Category Archives: Wheelchair Vans

Wheelchair van and mobility needs for New England – Boston, MA

2013 Toyota Sienna Information · For Sale

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Our New 2013 Toyota Sienna LE Mobility minivan has a New VMI Northstar conversion

Additional Information

• 6 miles
• 3.5L V6 EFI DOHC 24V
• Fuel Type: Gasoline
• MPG City/Hwy: 18 city/25 hwy

Pictures

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Toyota Sienna With VMI Northstar Conversion Information

The all new Toyota Sienna with a VMI Northstar wheelchair van conversion is vehicular perfection for people living with disability. The Toyota Sienna handicap accessible van with a power in-floor ramp offers the most wheelchair access in a flexible package. And like everything from Toyota, the quality and value are unmatched.

The VMI Northstar handicap van engineers put together the Access360 performance package through years of research and experience that have accumulated into the most versatile mobility van on the market. There is more entry space, more interior height, and better aesthetics. It all adds up to Toyota Sienna wheelchair vans that offers flexibility, ease of use, and safety.

Description
Toyota Sienna with VMI Northstar
• NEW – Access360 design with more space to enter and maneuver inside the mobility van
• NEW – Access360 design allows for more flexibility and ease of use
• Obstruction-free doorway allows easy entry/exit for able-bodied passengers
• Clean, uncluttered handicapped vehicle interior
• Greater safety in the event of a collision
• Less dirt and debris from in-floor ramp into wheelchair accessible vehicle interior
• Wider usable accessible wheelchair ramp surface
• No interference with factory seats or controls
• Full use of front passenger seat
• Obstacle-free front row floor
• Ramp stowed safely under floor in the event of a collision
• 9″ more floor length than any other Toyota Sienna conversion on the market today

Specifications
Toyota Sienna with VMI Northstar
• NEW – Access360 design with more space to enter and maneuver inside the mobility van
• NEW – Access360 design allows for more flexibility and ease of use
• Obstruction-free doorway allows easy entry/exit for able-bodied passengers
• Clean, uncluttered handicapped vehicle interior
• Greater safety in the event of a collision
• Less dirt and debris from in-floor ramp into wheelchair accessible vehicle interior
• Wider usable accessible wheelchair ramp surface
• No interference with factory seats or controls
• Full use of front passenger seat
• Obstacle-free front row floor
• Ramp stowed safely under floor in the event of a collision
• 9″ more floor length than any other Toyota Sienna conversion on the market today

Standard Features
Toyota Sienna with VMI Northstar only
• Ultra-low 8.0° accessible ramp angle
• 800lb. wheelchair ramp capacity
• Sure Deploy backup system allows users to stow or deploy the ramp even without power
• Manual secondary backup system for additional peace of mind

Toyota Sienna with Northstar AND Summit
• Full-power ramp and conversion
• 12.75” drop FLEX Floor maximizes headroom & interior space for wheelchair maneuverability
• Patented independent rear suspension designed to preserve the ride quality and performance
• E-coated floor for maximum corrosion resistance
• NEW, ultra-reliable hydraulic PowerKneel system lowers the minivan to reduce ramp angle
• Seamless integration with the electronics prevents damage to vehicle/conversion
• Conversion control through Toyota keyfob and interior sliding-door switches
• Halo-lit, one-touch interior conversion button
• Ramp ON/OFF switch allows users to disable all conversion features
(You can open sliding doors for able-bodied passengers without deploying the ramp)
• NEW lightweight, removable front seats are easier to install or remove
• NEW quick-release straps allow users to remove front seats in seconds
• Non-skid handicapped ramp surface
• Fully crash-tested and compliant with all government safety standards
• 3-year/36,000-mile warranty

Optional Features
• Durafloor (rubberized flooring) closely matched to the existing Toyota Sienna interior

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

New England Wheelchair Van