Category Archives: Wheelchair Vans

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

Checking Gifts Off That Holiday Shopping List

Trying to think of what to get everyone on that Holiday shopping list of yours can be a burdensome task. Fortunately, we have done our research to provide you with a great list of gift options.

Technology

Voice activated dialers let you speed dial contacts by just saying their name into your phone.
Amazon’s Kindle is a sleek, lightweight (weighing less than a paperback book) eBook reader. The sleek new screen makes it possible for those with limited mobility in their hands to turn the pages of a book.
Dragon speech recognition software makes it easier for anyone to use a computer. You talk, and it types. Use your voice to create and edit documents or emails, launch applications, open files, control your mouse, and more. Compatible with both Windows and Mac.
Intela Voice Activated Light Switch – By verbally saying a word or phrase, turn on or off lights and other appliances. The voice activated light switch works with nearly all small to medium devices.

Accessories

Gloves are always a good buy for a person who uses a manual wheelchair. You can find wheelchair gloves that are made from textiles and leather and that are infused with patented nanotechnology that allows the wearer to operate any touch screen device without removing the gloves.
The WeatherBreaker is a canopy that attaches to wheelchairs or scooters to protect you from the sun and rain.
The MiniTray attaches to your scooter or power chair armrest. When you need it, flip it up from the side. When not in use, flip it back down like an airline tray.
Armrest pouches and seatback bags are useful gifts for wheelchair users. They are perfect for storing cell phones, wallets, shopping items and much more.

Tools

An aluminum grabber bar is a great tool for those that have limited mobility. They add the advantage of independence instead of having to ask for assistance.
A dressing stick assists with putting on sweaters, shirts, pants, coats and more. There are also tools to assist in putting on shoes and socks as well to keep them on.

Experience

Give the gift of experiences. Everyone enjoys a night out at a nice restaurant, or a great play or comedy show. Look for vouchers and gift cards for local attractions online. Be sure to check with the establishment to ensure it is accessible.

Before purchasing, be sure the product will work for the particular person you are buying for, consider the product style and look and make sure you buy from a reputable supplier to ensure the product performs the function intended. Happy Holidays!

Wheelchair Safety While Driving or Riding

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If you use a wheelchair, you probably know how to get into and out of a car safely. You’ve seen a certified driver rehabilitation specialist and know the rules. But it doesn’t hurt to go over them periodically, and perhaps correct some bad habits we’ve fallen into – and start the New Year off right.

The following guidelines increase safety for wheelchair-seated riders and drivers.

Where to sit

If possible, transfer into the vehicle’s seat, which is crash designed for greatest protection.
If you can’t, it is safest to have a WCl9-compliant, transit-ready wheelchair. Non-WCl9-compliant wheelchairs are generally not strong enough to withstand the impact forces that can result in a crash.
WC19-compliant wheelchairs are designed for use as a motor-vehicle seat and have been crash-tested.

Seat / safety belt

Safety belts are the law in almost every state – and that applies to wheelchair users, so position the safety shoulder and lap belt correctly.
To prevent a wheelchair-seated driver from hitting vehicle structures (windshield, dashboard, etc.) during a crash, it is important to use a safety belt system composed of a shoulder and lap belt that fit snugly across the pelvis, chest and shoulder – not the wheelchair belt.
Wheelchair belts have not been crash-tested and some are designed to break away from the wheelchair when in a crash. Exceptions are WC19-compliant wheelchairs that come with crash-tested safety belts.

Feeling tied down is a good thing

Always use a crash-tested securement system to safely anchor the wheelchair using a 4-point tie-down system to keep it stationary – whether you are sitting in the vehicle seat or in the wheelchair.
An automatic lock-down system will also work to make the manual tie-down system easier. It connects to a bracket installed on the bottom of the wheelchair, allowing independent wheelchair securement.

Airport Travel Tips for Wheelchair Users

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Architectural designers have made access to airports far easier these days for those using wheelchair accessible vehicles. Traveling can be stressful for any individual, but the airport crowds and airplane accessibility can be even more challenging for travelers with disAbilities. While the process will never be completely hassle-free for anyone, we have compiled a list of pointers that we feel may alleviate some of the stress involved in air travel.

Security Checkpoints
Before flying, its always a good idea to do the research and educate yourself on the procedures you or your loved one in a wheelchair will encounter with TSA screenings. Instead of being asked to pass through the scanner, TSA regulations call for wheelchair users to submit to a pat down. If you are uncomfortable with this procedure, you are welcome to ask for a private screening. TSA agents will be able to assist you, if necessary, with removing your shoes or placing any extraneous items on the x-ray belt. More in depth information is available on TSA policies and procedures for travelers with disAbilities and medical conditions.

Boarding and De-Boarding the Aircraft
Airplanes are wheelchair accessible vehicles, but it is wise to arrive early enough to your gate (recommended time is about an hour in advance) to get you and your wheelchair checked in for your flight. In this process, be absolutely sure that your chair has been tagged. This ensures that your chair reaches your final destination with you. You may also request to pre-board your flight so that you have ample time and room to be comfortably seated before the crowd files onto the plane. Know that you will be the first on the plane, but the last to de-board after all the other passengers have excited the aircraft.

Car Rental
If you will be renting any wheelchair accessible vehicles with hand controls, know that you should order your vehicle at least 48 hours in advance to ensure the proper vehicle is ready when you reach your destination. Additionally, do your homework ahead of time to ensure you’re working with a car rental company located inside the airport if at all possible. This prevents the hassle of reaching the car rental station via bus or tram.

We strongly encourage you to call your airline and car rental companies in the beginning of your travel planning process in order to explain the equipment you will be traveling with, and make the best arrangements possible to allow for smooth travels.

Accessible Vehicle Options

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We hear a lot of talk about which accessible vehicle to buy. It all depends on your mobility needs and your lifestyle. There are several sizes to choose from:

Minivans
Minivans are taller than a sedan or station wagon and easier to maneuver than full-sized vans. Many have sliding doors as well as out-swing doors. They come in large, compact, mini and micro sizes.

Minivans can hold manual wheelchairs, many electric wheelchairs, electric scooters and walkers.

Full-Size Vans
Full-size vans are designed to transport cargo and/or groups of people. They are taller than other private vehicles and ideal for larger families or those with “cargo”- i.e. power wheelchairs.

Full-size vans are spacious enough for manual wheelchairs, 2 electric wheelchairs, electric scooters and walkers.

Sedans
It’s difficult for anyone to get into the back seat of a 2-door vehicle. A 4-door is easier. If you use a walker or wheelchair, you need a car with a roomy trunk and a low lip height for easier loading. Some sedans have a hatchback in place of a trunk lid – the entire back of the vehicle lifts up for easier loading.

Sedans and hatchbacks are roomy enough for portable manual wheelchairs, electric wheelchairs that can be disassembled, compact or partially dissembled scooters and walkers.

Station Wagons
A station wagon has a old school connotation but they are typically roomier than a sedan and handy for loading with its tailgate at the rear. Fold-down rear seats accommodate either passengers or cargo.

Station wagons have ample space for manual wheelchairs, compact electric wheelchairs, electric scooters and walkers.

Depending on your budget, you can also adapt SUVs, Pick-up Trucks and some Sports Cars. With the rising price of gasoline you will want to consider how important good gas mileage is to you versus style and convenience.

Benefits Of Owning A Wheelchair Accessible Vehicle

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With adaptive technologies emerging each year, mobility vehicles have become more powerful than ever before. These handicap solutions have changed the lives of countless persons with disAbilities and helped alleviate some of the everyday challenges of just as many caregivers. If you’ve been considering the addition of a wheelchair accessible vehicle to your family, here are three ways in which owning a handicap van or car can empower you and transform your entire life.

Safety
Whether you’re a person with a disAbility, a dedicated caregiver or an able-bodied family member, safety is a universal concern and one of the main benefits of owning a vehicle designed for adaptive use. Besides power wheelchair lifts and transfer seating options, these vehicles are built to be used by persons with limited mobility, meaning they have been modified to be a secure transportation solution. Additionally, the high-quality equipment used in handicap van conversions reduces the risk of injury while getting in and out of the vehicle, as well as transferring from a wheelchair to a built-in seat. With wheelchair ties, in-floor ramps and alternative restraint options, a wheelchair accessible van can provide the added safety you need to feel confident on the road.

Freedom
For many people, owning a mobility vehicle means having the freedom to be able to go anywhere, any time. Often, persons with physical disAbilities are able to operate a handicap accessible car or van independently, without the need to have a caregiver help them in and out of the vehicle. Thanks to lifts, ramps and transfer seats, as well as hand controls and other conversion options, wheelchair vans have helped countless individuals regain their freedom after an injury or due to a medical condition, transforming their lives for the better.

Accessibility and Ease of Use
Automatic ramp systems, in-floor ramp technology, low-effort steering and many other adaptive conversion possibilities make operating mobility vehicles simple and convenient. This accessibility not only makes these vehicles easy to grow accustomed to, it also prevents injuries that can occur if the proper equipment is not utilized. Practicality and usability are two huge benefits of owning a wheelchair accessible vehicle, as they make getting from point A to point B a seamless and enjoyable process.

Ready to begin your search for the perfect wheelchair accessible vehicle? Contact us or your local NMEDA dealer today to discuss the purchasing process and the best options for your needs.