Category Archives: Ramps and lifts

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

Boston Abilities Expo 2014

Abilities Expo is a CELEBRATION of what you CAN DO

Imagine everything you need, all under one roof! For more than 30 years, Abilities Expo has been the go-to source for the Community of people with disabilities, their families, seniors, veterans and healthcare professionals. Every event opens your eyes to new technologies, new possibilities, new solutions and new opportunities to change your life. Where else can you discover ability-enhancing products and services, play a few adaptive sports, learn new dance moves, attend informative workshops and only scratch the surface of what Abilities Expo has to offer? Register for free today.

Portable Ramps

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Portable Ramps Offer Accessible Solutions
Portable wheelchair ramps are a durable yet relatively inexpensive alternative to permanent ramps or lifts. Ideal for use in situations where permanent fixtures are not convenient or available, most portable ramps can be safely used by both scooter and wheelchair users to access vehicles, homes, and other raised spaces.

Solid Ramps
A solid ramp requires no assembly and is easy to use with its single piece design. Generally constructed from aluminum, these ramps offer a slip-resistant surface ideal for wheelchairs and scooters up to 600 lbs.

Suitcase Ramps
Suitcase style ramps are made up of a single-fold design and feature carrying handles that increase portability. Available in a number of lengths that provide access to various heights, including some minivans and SUVs, suitcase ramps are ergonomically designed to provide stability while remaining light enough to be carried by a single individual. Depending on the incline, caregiver assistance may be needed in order to utilize these ramps.

Folding Ramps
Folding ramps offer the convenience of an easily condensed design, allowing for this type of equipment to be transported without hassles even in small vehicles. Single, double and triple fold ramps can be stowed and taken out for use when necessary in mere minutes, making the process a speedy and convenient one.

Thresholds
Thresholds may provide a simple and cost effective solution for rises in doorways, sliding doors and raised landings. These portable ramps rest against doorsills (inside or outside) to provide a smooth transition from the floor onto the raised step or landing. Either trimming the ramp or adding risers can also adjust the accessible height.

When permanent ramps are simply not a viable option, portable solutions can ensure you are able to fully enjoy your day without worrying about accessibility issues. Whether you’re loading the car up for a long trip or simply getting around inside your home, portable ramps and thresholds can ensure you have full access to your surroundings.

The Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) recommends a 1:12 slope for wheelchairs and ramps, which works out to 1 foot of ramp to each inch of rise. For residential use it is usually recommended not to exceed a 2:12 ratio.

BraunAbility: Final Paratransit Van in October

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BraunAbility is scheduled to build their final Paratransit commercial vehicle in October and honor the life of the vehicle line with a celebration on Wednesday. The paratranist line produced mobility-equipped full-size vans for commercial use.

Over 25,000 Paratransit vans were built in Winamac over the course of the vehicle’s life, with 3,000 being delivered to North Carolina alone. Kim Angel of Macon County, North Carolina was present. Her agency represented one of the hundreds of customers that BraunAbility supplied with paratransit vehicles over the past 38 years.

“Ralph Braun began by installing wheelchair lifts on full-size vans like these,” said Nick Gutwein, BraunAbility President. “This product is where it all started. This is Braun.”

BraunAbility began production on the paratransit vehicles in the late 1970s. The passing of the Americans with Disabilities Act in 1990 served as a springboard for increased orders of mobility products by state and federal agencies.

BraunAbility’s paratransit product was built on the Ford Econoline chassis, but Ford has discontinued its Econoline product. BraunAbility made the decision to end production of its Paratransit unit and will focus its efforts on manufacturing wheelchair lifts and wheelchair accessible vehicles for consumer and commercial use.

Vertical Lifts Make Homes Ultra-Accessible

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Finding the home of your dreams can be one of the most exciting things in a person’s life. Whether you’ve always hoped to move in to an antique brick home or fantasized about a modern, sleek floor plan, everyone deserves the ability to live in his or her ideal space. Although many home-builders have designed fully accessible homes able to provide a barrier free lifestyle for those with disabilities, many houses pose an obstacle for those with disabilities or mobility impairments – stairs.

Installing a lift within your home can help you finally be able to call the house of your dreams your home. The following is information regarding a few types of available lifts, and how they can improve accessibility within your home.

Incline Platform Lifts
Designed to provide a safe and easy way for wheelchair users to ascend and descend stairs, platform lifts allows homeowners with disabilities to remain in their homes despite mobility limitations. Eliminating accessibility obstacles, incline platform lifts let users access upper levels without needing to transfer from their chairs by simply maneuvering their scooter or wheelchair onto the platform. Outdoor friendly models also allow families to enjoy their yards or decks all year long.

Vertical Platform Lifts
Durable, reliable and weather resistant, vertical platform lifts provide access to raised decks or porches. With a completely vertical ascension, these lifts operate similarly to elevators, and accommodate both scooters and wheelchairs. Ideal for families or individuals looking to enjoy plenty of time outdoors, in their yards, or catching some rays on sunny days, vertical lifts provide a solution for homes with limited accessibility.

Residential Elevators
While many of us see residential elevators as Jetsonesque amenities, these additions can help make a multi-level home infinitely more accessible. From single passenger to family sized options, these customizable solutions can be installed without the need for a pit or control room, and can transform your home into a wheelchair accessible haven.

Have You Entered the E-Venture Contest Yet?

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Have You Entered the E-Venture Contest Yet?

Most customers test drive a wheelchair accessible vehicle before purchasing it.

Some lucky customers will have a chance to test drive a brand new VMI Dodge Grand Caravan Northstar E for 30 days… FOR FREE!

Will it be you? See contest details below:

About The Contest

Win a VMI Northstar E wheelchair van to use free for 30 Days.
VMI gives you $300 to spend on an adventure of the winners choice
Receive a free digital camera for you to document your time with the Northstar E then keep the video camera for yourself.
Monthly winners will drawn throughout the year.

Important Dates

Start Date: May 15, 2014
End Date: Dec. 31, 2014
First Draw: July, 2014
Last Draw: Dec, 2014

Terms & Conditions
The VMI Northstar E-venture campaign is active from May 15, 2014 to December 31, 2014.

Winner will be drawn and announced on a monthly basis from July, 2014 to December, 2014. Winner will receive 30-days free use of a Dodge Grand Caravan with the VMI Northstar E Conversion; no exceptions will be made.

Winners must abide by the rental policies of their local dealer and state. . .
In accordance with rental agreements, insurance coverage for liability, collision and comprehensive insurance must cover full vehicle reimbursement for the term of use.
Must comply with daily/monthly mileage-use limits
Must maintain standard of care for vehicle as stated in rental agreement
Must return vehicle in accordance with rental agreement
Additional conditions may apply
Winners will have up to 120 days from the date of notification to begin their 30-day free use period.
The maximum amount allowable for the E-venture is $300, which is based on $75/person for a family of four.
Payment for the E-venture will be dependent upon the event selected
Payment may be provided in the form of a pre-paid credit card
VMI may purchase tickets/passes for the adventure (e.g. amusement park, sporting event, concert, etc.) for the winner
VMI may provide reimbursement to winner for receipts submitted
A free digital video camera will be provided for documenting your adventures and day-to-day mobility. The digital camera is a gift for winners to keep.
Winners will be required to share a minimum of five minutes of video footage per week to be posted on VMI corporate and dealer websites and social pages. Failure to provide video footage will be cause for termination of 30-day free van-use period and full reimbursement of any funds provided for the E-venture.
The first drawing will be held in July, 2014, and one lucky winner will be drawn every month through the end of the year, December 2014.
Winners will be required to sign an agreement of terms and conditions.

No purchase necessary. Valid in the United States only. Limit one entry per household. Entries may be made at VMI’s Website or by calling 855-VMI VANS.

If the winner purchases a VMI wheelchair van prior to being selected as a winner of the Northstar E-venture, they can elect to be reimbursed $1800 (estimated value of winnings). Reimbursement will be coordinated between VMI and the winner directly if the vehicle was purchased prior to the winner being announced.

Offer is not valid on any added accessories. Winner is responsible for the payment of applicable taxes and registration fees. Prize must be claimed within 120 days of being notified of winning and is non-transferable. No exceptions will be made.

Additional Terms & Conditions may apply.