Posts Tagged ‘handicap van conversion’

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.

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.

Toyota Recall Handicap Vehicles

Two Toyota recalls have dominated news headlines in recent weeks.  Each recall deals with the accelerator pedal, one deals with a floor mat entrapment issue, the other with a sticky gas pedal.  Toyota is taking the problem seriously, and working on solutions.  For decades, Toyota has produced some of the highest rated automobiles on the road, and every indication points to the recent issues as being short term.

Toyota has had a commitment to disabled people through their Toyota Mobility program.  Toyota offers handicapped friendly vehicles, whether a person needs a wheelchair or scooter lift, handicap seats, or a fully accessible handicap van conversion.  What should mobility vehicle consumers do at this time?

The good news is that the current recall does not involve the BraunAbility Rampvan accessible van conversion on the Toyota Sienna minivan.  These handicap vans are one of the most popular accessible vehicles, and drivers can rest easy.

What about other Toyota vehicle models?  Which ones are affected in the recall?

If you drive another Toyota car, truck or SUV, you may be affected.  The Toyota automobile lines involved in one or both of the recalls are the Avalon, Camry, Corolla, Highlander, Matric, Prius, RAV4, Sequioa, Tacoma, Tundra, and Venza.

The autos not involved in the recall are the Toyota Sienna, Solara, Yaris, 4Runner, FJ Cruiser, and Land Cruiser.

For more information on the Toyota recall, contact your local Toyota dealer and visit the official website regarding the Toyota Recall.

Viewpoint Vision Mobility

Viewpoint Mobility manufactures and sells rear entry handicap vans for wheelchair users to ride and drive in.  They are located in Kalamazoo, Michigan and offer their rear load handicap van conversions through a nationwide dealer network.  Viewpoint Vision rear entry conversion handicap accessible minivans are available on Dodge Grand Caravan, Chrysler Town and Country, and Honda Odyssey minivans.  They offer brand new handicap vehicles or used mobility vans with a wheelchair ramp located at the back of the van.

But a top notch handicap van conversion isn’t the only thing Viewpoint offers.  The wheelchair ramps come with the option of manual operation or power operation, and they offer a variety of accessories to compliment the accessible conversion for wheelchair passengers or drivers.  A transfer handicap seat allows a wheelchair passenger to enter at the rear hatch, drive up the handicap ramp, and easily transfer into the front driver or passenger position.  Hand controls or other handicap driving aids can be added at any Viewpoint Mobility Dealership for a fully accessible van conversion.

Viewpoint Mobility also pays attention to details.  The finish on these vans for handicap drivers is unmatched in the industry, and optional second row bucket seats are available.  For details on prices and availability in your area, visit Viewpoint’s website or talk to your local mobility dealer.

Honda Odyssey with VMI Conversion

VMI Conversions available on Honda Odyssey Minivans

Vantage Mobility International was one of the first companies in America to do a full scale handicap accessible van conversion on a Honda Odyssey.  Their handicap van on the Honda Odyssey minivan features an 11 inch lowered floor for an entry height of about 55 inches and interior height of about 59 inches (in models without a sunroof).  The ramp width is about 29.5 inches, and the door opening width is about 31 inches.  The 5.5 inches of ground clearance is among the most in the industry.  VMI converts the Honda minivan with either the VMI Northstar or VMI Summit handicap van conversions.  The Summit has an electric folding handicap ramp, the Northstar has an electric in-floor handicap ramp.  One of the most unique optional features is a rubberized flooring which reduces wear and tear on the interior, and is much easier to keep clean than traditional vehicle carpeting.

One of the reasons a Honda Odyssey handicap van is so exciting to so many people is because it has been difficult to find an import handicap accessible vehicle.  A lot of people prefer an import for fuel economy, comfort, luxury, or a variety of other reasons.  VMI recognized this and developed the Honda Odyssey with VMI handicap van conversion to meet the needs and desires of its customers.  For a visual demonstration, check out our Honda Odyssey with VMI Northstar video pages.

Accessible Vehicles in South Dakota – SD

Handicap Vans in South Dakota – SD

If you’ve been trying to find handicap van conversions and handicap accessible vehicles in South Dakota, you have probably come to the conclusion that they are few and far between.  MobilityReport has compiled a partial listing of handicap accessible van dealers in South Dakota.

Some of these SD handicap van conversion dealers sell mobility products besides handicap accessible vans, and they may have scooter lifts for cars, SUV’s, trucks, minivans, and crossover vehicles.  Handicap driving aids and hand controls may also be purchased at many of these Arkansas dealers.  They will be able to assist you with advice on what products could meed your specific needs, lifestyle, and budget.

IMED Mobility

• IMED Mobility offers handicap van conversions and handicap accessible vehicles for sale.  They also sell lifts for full size vans, driving controls,  and scooter lifts for all types of vehicles.
• In Tea, SD 57064

Black Hawk Vans

• Black Hawk Vans specializes in vehicle modifications for handicap individuals.  They sell full size vans with handicap lift, scooter lifts, and handicap driving devices.
• In Rapid City, SD 57701

High Tech Mobility

High Tech Mobility of Hueytown, AL offers a wide range of mobility equipment products for sale in Alabama.

Handicap Accessible Vans and Full Size Handicap Van Conversions

By offering a selection of new and used handicap vans for sale, High Tech Mobility has earned the respect of their customers in AL.  They offer handicap lifts for full size vans that will lift a wheelchair user safely into a full size handicap van.  Scooter lifts can be added to almost any vehicle to make loading and unloading a scooter easier, as well as make it possible to go more places and do more things.  Lowered floor minivans are getting more and more popular , and High Tech Mobility has them.

High Tech Mobility is located in:

141 Church Ave Hueytown, AL 35023

Dothan Brace Shop

Dothan Brace Shop of Dothan

Dothan Brace Shop of Dothan AL provides a wide variety of products for the disabled community in Alabama.  This puts them in the unique position of being able to help customers with all sorts of physical disabilities obtain the mobility they seek while helping them with home accessibility and lifts and braces.

Handicap Lifts For Vans and Handicap Van Conversions

Dothan Brace Shop is a VA approved source for any mobility product you can think of in Dothan, Alabama.  They offer driving aids like hand controls, power doors, and power seat bases.  They can also sell modified full size vans for handicapped use with raised fiberglass tops and handicap lifts.  Handicap accessible minivans with lowered floors are the crown jewel of the accessible vehicles they offer.  In short, whatever your handicap accessible vehicle needs, Dothan Brace Shop can help.

Wheel Chairs

Dothan Brace Shop sells and services standard wheelchairs, power wheel chairs, scooters.  They have a parts department that can make repairs on any product purchased through their sales department, and even offer wheelchair and scooter rentals.

Much More

In addition to handicap vans and wheel chairs, Dothan Brace Shop of Dothan also offers prescription shoes, limbs and braces, prosthetics and orthotics, and other services for your convenience.

Dothan Brace Shop is located at:

1240 East Main St Dothan, AL 36301

VMI Northstar Handicap Van Conversion

Safe, Reliable Wheelchair Transportation

With over 15,000 VMI Northstar handicap van conversions on the road in the US today, it has become one of the most popular and reliable handicap accessible van conversions around.  Why is this VMI handicap conversion van so popular?  There are a lot of reasons, but the most prominent is an in-floor handicap ramp which leaves an open doorway for ambulatory passenger to enter and exit the minivan without deploying the ramp every time.  In short, it is one of the most user friendly handicap accessible vehicles available.

Features of VMI Northstar Handicap Vans

• Power In Floor Handicap Ramp – Leaves an open doorway for non-wheelchair using passengers to enter and exit the vehicle.  It also provides a lower ramp angle, making it easier to enter and exit the vehicle.
• Power Kneel – A mechanism actually lowers the suspension of the accessible vehicle closer to the ground, reducing the ramp angle even more.
• Removable Front Seats – A handicapped individual can choose to ride in the front passenger position or even drive (with the aid of hand controls or other driving aids)
• Remote Control Activation – With the touch of a button on the keychain remote, the door opens and ramp deploys so your van is ready and waiting when you get to it.
• Lowered Floor – One of the most important features on any handicap accessible minivan, this feature means enough headroom to ride comfortably and a more natural line of sight through the windows.

Which Minivans Can Have the Northstar Handicap Van Conversion?

• Dodge Grand Caravan
• Chrysler Town and Country
• Honda Odyssey
• Each minivan make has unique advantages that could make it better for certain disabled individuals.  Consult a professional for details.

Accessible Vehicles in Arkansas – AR

Handicap Vans in Arkansas – AR

It can be hard to locate a handicapped equipment dealer in Arkansas or wherever you live.  MobilityReport has assembled partial lists of handicap accessible vehicle dealerships in different states to help people find the mobility products they need to make their life easier.  These lists include Arkansas.

Even if you’re looking for products besides handicap van conversions,  a lot of the mobility dealers in Arizona sell more than handicap accessible vehicles.  Whether you are looking for handicap lifts, scooter lifts, or mobility products for cars, trucks, suv’s, and minivans, these dealers are a good place to start.  They can also give you information on other mobility equipment products like hand controls, driving aids, and platform lifts.

Presidential Conversions

• Presidential Conversions sells handicap accessible minivans, full size handicap vans, handicap vehicle lifts, and more.
• in Jonesboro, AR 72401
• in Fayetteville, AR 72703

Accessibility Specialists, Inc

• Accessibility Specialists sells and services Ricon handicap lifts and scooter lifts.
• Little Rock, AR 72204

Medical Mobility Equipment

• Accessibility Specialists offers service and sales of scooter lifts and Ricon handicapped lifts.
• Jonesboro, AR 72401

Medisav Homecare

• Sells scooter lifts in Fort Smith, AR 72903