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Benefits of Owning an Wheelchair Accessible Vehicle

Safety
Safety is a universal concern for people with disAbilities and their caregivers. Many caregivers experience chronic back and joint pain from years of wheelchair lifts. And far too often there are stories of people fearful of loading and unloading their wheelchairs. Mobility vehicles are designed with a dedication to safety. Not only do ramp systems remove the liability, wear and tear and exhaustion of a lift, but brands like VMI adhere to the safety standards and qualifications of original equipment manufacturers like Honda, Toyota, Chrysler and Dodge.

A vehicle conversion from a company like VMI must maintain and provide the same safety ratings, post-conversion, as it did when the original model was created. That means collision safety and design is held to a very high standard. So there’s simply no reason to risk your personal safety or the livelihood of your passengers in an outdated vehicle.

Independence
If the daunting process of wheelchair lifts and transports kept you from leaving home in the past or the frustration of coordinating shuttles and third party transportation limits your lifestyle, look no further.

Mobility vehicles empower opportunity and independence. Frankly, when transportation is a possibility rather than a limitation, the world gets a whole lot larger. Independent wheelchair users with reliable mobility vehicles hold the power to call the shots on their own life. They can drive where they need to, how they want to, when they want to. A mobility vehicle isn’t just a mechanism to take you from point A to B; A mobility vehicle is an entryway to possibility.

Increased Space and Flexibility
Most modern mobility vehicles feature side-entry and front door benefits which allow an array of seating arrangements and interior flexibility. With such added space, nearly any wheelchair — even power chairs — can fit in the cabin while still leaving room for the rest of the family.

Vehicles such as VMI’s Toyota Sienna Access360 have been engineered to promote a full range of motion and maneuverability for power chairs inside the vehicle, eliminating the need to hastily rearrange and remove seats for transports. Obstruction-free doorways and head clearance also pave the way for an enjoyable transition to and from the vehicle.

Simplicity and Ease-of-Use
Whether you are a caregiver or an independent wheelchair user, mobility vehicles have practical answers.

Through the addition of manual ramp systems and automated, in-floor ramp technology, transportation doesn’t have to remain a daily hassle. Life often throws bigger dilemmas our way. Mobility vehicles make sure transportation isn’t one of those.

The Northstar E by VMI is a great example of a vehicle that was engineered with simplicity and ease-of-use at the forefront of its design. Caregivers can easily remove the vehicle’s ramp system without physical strain or contemplation. The process is intuitive and quick. Loading and unloading a van can be easily accomplished in a matter of minutes without sacrificing time or energy for the caregiver and loved one.

Mobility vehicles can even be outfitted with aftermarket additions such as remote start and keyless entry to further simplify the transportation situation for independent wheelchair users and caregivers.

Types of Disabled Parking Spaces

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You see them everywhere you go. The classic blue logo on the concrete and a metal sign designating a handicap-only parking space. If you have a disability, these spots generally allow you easier and closer access to the building.

But whether there is a sign or not should not be the only thing you pay attention to when trying to park at the mall, grocery store or other places of business. The striped white paint, the size of the space and certain keywords on the marked sign are just as, if not more, important. You think you know what an accessible parking space is – but do you really?

Not Every Disabled Parking Space Is Created Equal
Businesses are required to provide accessible parking spots for their disabled customers. These spaces must provide the shortest accessible route to the entrance of the building or facility. Accessible parking spaces and routes should be located where disabled individuals do not have to cross a vehicular lane. When parking cannot be located immediately next to the building and the accessible route crosses traffic, a marked crossing should be provided.

There are three types of these accessible parking spaces available. Each of these spaces has unique identifying factors you should be aware of so you can make the most courteous parking decision on your next outing.

Accessible Parking Spaces for Cars
These designated accessible parking spaces are for disabled people in a standard vehicle. They are easy to spot, as they are marked with a sign, located on level ground, and have at least a 60-inch-wide aisle next to the parking space. This gives a person using a wheelchair or other assistive devices enough room to enter or exit the vehicle.

Accessible Parking Spaces for Vans (One-Sided Entry)
Driving a wheelchair-accessible van means you will need extra parking space on the side of the vehicle to lower the ramp. The one-sided-entry parking spaces have a white-striped access aisle on the passenger side that is 96 inches wide. The handicapped parking sign for these spaces is marked as “Van Accessible.” You will notice these spots also have a vertical clearance to accommodate the van height next to the access aisle and on the route to and from the parking space.

Accessible Parking Spaces for Vans (Two-Sided Entry)
The two-sided-entry parking space has all of the specifications of a one-sided-entry space, but includes access aisles on both sides of the vehicle. This allows for the disabled driver or passenger to easily enter and exit from either side of the van with enough space to maneuver.

There is no penalty for a disabled person parking in a van-accessible parking space. However, if you don’t have a van and there are other standard handicap spaces available, it is courteous to park there instead.

Tips for a Safe, Fun and Accessible Halloween

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The promise of handfuls of candy and elaborate decorations makes Halloween a pretty important date in any child’s calendar. This year, make your holiday memories even more special by following these tips!

Wheelchair Accessible Halloween

Plan your route out a few days before the holiday. At this point, most houses should have their decorations up in preparation for the big night, so you will be able to assess which houses will be easily accessible for you and your children.

Always make sure your child is comfortable wearing a costume, especially if the disguise includes a mask or other constricting pieces. If your kids are not warming up to wearing a bulky or elaborate costume but still want to do something special for Halloween, suggest a simple pair of animal ears or face paint. Also, don’t forget that Halloween takes place on a chilly October day, so plan your child’s outfit accordingly with added layers and cozy gloves!

Don’t be afraid to get creative! There are hundreds of great DIY costume ideas out there that can help transform your kids into their favorite characters or superheroes. You can even incorporate their wheelchairs or scooters into costumes. Designing and putting together a fun costume is a great activity to share with your children and can actually be a good learning exercise.

Because Halloween is a traditionally scary affair, be sure to prepare your kids for some spooky sights. Talk to them about some of the décor they might see while trick-or-treating, as well as the costumes others might be wearing to make sure they are not caught by surprise. If you notice your child is not responding well to some of these factors, suggest other less frightening yet equally fun activities you could do together, like carving a Jack-o-lantern or decorating your home for autumn.

If trick or treating is not the best option for your family, there is no need to forgo the holiday altogether. Throwing a Halloween party at home and stocking it with themed games and snacks can provide the same fun, memorable experiences for your child with added safety and the comforts of home.

Creative Wheelchair Halloween Costume Ideas

Wizard of OZ Mad Hatter Snoopy Queen of Hearts Mario Kart Motorcycle Batman - Adult Buz Lightyear Astronaut Rex - Toy Story popcorn machine pirate Viking Cinderella Thomas the train Bumble bee batman - child Fisherman Semi Truck Toothless

North Carolina Wounded Vet Run 2015

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NC Wounded Vet Run 2015

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How To Make Your Wheelchair Van More Affordable

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A wheelchair van can provide a little freedom for a person with a disAbility or someone caring for a loved one with mobility limitations. It’s hard to put a price on the freedom these vehicles can provide, however the fact remains that vans, conversions and specialized equipment all come with some costs. Fortunately, there are a number of ways that make these vehicles more affordable and get you one step closer to driving independence.

Search for Used Vans
Finding a used wheelchair accessible van in good condition might sound like a dream, but it is far from impossible. With a little research and some patience, you might be able to find a vehicle that works for your needs, at a discounted price. Many mobility dealerships take used vans as trade-ins for resale and some manufacturers will even install brand new wheelchair conversions in the pre-owned vehicles. Certain dealerships also sell rental vans that have been retired after a year of use. While a used van can be a great deal, it’s important to still consult with a qualified mobility equipment dealer, as these vehicles might not have the exact equipment to fit your needs.

Update Your Current Van
If your vehicle is still in relatively good condition but needs a few adjustments to make it more accessible for you and your loved ones, an update could be an affordable alternative to purchasing a new van. Talk to your local mobility dealer about updating your adaptive equipment and you could be on your way to saving a few thousand dollars!

Contact Local Organizations
If you need extra help funding a new handicap vehicle, a local chapter or organization working to help those with your particular disabilities might be able to help. While these groups might not be able to provide a large amount of money to fund your vehicle purchase, they might be able to provide you with helpful community resources or at least help coordinate fundraising activities.