Category Archives: Wheelchair Vans

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

Toyota Sienna wheelchair van Information

As you search for the wheelchair conversion van that best fits your needs, the number of choices available to you today is likely overwhelming. We can help make that choice easier for you. Whether you’re interested in new or used wheelchair vans, VMi New England Mobility Center can assist you every step along the way.

Deciding which vehicle manufacturer you should choose is one of the most important steps in the purchasing process. Here’s some useful information about new and used Toyota wheelchair vans that you should consider:

Why Choose A Toyota Wheelchair Van?

As soon as the Toyota Sienna Minivan was available, there was a lot of interest generated in using it as a wheelchair conversion van. The good news for Toyota wheelchair van consumers is that from the start, Toyota was working to make the Sienna available with a low-floor wheelchair conversion.

Toyota recognized the potential to broaden Sienna’s market to individuals who are disabled, as well as to the rapidly growing senior population. As a result, Toyota was proactive in seeking out a U.S.-based wheelchair van conversion company to supply this market. Toyota selected Independent Mobility Systems, Inc. (IMS)—located in Farmington, New Mexico—to be their mobility conversion partner because of IMS’ quality manufacturing capabilities and extensive U.S. dealer network. The result was the 2003 IMS Sienna Rampvan.

Conversion Van Features

IMS was purchased by The Braun Corporation in 2004,

Now manufactured by one of the best and largest wheelchair van supplier in the world, the Toyota Sienna with a Vantage Mobility Northstar Conversion is considered one of the premier Toyota wheelchair vans in the industry. This partnership with Toyota has created new wheelchair van manufacturing techniques and processes that have increased quality and shortened lead times, making VMI Northstar and Summit conversions seem like it’s manufactured directly by Toyota. In addition, VMi New England Mobility Center set’s a higher standard than other mobility dealers in the area.

The following are some of the outstanding features of the Toyota Sienna wheelchair van:

The Insurance Institute for Highway Safety gave the Sienna the highest possible front and side impact crash test ratings.
The American Council for an Energy-Efficient Economy voted the Sienna the “greenest minivan” for its ultra-low emissions and high fuel efficiency.

By combining the Toyota Sienna with Vmi New England’s superior upgrades to the wheelchair conversion process, the Northstar rampvan provides among the safest, most comfortable Toyota handicap vans available today.

More Choices for Toyota Wheelchair Conversion Vans

While Vantage Mobility has been focusing on Side-Entry, Automatic Wheelchair conversions for the Toyota Sienna, other companies have been building Rear Entry Wheelchair Van Conversion with a Manual ramp and door. Some companies have always been exclusively focused on the rear-entry market and their customers were asking for product on the Toyota Sienna platform.

Some people prefer a rear entry wheelchair van because of their parking situation, the environment in which they drive or their budget. With a VMi New England Mobility Center Toyota Sienna, these wheelchair van consumers now have all the benefits of a rear-entry wheelchair conversion van on the Toyota Sienna that they desire.

Models Available for Your Toyota Handicap Conversion Van

Toyota offers 4 Sienna models, and all of them can be converted into a wheelchair accessible minivan:

CE: Toyota quality for the budget conscious consumer
LE: Familiy value with additional option packages
XLE: Well appointed with many standard options included and many more available.
Limited: Includes luxury appointments and standard options for those that desire the finest Toyota Sienna available.

Toyota Models Typically in Inventory

VMi New England Mobility Center works very hard to make sure that we have the Toyota handicap vans that you want in our inventory at our Bridgewater facility. This allows you ample opportunity to see, and drive them and they are available for immediate delivery.

The Toyota Sienna LE and Toyota Sienna XLE are, by far, the most popular models with our customers and we do our best to have these in stock in colors that will please the majority of wheelchair van consumers. For wheelchair van buyers who are seeking the low cost of the Toyota Sienna CE or desire the added features and luxury of the Toyota Sienna XLE, we can place special orders or draw from the inventory of other Mobility Centers across the country.

Depending on availability, we can usually have the exact Toyota handicap van you are looking for within as little as three days.

Toyota Wheelchair Van Conversion Specifications

See the following table for the various conversion options we make available to you for the Toyota Sienna Minivan:

Wheelchair Conversion Vans available on Toyota Sienna
Mobility Conversion Style	Product	Manual/Automatic
Rear-Entry Wheelchair Ramp	Toyota Sienna	Manual Ramp
Side-Entry Fold-up Wheelchair Ramp	Toyota Sienna Summit	Automatic/Power Ramp and Door Conversion Only
Side-Entry In-Floor Wheelchair Ramp	Toyota Sienna Northstar	Automatic/Power Ramp and Door Conversion Only

We are the oldest NMEDA Quality Assured Dealer in MA

We are your local mobility fitment center offering you the best Lowered Floor vans available. We have been the leader in Custom Handicap van fitment for decades in the New England area including the Toyota Sienna, Honda Odyssey, Dodge Caravan and Chrysler Town & Country power or manual side entry and power or manual rear entry.

adaptive mobility equipment installations are no problem.

Call us for Veterans resources or to find out more about our FREE to Veterans maintenance program.
We are minutes from Providence RI, not far from Warwick RI, very close to Fall River MA, a short drive from Boston MA, right up the road from Cape Cod MA, in the back yard of Plymouth MA , 20 minutes from Attleboro MA, 45 minutes from Worcester MA, a little farther from Springfield, MA, a short boat ride from Mystic CT, and a short helicopter flight from New Haven CT (call ahead of time if you need space to land your helicopter). Call 506-697-6006 for more info.

Wheelchair vans MA for sales and service. Wheelchair vans RI, MA, CT, NH, VT, ME

Buy my wheelchair van in new england

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Buy my wheelchair van in new england

Do you have a clean late model VMI, Braun or Eldorado wheelchair van you want to sell?

Bring it to us and if it’s in good shape and we can agree on a price we’ll write you a check for it

Photos
You’ve got photos so make the most of them! Assuming your Handicap Van is in good condition, you should take pictures of the handicap van to show us how clean it is both inside and out.

Exterior
Given that you can email us photos a good idea is to allocate at least 3 to the exterior of the handicap van you want to buy, taken from angles that reveal the handicap van in its best light. I.e. rear ¾ shot, full side shot, full front of ¾ front/side shots – what ever angles suit your Handicap Van best.

Interior
A good interior shot that shows the condition of the dash board and front seats as a minimum is highly recommended. If the wheelchair van has a clean, well presented interior you will want us to see it, as this is an area where wear and tear will be evident on the handicap van if not looked after. If the interior is damaged then it is up to you wether to photograph it, if you are selling a handicap van as is at a corresponding price and wish to give buyers a realistic appraisal of the handicap vans condition then yes, other wise it might be best to focus the camera on some of the handicap vans better attributes.

Accessories
If the handicap van is fitted with after-market or factory accessories that will enhance the handicap van in the eyes of the buyer then ensure these are obvious in the exterior and interior photos. It may be a good idea to have a close up shot of a certain handicap accessible modification such lowered floors and handicap ramps.

Pre-existing damage/scratches
If your handicap van has dents or scratches on the body work it is probably a good idea to show them in photos as they will then have a good idea of the Handicap Vans condition.

VIN Number: Include the VIN so we can run a Carfax on it.

Buyer / Seller Scams
We’ve been alerted to a scam which operates in the following way: An overseas buyer offers to buy your car. They will want to send you a cheque for an amount in excess of the purchase price of your car and will ask you to send the change back to them or to pay the change to a local shipping agent. There are several variations on the theme. If you get an offer like this from overseas, we recommend that you be alert to a possible scam.
Another scam operates as follows: Typically a car/bike/boat, etc will be offered for sale at a very low price. The seller will say that the item is located overseas or in a location that makes it difficult to inspect the item. The seller will ask you to send them a deposit or pay for the item before they will arrange to send it to you. If you get an offer like this, we recommend that you be alert to a possible scam.

We wish you the best of luck in selling us your handicap van!

Acura Mobility Program

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Mobility Overview

Enhancing mobility for drivers with disabilities

acura mobility program newenglandwheelchairvan.com

The Acura Mobility Program is proud to support the mobility needs of drivers and passengers with physical disabilities. When you purchase or lease an Acura vehicle, you will be provided with a cash reimbursement of up to $1,000 of the cost of aftermarket adaptive equipment that is installed on any eligible vehicle.

Program Elements

acura mobility program newenglandwheelchairvan.com

Acura suggests that you request a copy of the Department of Transportation’s brochure, “Adapting Motor Vehicles for People with Disabilities.”

Know your state’s driver’s license requirements.

You may wish to contact a local mobility center to help identify the adaptive equipment that best meets your needs.

Select the right vehicle by collaborating with your evaluator, as well as a vehicle modification installer and your local Acura dealer before deciding on the best Acura model for you.

Choose VMi New England Mobility Center a certified qualified equipment installer to modify your vehicle. Take the time to find out about credentials, experience, references, warranty coverage and the services they provide.

Obtain training on the use of the new equipment. Your equipment dealer and evaluator should provide information and off-road instruction. You will also need to practice driving under the instruction of a qualified driving instructor until you both feel comfortable with your skills.

Program Guidelines

Acura will provide a reimbursement of up to $1,000 to each eligible, original retail client for the expenses incurred to purchase and install qualifying adaptive equipment on any eligible purchased or leased Acura vehicle.

REQUIREMENTS

Only the original vehicle owner is eligible for reimbursement.
Modifications must be completed for the original owner or his/her immediate family.
Only new Acura vehicles retailed or leased in the United States from an authorized Acura dealership are eligible.
Only one reimbursement request per vehicle.
Lease vehicle modifications may be subject to written lessor approval. The client is responsible for determining and satisfying lease contract requirements.
Acura will consider reimbursement for modifications made to vehicles after February 1, 2004.
The written reimbursement request must be received within 6 months of the adaptive equipment installation.
Fleet and commercial vehicles are not eligible.
Any alteration or adaptive equipment that Acura has identified that alters the safety of the vehicle (i.e. seat belt extenders) is not eligible.

ADAPTATIONS, MODIFICATIONS AND EQUIPMENT INSTALLATION

Qualifying adaptive-equipment or conversion is defined as alterations or adaptive equipment installation that provide to the disabled user convenient access and/or the ability to drive the vehicle.
Alterations or adaptive-equipment installation require a prescription or medical documentation to be considered for reimbursement.
Reimbursement requests (invoices) will be compared against the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) website to verify that the alterer or repair business (individual, partnership or corporation) is registered with NHTSA and that the modifications are on the list of NHTSA exemptions.
EXCEPTION: Wheelchair or scooter hoists or ramps do not require a prescription, medical documentation or NHTSA exemption verification and NHTSA business registration for reimbursement consideration.
EXCEPTION: Modifications that “DO NOT” make inoperative any part of a device or element of design that has been installed on or in a motor vehicle in compliance with a Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard will not require NHTSA exemption verification and NHTSA business registration for reimbursement consideration.
The installation of adaptive equipment must have taken place within the time and mileage limits of the New Vehicle Limited Warranty.
If all conditions are met, Acura will provide up to a $1,000 cash reimbursement. Acura will be the secondary coverage in the case of two or more reimbursement sources.** A reimbursement made by another source such as medical insurance will be subtracted from the client’s original total expense. (Example: Total expense $5,000, Insurance reimbursement $4,000, Client expense $1,000. The client expense of $1,000 will be reviewed and considered for a maximum of $1,000 reimbursement.)

IMPORTANT CLIENT INFORMATION

The selection of an equipment manufacturer and installer is solely the client’s responsibility. (Acura does not evaluate or endorse any company or supplier involved in adaptive equipment. Mobility equipment warranty, installation warranty and related liabilities are not the responsibility of Acura.)
Clients can pick up an application at their local Acura dealer, via this website, or through Acura Client Relations.

REIMBURSEMENT DOCUMENTATION AND PROCESS

Documentation required for reimbursement consideration:

Completed and signed Reimbursement Application
Proof of Vehicle Sales or Lease Agreement
Copy of invoice for adaptive-equipment installation and/or vehicle modification and proof of payment
Copy of state driver’s license to verify that the person is eligible to operate a modified vehicle
Copy of the prescription or medical documentation
Name of contributing medical insurance carrier/entity that provides primary support, and policy number

Reimbursements will be processed and mailed within 4 weeks of receipt of all required documentation. Reimbursement requests should be mailed to:

Acura Client Relations
P.O. Box 2964
Torrance, CA 90509-2964

CLIENT RESOURCES
Please call Acura Client Relations with any questions.

Acura
800-382-2238
www.acura.com

National Mobility Equipment Dealers Association (NMEDA)
800-833-0427
www.nmeda.org

National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA)
www.nhtsa.dot.gov

To download an application form, click here

Acura reserves the right to modify or terminate this program without notice.

Acura does not assume responsibility for the quality, safety or efficiency of adaptive equipment or installation and cannot guarantee that such modifications comply with applicable government safety standards.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do reimbursements apply to used or fleet vehicles?

No. This program applies to only new Acura vehicles that are retailed or leased in the U.S.

How long will it take me to receive my reimbursement?

Payments will be mailed within 4 weeks of receipt of all required documentation.

What types of adaptive equipment can I obtain reimbursement for?

Acura will consider reimbursement for those modifications that have been approved by the National Highway Transportation Safety Administration (NHTSA). You can find more information on the NHTSA website.

What is the time limit to apply for a reimbursement?

The reimbursement request must be made within 6 months of the adaptive equipment installation.

Where can I get information on adaptive equipment?

Where do I get a reimbursement application?

In addition to the printable .PDF (Acrobat) format version of the form on this website, forms are also available at your local Acura dealer or upon request at Acura Client Relations at 1-800-382-2238.

Are used vehicles included in the Acura mobility assistance program?

Acura has limited the program to original vehicle owners/lessees whose vehicles are within the Manufacturer’s warranty period and who request reimbursement for NHTSA-approved and compliant modifications to their vehicles.

Does the Acura New Vehicle Limited Warranty cover modified vehicles and/or adaptive equipment?

No. The Acura New Vehicle Limited Warranty applies only to the Acura vehicle. It does not include the adaptive equipment, its installation or any other non-original equipment.

Does the installation of adaptive equipment void my warranty?

No, adaptive equipment and modifications unto themselves do not void the New Vehicle Limited Warranty that applies to the Acura product. However, if your vehicle experiences a problem/failure and that problem/failure is determined by Acura to be the direct result of the adaptive equipment and/or its installation, your warranty coverage may be voided for that particular repair. All warranty issues are reviewed on a case-by-case basis.

Commercial Use Wheelchair Vans And Buses

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VMi New England Mobility Center provides commercial wheelchair vans and buses, shuttle vans, shuttle buses and specialized conversions such as ambulettes and non-emergency medical transportation vehicles. We provide sales, service, rentals and all necessary replacement parts and accessories.

Many commercial wheelchair van, bus and shuttle floorplans are available. Call for up to date commercial wheelchair van, bus and shuttle inventory. Call 508-697-6006 to speak to one of our commercial wheelchair van specialists right now.

Commercial Vans, Buses and Shuttles

Whether your clients are wheelchair users, ambulatory patients, school students, nursing homes, group homes, rehab centers, or extended care facilities, all have unique commercial handicap accessible van with commercial wheelchair lift transportation needs.

Some questions you’ll want to consider:

How many wheelchair passengers will you transport?
How many ambulatory/walking passengers will you transport?
What will be the typical combination?
Do you have to meet ADA or other regulatory requirements?

Whether it is maximizing client capacity, choosing a style that will blend in a neighborhood setting, or maximizing headroom for client and staff comfort, we provide wheelchair accessible vans, buses, and shuttles that balance those needs with the same great quality the industry has come to expect.

View our Commercial Accessible Vehicles
Find out about Used Vans and Buses

Commercial Vehicle Inventory

We carry both new and used wheelchair vans, buses and shuttle vans. We also list wheelchair van conversion “shells” that have been mostly completed and are only waiting for wheelchair position, seating instructions and other final details. We do our best to seek out quality used vehicles and make all necessary repairs and modifications before offering them for sale.

Van and Bus Modifications and Accessories

Wheelchair vans, buses and shuttles must work in numerous industries, applications and working conditions while serving people who are equally diverse. The number of clients and staff that must be transported, their age and abilities, regulations and corporate image are all major factors that influence and are affected by the modifications available. To make this possible, there are many modifications and accessories that can be added to wheelchair vans buses and shuttles to customize them for the end-user’s needs. Among the van and bus modifications available are wheelchair tie-downs, lifts and entryways.

See what Modifications and Accessories are available

Commercial Help and Resource Center

Our Commercial Help and Resource Center will help to answer many of your most common questions. The Commercial Help and Resource Center includes resources that we feel could provide benefit to our customers. Service tips, new product information, regulatory changes and many other subjects are covered on a regular basis. Our sales, service and management teams, as well as a few “industry expert” guests, put their thoughts and experiences to work for you. We are available for any questions you may have! At VMi New England Mobility Center, we strive to ensure that our customers and dealers get the results they value the most.

Commercial Warranty Information

Warranties on commercial wheelchair vans, buses and shuttle vans can sometimes be complicated because components such as the base chassis, heating and air conditioning, body modifications and other modifications come from different manufacturers and have varying lengths and depths of warranty coverage. Our goal is to save you time and effort and keep your costs low.

adaptive mobility equipment financing options

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Adaptive equipment describes an installed device, in addition to a structural modification, that is necessary for a person with a permanent physical disability to drive or be transported in a vehicle.

Some equipment not thought of as typical adaptive equipment, or equipment which is not available from the factory, that serves a need to operate or ride in a vehicle for persons with disabilities such as but not limited to: assist handles, keyless entry, keyless ignition switch, lumbar support, headrest adjustment, pedal extensions power seats, remote liftgate opener, running boards, seat belt extenders, seat modifications, and special mirrors may be eligible for reimbursement and require additional documentation. You will be notified if additional documentation is needed such as a letter or prescription clearly describing the permanent physical disability requiring this equipment, prepared by a licensed or certified medical professional.

Factory installed options such as air conditioning, running boards, lumbar seats and power windows are not considered eligible under the terms of the program.

Driving is a privilege for people stroke survivors with limited mobility; it provides a sense of stability in their lives so they can regain their independence. They love the flexibility their adaptive mobility equipment provides, but they often face exorbitant costs when it comes to financing the purchase of the equipment.

“The number one reason people with disabilities don’t have access to adequate transportation is because they cannot afford it.” The good news is that funding assistance to purchase adaptive equipment is becoming increasingly available.

Sources of funding determine a person’s “buying power.” Unlike the financing options provided by original equipment manufacturers, Mobility Equipment Dealers, such as Vmi New England Mobility Center, have access to financing options specifically for adaptive equipment purchases; they offer options and solutions for the customer.

Veterans

The Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) offers grants enabling 100% service related disabled veterans to purchase a new or used modified vehicle and adaptive equipment. Automobile grants are available once in the service member’s lifetime and adaptive equipment grants are available for special equipment that may used more than once. For more information, call 1-800-827-1000 or read the VA’s “Automobile and Special Adaptive Equipment Grants” fact sheet.

State Programs

State Vocational Rehabilitation (Voc Rehab) Agencies may be able to assist with the costs associated with purchasing an adaptive vehicle (or adding adaptive equipment to an existing one) if the vehicle is necessary in order for a person to get to and from work.
State Assistive Technology Loan Programs may also be able to provide assistance to help pay for modifications to the vehicle.
Center for Independent Living (CIL) can provide additional information on programs that may be available in your state.

Government Programs

Medicaid: Medicaid is a jointly administered federal and state program that helps with medical costs for some people with limited income and resources. Medicaid benefits differ by state and are approved on a case-by-case basis when a request for funding is presented through a prior approval.
Medicare: Medicare is a federal program and in some instances they will pay for adaptive equipment following a specialty evaluation performed by a qualified practitioner. For more information, call 1-800-633-4227.
Supplemental Security Income (SSI): SSI offers a Plan to Achieve Self-Support program, or PASS, which helps those with disabilities pay for items or services needed to achieve a specific employment goal – to ultimately return to work.
Internal Revenue Service (IRS): Often sales-tax exemptions on equipment purchases and other out-of-pocket costs can qualify for tax deductions as medical expenses. Contact a tax adviser or get literature from the IRS that outlines the tax code for medical equipment by calling 1-800-829-1040 and asking for publications with extensions 3966, 907 and 502.

Workman’s Compensation:

Your insurance or workman’s compensation policies may also pay for vehicle adaptation. Check with your HR department or workman’s comp. organization for more information.

Fundraisers, Charitable Organizations/Churches

These may not be for everyone, but they can be effective and many people have successfully raised the money to pay for a wheelchair accessible vehicle and adaptive equipment using these options.

Automakers Rebate Programs

Many automobile makers are providing people with disabilities a wide range of rebates and incentive programs to cover adaptive equipment installation. Below is an overview of some programs offering rebates or reimbursements for adaptive mobility equipment.

Ford Motor Company: The Ford Mobility Motoring adaptive equipment reimbursement offers up to $1,000 off for a vehicle modification. You may also qualify for up to $200 for alert hearing devices, lumbar support, or running boards installed on any new Ford or Lincoln vehicle purchased or leased from a U.S. Ford or Lincoln dealer during the program period.
Daimler Chrysler Corporation: Once you have a 2010-2013 Chrysler, Jeep, Dodge, Ram or FIAT vehicle that fits your transportation needs, contact a reputable and qualified adaptive equipment installer to ensure that it can be adapted to meet your needs.
General Motors Company Reimbursement Program: New vehicle purchasers/lessees who install eligible adaptive mobility equipment on their new Chevrolet, Buick or GMC vehicles can receive up to a $1,000 reimbursement for the cost of the equipment.
Toyota: The Toyota Mobility Assistance Program provides cash reimbursement of up to $1,000 of the cost of any aftermarket adaptive equipment or conversion, for drivers and/or passengers, when installed on any eligible purchased or leased new Toyota vehicle within 12 months of vehicle purchase or lease.

The decision to purchase adaptive mobility equipment stems from a need for mobility freedom for people with disabilities, including stroke survivors. The purchase process begins with selecting a reputable dealer to provide the adaptive equipment and installation, locating options to finance the purchase, and ends with insuring the adaptive equipment.

Make sure the after-market mobility modifications are professionally installed by a NMEDA mobility dealer. Once the adaptive mobility equipment is financed and installed, notify your insurance agent with a full disclosure of all adaptive mobility equipment installed in the vehicle.

Make sure your auto insurance company provides coverage for the conversion and adaptive equipment. Make sure you request coverage for “special” equipment, not just “handicapped” equipment.

“Handicapped equipment” covers only basic equipment such as the ramp or lift, not the lowered floor, kneeling system, lockdown system or other adaptive equipment.
“Special equipment” covers the conversion in its entirety. Be sure and send your insurance company an itemized list of every modification (which you can get from the mobility dealership that performed the conversion).

VMi New England Mobility Center is an advocate for mobility and accessibility for drivers with disabilities. If you need help with converting or buying a wheelchair accessible car, truck or van, please contact us at 508-697-6006 info@newenglandwheelchairvan.com