Category Archives: Hand controls

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

VMI Ricon | Transfer Seats | Mobility Seating | 6 Way Power Transfer Seat Base

Ricon 6-Way Power Transfer Seat Base™

Ricon powerseat newenglandwheelchairvan.com

The Ricon 6-Way Power Transfer Seat Base provides convenient and time saving transfers from wheelchair to driver or passenger seat. Operation is simple. With the press of a finger, the fully automatic Power Transfer Seat Base swivels 90 degrees with individual controls for front to rear travel and height providing complete control and comfort. Ricon quality assures dependable service.

Fingertip control
Fits most full-size vans
Adaptable to most seats
Adjustable to rotate left or right
1-Year limited warranty
Completely automatic rotation

* 508-697-6006

For more info contact us at info@newenglandwheelchairvan.com

The 6-way Power Seat Base from Ricon makes transfers from wheelchair to driver’s or passenger’s seat convenient and easy. It saves you valuable time, too. At the touch of a fingertip, the fully automatic Power Seat Base swivels 90 degrees to allow carefree transfers. Individual controls for front to rear travel and height give you complete control and comfort. And with Ricon’s quality commitment, you’ll have dependable freedom for years to come.

Power Seat Base Specifications
Power: Electro – Mechanical
Motor Rating – Vertical: 12 Volt DC, 16 Amp cycle avg. at rated load
Motor Rating – Horizontal: 12 Volt DC, 9 Amp cycle avg. at rated load
Motor Rating – Swivel: 12 Volt DC, 5 Amp cycle avg. at rated load
Rated Load Capacity: 300 lbs. (136kg)
Weight: 95 lbs. (43kg)

Another VMI Wheelchair Van on it’s way to Massachusetts

Here we have a brand new 2013 Toyota Sienna Wheelchair Van that is being custom built for Ventura P. It’s going through final inspection in AZ and will soon be on a truck bringing it to Vmi New England in Bridgewater, MA for the installation of a mobility seat, hand controls, electric parking brake and a Ez-Lock Wheelchair Tie Down.

VMI Summit Wheelchair van conversion in final inspection

VMI New England van soon to be on it’s way to Boston, MA

Got to make sure everything on the mobility van is perfect

What a great looking Toyota Sienna Wheelchair van

Soon to be on it’s way to the guys in Bridgewater, MA to have the final up-fit for Ventura

Wheelchair Motorcycle : A New Kind of Mobility

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If you have limited mobility due to a disability, you may think riding a motorcycle is simply out of the question. As the leader in mobility features and transportation for people with disabilities, Automotive Innovations takes that as a challenge. Believe it or not, there are several motorcycles that have been developed including one built from a BMW motorcycle that is made with the specific needs of people with disabilities in mind.

Jim’s passion for motorcycles is unwavering he has worked on wheelchair accessible motorcycles for more than 10 years with features like an EZ-Lock wheelchair locking system to keep you safe and sturdy, interior storage departments to secure your belongings, a passenger seat for your favorite partner in crime, and an automatically controlled rising and lowering access ramp for a hassle-free ride.

If you’re a daredevil at heart, like Jim, and want an exciting way to get around, see if he can up fit a motorcycle just for you. Do you need to bring a little adventure to your life and experience the open road. Whether it’s for daily trips to run errands, a casual Sunday drive, or a road trip across state lines, you’ll get a kick out of the ease and comfort that comes with driving a wheelchair accessible motorcycle. If you are no longer able to ride a standard motorcycle but are not ready to give up the thrill of the ride, contact Automotive Innovations and find out how Jim Sanders and the mobility experts at Automotive Innovations will change your life!

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This mobility update has been brought to you by Vmi New England and Automotive Innovations your Bridgewater, MA NMEDA Mobility Dealer – Need some information on how to make your vehicle wheelchair accessible or upgraded with the latest and most convenient features?

Jim Sanders is one of of the most experienced people in the country at building High-Tech driving equipment and vans for passengers and individuals who drive from a wheelchair. He offers a unmatched practical and theoretical foundation in the application of vehicle modifications for individuals with disabilities. With over 25 years experience, he continues to spearhead new and exciting technological advancements in this growing and emerging market.

Jim is also an avid motorcyclist, extreme snowmobiler and ATV’er, if you are even in need of snowmobile, atv or motorcycle modifications feel free to contact him directly.

Bridgewater’s Sullivan Tire: Touch-A-Truck Event on Sunday

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Bridgewater: Sullivan Tire

Sullivan Tire will host a Touch-A-Truck event at the Bridgewater store Sunday, May 19 from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. The event will benefit the Old Colony YMCA in East Bridgewater.

Kids of all ages are invited to explore, climb upon, touch and learn about many of the large, unique working trucks they see every day.

Along with unique working trucks they will be able to learn about wheelchair accessible vans and help spread awareness about the different mobility equipment and mobdifications available.

The cost is $10 per carload and proceeds benefit the YMCA’s Annual Campaign.

Sullivan Tire is at 300 Bedford St. (Route 18) in Bridgewater.

For more information, call 508-659-5255.

Multiple Sclerosis

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Multiple Sclerosis can affect individuals in varying ways including tingling, numbness, slurred speech, blurred or double vision, muscle weakness, poor coordination, unusual fatigue, muscle cramps, bowel and bladder problems and paralysis. Due to these symptoms, special equipment or accommodations may need to be made to aid a person in safely maintaining their mobility independence for as long as possible.

Physical Considerations: The following are considerations for selecting a vehicle:

Driving a sedan: The Individual must be able to do the following:

Open and close the Door
Transfer in and out of the vehicle
A wheelchair/scooter must be able to be stored and retrieved. Special equipment is available to aid with storage.

Driving a Van: Options may include a mini-van with a lowered floor and a ramp or a full size van with a lift. Specialized modifications allow a person to transfer to the driver’s seat or drive from a wheelchair. Technology may be able to compensate for the loss of strength or range of motion such as:

Reduced effort steering and/or brake systems to compensate for reduced strength.
Mechanical hand controls allow for operation of the gas and brake using upper extremities.
Servo brake/ accelerator systems compensate for reduced strength/range of motion of arms.
If spasticity is difficult to manage, it may lead to an inability to drive.

Visual Changes:

May be severe enough that driving is precluded or night driving is prohibited.
If double vision is intermittent and can be monitored independently, then driving may be limited to avoid driving during an exacerbation.
Sunglasses may help with glare sensitivity.
Compensate for loss of peripheral vision with special mirrors and head turning.
Learn order of traffic signals to aid with color vision impairment.

Cognitive Issues:

Need to regulate emotions and avoid driving when upset, angry or overly emotional.
May be limited to familiar routes if some loss of memory or problem solving but still enough judgment to drive.

Decreased Energy:

Energy conservation is vital.
May require assistance with wheelchair loading to save energy for driving.
Air conditioning aids with managing warm climates.

Medications:

Seek the physician’s input regarding side effects which may impair driving.
Monitor when medications are taken. Don’t drive when sleepy or just before or after medicating

If you or those that drive with you notice any of the above warning signs and need a driving evaluation, give us a call at 508-697-6006 and we can, help you with with knowledge about medical conditions, and help with a comprehensive evaluation and determine your ability to drive.

Visual Perception
Functional Ability
Reaction Time
Behind-the-wheel evaluation