – Accessible Mini Van Conversion
• General Motors – Vehicle Manufacturer
• GuidoSimplex – Hand Controls
• Harmar Mobility – Auto Lifts, Home Access Lifts
• Howell Ventures – Sure Grip Hand Controls
• Mobility Products and Design – Hand Controls, Steering Controls, Amkar Electric Car
• Mobility Transportation Services – Paratransit Vans, Full Size Handicap Vans
• MobilityWorks – Handicap Accessible Vehicles
• MPS – Disabled Hand Controls, Left Foot Gas Pedal, Pedal Guards
• NMEDA Quality Assurance Program
• NorCal Vans – Handicap Accessible Vans
• Pride Mobility – Silver Star Handicap Lifts
• Q’Straint – Safety Solutions For Wheelchair Passengers
• Sure-Lok – Wheelchair Tie-Downs, Occupant Restraint Systems
• Toyota Mobility – Toyota, Lexus, and Scion Vehicles
• Van Action – Lowered Floor Handicap Vans, Vehicle Adaption
• Veigel Automotive – Driving Controls for Disabled
• Vantage Mobility International – Minivan and Full Size Handicap Van Conversions, Platform Handicap Lifts, Scoter Lifts, Handicap Accessories
• View Point Mobility – Vision Handicap Vans
• Wheelchair Getaways – Wheelchair Accessible Van Rentals

2010 NMEDA Conference

The National Mobility Equipment Dealers Association (NMEDA) will be holding their annual conference from February 10 until February 12, 2010 in Reno Nevada.  The NMEDA conference is  a key point in the year for mobility dealers who want to stay up on the latest products and innovations for the disabled.  The NMEDA conference features exhibits where dealers and their employees can view the latest handicap accessible vans, handicap vehicle modifications, handicap driving aids, handicap conversions, and more.

The mobility equipment industry continues to change at a rapid pace – and it is more important than ever to stay on the cutting edge.  The Annual NMEDA Conference is the sole venue that provides a broad range of opportunities for educational, professional, and business development for those committed to the mobility equipment industry.

Mobility Dealerships gain valuable information on almost all aspects of their business, like working with veterans administrations, working with manufacturers, and the future of the industry.  The conference also represents a place where dealers can talk face to face and get to know each other.  Often dealers will share experiences and how to serve their customers better.  The 2010 NMEDA conference is sure to mark another year of progress for making the world more accessible for handicap individuals around the world.  Check MobilityReport.com after the conference for the high points of the 2010 NMEDA Conference.

EDIT: View the 2010 NMEDA Conference Recap Here

Portable Handicap Lifts

A portable handicap lift is specifically engineered to allow convenient and easy access for people using wheelchairs.  They may need access to stairways, stages, porches, and elevated platforms.  A trustworthy handicap lift is available in an assortment of models and can be used in commercial or residential applications.

Handicap lifts that are easily transported are an economic solution for those who use wheelchairs.  Especially in comparison to traditional elevators and stair lifts–which cannot be moved.  These portable mobility lifts can be used outdoors or inside, and are created in a manner that can accommodate many models of today’s wheelchairs.  This includes power wheelchairs, sports chairs, manual wheelchairs, and child wheelchairs or pediatric wheelchairs.  An electric model may be available with battery backup systems, so the handicap lift will work even if the power is out.  Hydraulic portable handicapped lifters can be more expensive than electric models, but they do offer additional functions.

For optimum safety for mobility lift, they include non-slip flooring, braking systems, seatbelts, and simple controls.  Some have key switches to prevent unauthorized use–like by children who may hurt themselves playing with portable handicap lifts.

Winter Weather and Handicap Vans

As we prepare to get blasted with another round of winter weather just in time for Christmas, it is a good time to talk about winter weather and handicap accessible vans.

• If you have a garage, use it.  Some handicap lifts for vans actually ride under the vehicle, and allowing them time overnight in a garage above freezing will let them thaw out.  In addition, many full size vans with lifts for handicapped use are powered by hydraulic oil.  Oil tends to sludge up when temperatures are bitter cold.  Letting your accessible handicap van warm up will help the lift in the van perform better.  Even if you have a lowered floor minivan, keeping it above freezing will do wonders for it.
• Winterizing your handicap van.  Many people winterize their vehicles prior to cold weather to make sure they aren’t stuck at the side of the road.  The same should be done with a handicap accessible van.  Most manufacturers recommend 6 month check ups at a local mobility dealership to lubricate moving parts, check for damaged pieces, and make any necessary repairs.  This simple 30 minute appointment at a mobiltiy dealer could save you lots of money later, not to mention the headache of being stranded.
• Check your battery.  The battery in a handicap vehicle is even more critical than a traditional vehicle since so many critical accessible components run on electricity.  If you suspect a weak battery, get it changed.  And try to drive your handicap accessible vehicle at least once per week to make sure it has a good charge.  If you can’t do that, get a trickle charger to keep things running smoothly.
• Emergency numbers.  Many mobility dealerships have emergency 24 hour phone numbers for roadside assistance.  But that number won’t do you any good if you don’t have it in your van.  Write it down and put it in the glove box.
• Watch the weather report.  If the weather is really bad, consider staying home.  This can be a tough decision, but many emergency crews aren’t equipped to deal with a stranded disabled driver.  Better safe at home than in the ditch for 3 hours.

Including The Disabled In The Holidays

Disclaimer:  This post has little to do with handicap vans, handicap lifts, or accessible vehicles.

As the holiday season fast approaches–and may be over for some–it is important to remember to include people with disabilities and welcome them at any gatherings you may be attending.  All too often, disabled individuals can easily become shut ins for much of the year, and outcasts when they do venture out for holiday gatherings.

An interesting blog entry on another website gives some excellent advice:

Knowing how to react and feeling comfortable and making other people feel comfortable is always an issue. But can be handled well. So at this time hug, hope and love. Reach out to get to know the person.  Let them know of your concern and give an extra hug to them and to their child if that’s the case and then move on to a topic of mutual interest that you both can share.

In other words, treat them like you would any other relative or friend.  It is truly a wonderful time of year, make it wonderful for everyone involved.  Don’t be afraid to give a ride to a wheelchair user who doesn’t have a handicap accessible van.  Grab the cousins and make a human handicap lift to get your aunt up the front steps.  Happy Holidays!