Tag Archives: wheelchair users

Options For Driving From A Wheelchair

There are two options for a person who uses a wheelchair to drive an accessible vehicle. They can drive from their wheelchair and or transfer to the driver’s seat.

Drive from your wheelchair
Driving controls can be adapted to operate from your wheelchair. Usually this means some form of hand controls, though other solutions are possible. There will also be an automatic docking system to secure your wheelchair. All of this will be designed around you and your wheelchair as part of your assessment from an experienced mobility installer.

Safety

Because you have the opportunity to travel by yourself, you need to be sure you are able to get out in an emergency.
Typically wheelchair accessible vehicle have fail-safe devices for the doors, ramps/lifts and docking systems. These include battery backups and manual over-rides.

Other drivers

In many wheelchair accessible vehicles, the front passenger seat can be switched to the drivers side, and there is a docking system on both sides so you can travel as a passenger.

Assessment and training

If you’re going to be using adapted controls, you will need a professional driving assessment and training.

Transfer to the Driver’s Seat
Some wheelchair users prefer to transfer to a driving seat because they find it more comfortable or easier to drive. Sometimes it’s necessary because your wheelchair may not be suitable for driving. Using the standard car seat also means that you don’t need to fit a specialist seat belt.

By contrast, transferring into the driver seat may not be suitable if you have a specialist seating system in your wheelchair and may be difficult if you have limited mobility.

Wheelchair accessible vehicles can be adapted to allow you to enter with your wheelchair or scooter (by ramp or lift), secure the wheelchair or scooter in the vehicle, and then transfer to the driving seat. You can replace the standard car seat with one that swivels and slides so that you can transfer into it more easily.

Safety

You will need a docking system for securing the wheelchair – you need to be able to do this by yourself.
Because you may be traveling by yourself, you need to be sure you will be able to get out in an emergency.

Transferring

Transferring between the wheelchair and the seat does take some effort – make sure you can do it even on a bad day.
Make sure there is enough room in the vehicle to let you transfer comfortably and that there are handholds and supports where you need them. You may need to fit extra hand rails or other supports.

Assessment and training

If you’re going to be using adapted controls, you will need a professional driving assessment and training.

Is Your Business Accessible and Safe?

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More awareness has been focused on making buildings accessible and safe for those with disAbilities. With the passage of the Americans with Disabilities Act, businesses must provide everyone equal access around their property. However, despite these regulations there are still businesses that have failed to meet federal guidelines. For those failing to comply, fines and penalties can be severe and can potentially lead to the closure of the business if changes are not made in a timely manner. According to the ADA, businesses are required to make reasonable accommodations allowing everyone to enjoy the goods and services provided by the business. In order to comply, several areas must be addressed.

Entryways
Wheelchair users find many businesses almost impossible to enter. If the only access to a building is steps or stairs, the ADA requires that a wheelchair-accessible ramp be provided to allow easy access to the building.

Auxiliary Communication Assistance
For those individuals who are blind or need other assistance with communication, the ADA also requires businesses to make the appropriate accommodations for them as well. Signage outside offices, bathrooms and other areas is required to have words in Braille, and employees who have communication disabilities are also required to have access to closed-captioning and sign-language interpretation if needed.

Bathrooms
For years bathrooms in almost all businesses were obstacles that many found to be nearly insurmountable challenges. However, with the passage of the ADA, using a bathroom has become much easier for both customers and employees with a disability. According to ADA regulations, all bathrooms should have at least one stall that is designed for people with a disability. The door to the stall is required to be wide enough for a mobility device to easily go through, and the stall large enough to have room for the individual and another person if necessary to assist. Hand rails are also required for safety and comfort, and the sinks are to be low enough for a person using a wheelchair to easily reach and use.

Parking
All states require businesses to provide parking spaces that are designated exclusively for drivers with a disability. The parking spaces should be clearly marked and located as close to the business as possible, and are usually near a wheelchair-accessible ramp. The penalties for parking in a handicapped parking space can be severe, often resulting in a fine of $500 and the vehicle being towed away at the owner’s expense.

Aisles
While the least-regulated aspect of most businesses, aisles still fall under ADA rules and must be in compliance with federal regulations. Under ADA rules, aisles in retail businesses or others as well must be free of any barriers that would prohibit a person in a wheelchair from gaining access to that area. However, it’s recommended by most experts that in addition to being barrier-free, all aisles be clear of clutter and be made wide enough for shoppers using a mobility device to easily navigate. While not required by law, doing so is seen as an act of courtesy and respect for employees and customers.

Fines and Penalties
To ensure your business is in compliance with ADA laws, it’s a good idea to have a safety audit. Hiring an expert to conduct a safety and accessibility audit is the best way to ensure your business is in full compliance and is in no way violating ADA regulations. Under Title III of the ADA, the maximum penalty for a first violation of ADA rules is set at $75,000. For a second violation, the fine goes up to $150,000. If the Department of Justice finds evidence of repeated violations, the fines can accrue significantly and can greatly affect businesses that are operating with profit margins that have little or no room for error. The federal government is currently very aggressive with its ADA enforcement, with healthcare businesses currently being targeted for investigation due to the DOJ’s Barrier-Free Health Care Initiative.

While much has been done to make the world an easier place for people of all abilities to live and work, it is clear there is still much work left to be done. However, with continued ADA enforcement equal access is getting easier by the day.

Wheelchair Securement Systems

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Securing a person and their wheelchair inside a wheelchair accessible vehicle isn’t much fun, especially if you do it several times a day, but it can be a lifesaver in the event of an accident or sudden stop. “Wheelchair tie-downs,” “wheelchair docking systems” and “wheelchair tie-down straps” are systems used to secure a wheelchair when in motion.

Although most securement systems have a universal design to accommodate almost all wheelchairs, it is important to understand the different kinds.

The three main types of wheelchair tie-downs are non-retractable tie-downs, retractable tie-downs and electric/automatic docking systems.

The non-retractable strap is a 4-point system. It is the most basic and the least expensive. You must get the wheelchair into the right position to tighten and release the straps. Since the straps do not retract into a housing, they can get in the way.
The simple-to-use retractable tie-down offers a tie-down on four points of the wheelchair and four straps. “Retractable” means that the strap retracts into a housing where it can be tightened and/or released.
Automatic docking systems are more popular and allow the wheelchair to be secured just by pushing it into a pre-determined position. The wheelchair slides into position and locks automatically. For wheelchair users who are driving, these systems are required for them to be able to secure their wheelchair without assistance.

A variety of add-ons and options are available, including:

Audible and visual indicators which advise when the passenger is secure
Automatic, self-locking allows one-handed hook-up of wheelchairs
Self-tensioning – retractors automatically take up the slack

Some companies that make securement systems include EZ Lock, Q’Straint and Sure-Lok. For more companies call or visit your local mobility equipment dealer.

Driving In A Wheelchair

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With the right equipment driving can be a reality for many wheelchair users. Drivers have the option to transfer into the driver’s seat or drive from their wheelchair, whichever is most comfortable and convenient. Your mobility dealer can guide you through the range of options for your best driving experience.

The driver’s seat can easily be removed so you can drive from your wheelchair or transfer into the original seat.
Your mobility dealer can introduce you to the type of vehicle and the adaptive equipment that will make you comfortable behind the wheel.
You can drive from your wheelchair in any side-entry converted vehicle.
Rear-entry vehicles do not allow driving from a wheelchair.

Airport Travel Tips for Wheelchair Users

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Architectural designers have made access to airports far easier these days for those using wheelchair accessible vehicles. Traveling can be stressful for any individual, but the airport crowds and airplane accessibility can be even more challenging for travelers with disAbilities. While the process will never be completely hassle-free for anyone, we have compiled a list of pointers that we feel may alleviate some of the stress involved in air travel.

Security Checkpoints
Before flying, its always a good idea to do the research and educate yourself on the procedures you or your loved one in a wheelchair will encounter with TSA screenings. Instead of being asked to pass through the scanner, TSA regulations call for wheelchair users to submit to a pat down. If you are uncomfortable with this procedure, you are welcome to ask for a private screening. TSA agents will be able to assist you, if necessary, with removing your shoes or placing any extraneous items on the x-ray belt. More in depth information is available on TSA policies and procedures for travelers with disAbilities and medical conditions.

Boarding and De-Boarding the Aircraft
Airplanes are wheelchair accessible vehicles, but it is wise to arrive early enough to your gate (recommended time is about an hour in advance) to get you and your wheelchair checked in for your flight. In this process, be absolutely sure that your chair has been tagged. This ensures that your chair reaches your final destination with you. You may also request to pre-board your flight so that you have ample time and room to be comfortably seated before the crowd files onto the plane. Know that you will be the first on the plane, but the last to de-board after all the other passengers have excited the aircraft.

Car Rental
If you will be renting any wheelchair accessible vehicles with hand controls, know that you should order your vehicle at least 48 hours in advance to ensure the proper vehicle is ready when you reach your destination. Additionally, do your homework ahead of time to ensure you’re working with a car rental company located inside the airport if at all possible. This prevents the hassle of reaching the car rental station via bus or tram.

We strongly encourage you to call your airline and car rental companies in the beginning of your travel planning process in order to explain the equipment you will be traveling with, and make the best arrangements possible to allow for smooth travels.