Category Archives: Hand controls

Hand controls for wheelchair van and vehicle users in New England, Boston MA

toyota sienna rampvan wheelchair & scooter accessible van

The Toyota Sienna wheelchair and scooter accessible van offers accessibility and convenience in a sporty, streamlined package. The bold, new attitude of this popular vehicle is a refreshing take on the traditional van.

The one touch power entry and exit system includes a power sliding side door, a power ramp, and a power auto-kneel system to reduce ramp angle and make the van easier to enter and exit for wheelchair or scooter users. The Toyota Sienna wheelchair van also features easily removable front seats to allow a wheelchair user to drive the vehicle (when properly equipped with hand controls) or to ride in the front passenger position.

The lightweight aluminum ramp extends to allow easy access to the interior for wheelchairs and scooters. A durable, non-skid powder-coated finish ensures superior traction. In the event of power failure, the ramp can be operated manually.

To make boarding even easier, most of our vans feature an integrated “kneeling” system. An actuator lowers the rear suspension while the door opens, which reduces the slope of the auto ramp.

Ramp van Standard Features

Auto Door The original door operator opens the sliding door at the touch of a button. The door can be operated with the standard remote control, or with one of the several interior control switches.

Auto Kneel The Rampvan features a “kneeling” system to make entering and exiting your vehicle even easier. An actuator lowers the rear suspension while the door opens, which reduces the slope of the automatic ramp.

Auto Ramp The lightweight ramp is offered in both In floor and Foldout versions, and offers unparalleled ease of access for wheelchair and scooter users. In the event of power failure, both the door and ramp can easily be operated manually.

Lowered Floor Up to 14.75″ lower than conventional minivans, the Ramp van’s floor is lowered from the firewall to the rear axle. With a choice of three securement positions, wheelchair users can enjoy the ride — and the view — from their chair

Removable Seating Both the driver and passenger seat can easily be removed for those who wish to ride up front or drive. By simply unlocking the seat base from the vehicle, the entire assembly can be rolled out of the vehicle via the ramp and reinstalled just as easily when needed.

The Ramp van combines sophisticated engineering with a combination of style, class, interior space and superior quality. At the heart of the Ramp van is the Toyota Sienna minivan chassis. Each Ramp van features a lowered floor to provide generous head room for wheelchair or scooter users. An integrated power sliding door and ramp enable full access to the vehicle. By offering conversions with both fold-out or in-floor ramps, we ensure that each customer gets the right conversion for his or her needs.

mobility van markets new england and beyond

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VMi New England Mobility Center customers have come to us from all over the United States, from New England to Tennessee, Michigan to the District of Columbia. Our Bridgewater facility offers a unmatched capability to sell, service allow us to supply accessible commercial vehicles and personal-use wheelchair vans to clients throughout the area.

Personal Conversion Wheelchair Vans

Our Bridgewater Mobility Center offers full service and sales to individuals throughout all of New England

Commercial Accessible Vans, Buses and Shuttles

We often sell, service, and deliver vehicles to the following areas:

States

Are you outside of any of these locations and still interested in a VMi New England Mobility Center conversion van or mobility product? Contact our expert sales staff, as we may still be able to assist you in finding the perfect commercial wheelchair van or accessible personal-use modification.

Acura Mobility Program

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Mobility Overview

Enhancing mobility for drivers with disabilities

acura mobility program newenglandwheelchairvan.com

The Acura Mobility Program is proud to support the mobility needs of drivers and passengers with physical disabilities. When you purchase or lease an Acura vehicle, you will be provided with a cash reimbursement of up to $1,000 of the cost of aftermarket adaptive equipment that is installed on any eligible vehicle.

Program Elements

acura mobility program newenglandwheelchairvan.com

Acura suggests that you request a copy of the Department of Transportation’s brochure, “Adapting Motor Vehicles for People with Disabilities.”

Know your state’s driver’s license requirements.

You may wish to contact a local mobility center to help identify the adaptive equipment that best meets your needs.

Select the right vehicle by collaborating with your evaluator, as well as a vehicle modification installer and your local Acura dealer before deciding on the best Acura model for you.

Choose VMi New England Mobility Center a certified qualified equipment installer to modify your vehicle. Take the time to find out about credentials, experience, references, warranty coverage and the services they provide.

Obtain training on the use of the new equipment. Your equipment dealer and evaluator should provide information and off-road instruction. You will also need to practice driving under the instruction of a qualified driving instructor until you both feel comfortable with your skills.

Program Guidelines

Acura will provide a reimbursement of up to $1,000 to each eligible, original retail client for the expenses incurred to purchase and install qualifying adaptive equipment on any eligible purchased or leased Acura vehicle.

REQUIREMENTS

Only the original vehicle owner is eligible for reimbursement.
Modifications must be completed for the original owner or his/her immediate family.
Only new Acura vehicles retailed or leased in the United States from an authorized Acura dealership are eligible.
Only one reimbursement request per vehicle.
Lease vehicle modifications may be subject to written lessor approval. The client is responsible for determining and satisfying lease contract requirements.
Acura will consider reimbursement for modifications made to vehicles after February 1, 2004.
The written reimbursement request must be received within 6 months of the adaptive equipment installation.
Fleet and commercial vehicles are not eligible.
Any alteration or adaptive equipment that Acura has identified that alters the safety of the vehicle (i.e. seat belt extenders) is not eligible.

ADAPTATIONS, MODIFICATIONS AND EQUIPMENT INSTALLATION

Qualifying adaptive-equipment or conversion is defined as alterations or adaptive equipment installation that provide to the disabled user convenient access and/or the ability to drive the vehicle.
Alterations or adaptive-equipment installation require a prescription or medical documentation to be considered for reimbursement.
Reimbursement requests (invoices) will be compared against the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) website to verify that the alterer or repair business (individual, partnership or corporation) is registered with NHTSA and that the modifications are on the list of NHTSA exemptions.
EXCEPTION: Wheelchair or scooter hoists or ramps do not require a prescription, medical documentation or NHTSA exemption verification and NHTSA business registration for reimbursement consideration.
EXCEPTION: Modifications that “DO NOT” make inoperative any part of a device or element of design that has been installed on or in a motor vehicle in compliance with a Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard will not require NHTSA exemption verification and NHTSA business registration for reimbursement consideration.
The installation of adaptive equipment must have taken place within the time and mileage limits of the New Vehicle Limited Warranty.
If all conditions are met, Acura will provide up to a $1,000 cash reimbursement. Acura will be the secondary coverage in the case of two or more reimbursement sources.** A reimbursement made by another source such as medical insurance will be subtracted from the client’s original total expense. (Example: Total expense $5,000, Insurance reimbursement $4,000, Client expense $1,000. The client expense of $1,000 will be reviewed and considered for a maximum of $1,000 reimbursement.)

IMPORTANT CLIENT INFORMATION

The selection of an equipment manufacturer and installer is solely the client’s responsibility. (Acura does not evaluate or endorse any company or supplier involved in adaptive equipment. Mobility equipment warranty, installation warranty and related liabilities are not the responsibility of Acura.)
Clients can pick up an application at their local Acura dealer, via this website, or through Acura Client Relations.

REIMBURSEMENT DOCUMENTATION AND PROCESS

Documentation required for reimbursement consideration:

Completed and signed Reimbursement Application
Proof of Vehicle Sales or Lease Agreement
Copy of invoice for adaptive-equipment installation and/or vehicle modification and proof of payment
Copy of state driver’s license to verify that the person is eligible to operate a modified vehicle
Copy of the prescription or medical documentation
Name of contributing medical insurance carrier/entity that provides primary support, and policy number

Reimbursements will be processed and mailed within 4 weeks of receipt of all required documentation. Reimbursement requests should be mailed to:

Acura Client Relations
P.O. Box 2964
Torrance, CA 90509-2964

CLIENT RESOURCES
Please call Acura Client Relations with any questions.

Acura
800-382-2238
www.acura.com

National Mobility Equipment Dealers Association (NMEDA)
800-833-0427
www.nmeda.org

National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA)
www.nhtsa.dot.gov

To download an application form, click here

Acura reserves the right to modify or terminate this program without notice.

Acura does not assume responsibility for the quality, safety or efficiency of adaptive equipment or installation and cannot guarantee that such modifications comply with applicable government safety standards.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do reimbursements apply to used or fleet vehicles?

No. This program applies to only new Acura vehicles that are retailed or leased in the U.S.

How long will it take me to receive my reimbursement?

Payments will be mailed within 4 weeks of receipt of all required documentation.

What types of adaptive equipment can I obtain reimbursement for?

Acura will consider reimbursement for those modifications that have been approved by the National Highway Transportation Safety Administration (NHTSA). You can find more information on the NHTSA website.

What is the time limit to apply for a reimbursement?

The reimbursement request must be made within 6 months of the adaptive equipment installation.

Where can I get information on adaptive equipment?

Where do I get a reimbursement application?

In addition to the printable .PDF (Acrobat) format version of the form on this website, forms are also available at your local Acura dealer or upon request at Acura Client Relations at 1-800-382-2238.

Are used vehicles included in the Acura mobility assistance program?

Acura has limited the program to original vehicle owners/lessees whose vehicles are within the Manufacturer’s warranty period and who request reimbursement for NHTSA-approved and compliant modifications to their vehicles.

Does the Acura New Vehicle Limited Warranty cover modified vehicles and/or adaptive equipment?

No. The Acura New Vehicle Limited Warranty applies only to the Acura vehicle. It does not include the adaptive equipment, its installation or any other non-original equipment.

Does the installation of adaptive equipment void my warranty?

No, adaptive equipment and modifications unto themselves do not void the New Vehicle Limited Warranty that applies to the Acura product. However, if your vehicle experiences a problem/failure and that problem/failure is determined by Acura to be the direct result of the adaptive equipment and/or its installation, your warranty coverage may be voided for that particular repair. All warranty issues are reviewed on a case-by-case basis.

adaptive mobility equipment financing options

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Adaptive equipment describes an installed device, in addition to a structural modification, that is necessary for a person with a permanent physical disability to drive or be transported in a vehicle.

Some equipment not thought of as typical adaptive equipment, or equipment which is not available from the factory, that serves a need to operate or ride in a vehicle for persons with disabilities such as but not limited to: assist handles, keyless entry, keyless ignition switch, lumbar support, headrest adjustment, pedal extensions power seats, remote liftgate opener, running boards, seat belt extenders, seat modifications, and special mirrors may be eligible for reimbursement and require additional documentation. You will be notified if additional documentation is needed such as a letter or prescription clearly describing the permanent physical disability requiring this equipment, prepared by a licensed or certified medical professional.

Factory installed options such as air conditioning, running boards, lumbar seats and power windows are not considered eligible under the terms of the program.

Driving is a privilege for people stroke survivors with limited mobility; it provides a sense of stability in their lives so they can regain their independence. They love the flexibility their adaptive mobility equipment provides, but they often face exorbitant costs when it comes to financing the purchase of the equipment.

“The number one reason people with disabilities don’t have access to adequate transportation is because they cannot afford it.” The good news is that funding assistance to purchase adaptive equipment is becoming increasingly available.

Sources of funding determine a person’s “buying power.” Unlike the financing options provided by original equipment manufacturers, Mobility Equipment Dealers, such as Vmi New England Mobility Center, have access to financing options specifically for adaptive equipment purchases; they offer options and solutions for the customer.

Veterans

The Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) offers grants enabling 100% service related disabled veterans to purchase a new or used modified vehicle and adaptive equipment. Automobile grants are available once in the service member’s lifetime and adaptive equipment grants are available for special equipment that may used more than once. For more information, call 1-800-827-1000 or read the VA’s “Automobile and Special Adaptive Equipment Grants” fact sheet.

State Programs

State Vocational Rehabilitation (Voc Rehab) Agencies may be able to assist with the costs associated with purchasing an adaptive vehicle (or adding adaptive equipment to an existing one) if the vehicle is necessary in order for a person to get to and from work.
State Assistive Technology Loan Programs may also be able to provide assistance to help pay for modifications to the vehicle.
Center for Independent Living (CIL) can provide additional information on programs that may be available in your state.

Government Programs

Medicaid: Medicaid is a jointly administered federal and state program that helps with medical costs for some people with limited income and resources. Medicaid benefits differ by state and are approved on a case-by-case basis when a request for funding is presented through a prior approval.
Medicare: Medicare is a federal program and in some instances they will pay for adaptive equipment following a specialty evaluation performed by a qualified practitioner. For more information, call 1-800-633-4227.
Supplemental Security Income (SSI): SSI offers a Plan to Achieve Self-Support program, or PASS, which helps those with disabilities pay for items or services needed to achieve a specific employment goal – to ultimately return to work.
Internal Revenue Service (IRS): Often sales-tax exemptions on equipment purchases and other out-of-pocket costs can qualify for tax deductions as medical expenses. Contact a tax adviser or get literature from the IRS that outlines the tax code for medical equipment by calling 1-800-829-1040 and asking for publications with extensions 3966, 907 and 502.

Workman’s Compensation:

Your insurance or workman’s compensation policies may also pay for vehicle adaptation. Check with your HR department or workman’s comp. organization for more information.

Fundraisers, Charitable Organizations/Churches

These may not be for everyone, but they can be effective and many people have successfully raised the money to pay for a wheelchair accessible vehicle and adaptive equipment using these options.

Automakers Rebate Programs

Many automobile makers are providing people with disabilities a wide range of rebates and incentive programs to cover adaptive equipment installation. Below is an overview of some programs offering rebates or reimbursements for adaptive mobility equipment.

Ford Motor Company: The Ford Mobility Motoring adaptive equipment reimbursement offers up to $1,000 off for a vehicle modification. You may also qualify for up to $200 for alert hearing devices, lumbar support, or running boards installed on any new Ford or Lincoln vehicle purchased or leased from a U.S. Ford or Lincoln dealer during the program period.
Daimler Chrysler Corporation: Once you have a 2010-2013 Chrysler, Jeep, Dodge, Ram or FIAT vehicle that fits your transportation needs, contact a reputable and qualified adaptive equipment installer to ensure that it can be adapted to meet your needs.
General Motors Company Reimbursement Program: New vehicle purchasers/lessees who install eligible adaptive mobility equipment on their new Chevrolet, Buick or GMC vehicles can receive up to a $1,000 reimbursement for the cost of the equipment.
Toyota: The Toyota Mobility Assistance Program provides cash reimbursement of up to $1,000 of the cost of any aftermarket adaptive equipment or conversion, for drivers and/or passengers, when installed on any eligible purchased or leased new Toyota vehicle within 12 months of vehicle purchase or lease.

The decision to purchase adaptive mobility equipment stems from a need for mobility freedom for people with disabilities, including stroke survivors. The purchase process begins with selecting a reputable dealer to provide the adaptive equipment and installation, locating options to finance the purchase, and ends with insuring the adaptive equipment.

Make sure the after-market mobility modifications are professionally installed by a NMEDA mobility dealer. Once the adaptive mobility equipment is financed and installed, notify your insurance agent with a full disclosure of all adaptive mobility equipment installed in the vehicle.

Make sure your auto insurance company provides coverage for the conversion and adaptive equipment. Make sure you request coverage for “special” equipment, not just “handicapped” equipment.

“Handicapped equipment” covers only basic equipment such as the ramp or lift, not the lowered floor, kneeling system, lockdown system or other adaptive equipment.
“Special equipment” covers the conversion in its entirety. Be sure and send your insurance company an itemized list of every modification (which you can get from the mobility dealership that performed the conversion).

VMi New England Mobility Center is an advocate for mobility and accessibility for drivers with disabilities. If you need help with converting or buying a wheelchair accessible car, truck or van, please contact us at 508-697-6006 info@newenglandwheelchairvan.com

Toyota Sienna Wheelchair Accessible Van Conversions

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There are so many ways to configure the Toyota Sienna to meet your individual transportation needs. Toyota’s expanding selection of partner conversion companies allows for confident choices based upon your lifestyle and preference.

These lowered-floor wheelchair accessible Siennas allow users to travel in the front, center passenger positions or rear. Removable seating can be configured to allow individuals to either transfer into the driver’s seat or drive from their wheelchair. Choosing the option that’s right for you means less compromise, greater mobility.

This conversion includes a complete reconstruction of the van’s floor by cutting out the original and replacing it with a purpose-built floor that adds inches to the height of the door opening for easy entry and exit. As the door opens, the vehicle also kneels to make the ramp angle as low as possible, making it easier for those in a manual wheelchair to get into their van. The fold-out ramp is an industry standard and has been proven safe over years of service. When deployed, the ramp is perfectly flat, then folds in half and stores against the curb-side door for travel.

Fold-out ramp Siennas are available from BraunAbility and Vantage Mobility International (VMI)

Siennas featuring an in-floor ramp represent an interesting twist on the traditional fold-out ramp by storing the one-piece ramp under the floor. Just like the fold-out, this conversion includes a complete reconfiguration of the chassis and has the kneeling feature. The in-floor configuration means the floor stays hidden until needed, allowing you to choose the style that suits your taste.

In-floor ramp Siennas are available from BraunAbility and Vantage Mobility International (VMI).

Toyota Mobility ramp vans are sold through specialized mobility facilities like the VMi New England Mobility Center.

They are not sold through local Toyota dealerships.

An economical solution for many families is the rear-entry wheelchair accessible option. The front of the Sienna chassis remains intact and a path is formed into the rear of the van for access. Additional folding passenger seats can be added to the middle row position to accommodate larger families or for use in taxi service where the wheelchair accommodation may not be consistently used. The rear entry configuration allows entry and exit even when parked in a standard parking space or in a one-car garage.

Rear entry Siennas are available from VMi New England Mobility Center.

New Toyota Siennas converted for wheelchair access are warranted under the same terms and conditions as Toyota’s New Vehicle Limited Warranty; conversion-related modifications are warranted by Toyota’s conversion partner. Your wheelchair accessible Sienna also comes standard with Toyota Care, the complimentary car maintenance plan that includes 24-hour roadside assistance for 2 years or 25,000 miles, whichever comes first. Siennas converted for wheelchair access also qualify for Toyota Mobility Assistance; details on reimbursement submission are available through your local mobility dealer.

Where to buy

For wheelchair accessible vans, visit your local Toyota Mobility Dealer to select the Sienna model grade, color combination and equipment you like best, the Toyota mobility sales professional will assist you in locating the Sienna you prefer.