Category Archives: Wheelchair Vans

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

Rust Treatment

Leave a reply

Owning any type of vehicle means that you have to commit to regular service and maintenance to keep it in good condition. Owning a wheelchair van and adaptive equipment is no different – you still need regular service to keep everything operating the way it should. However, it comes with some additional caveats – you can’t just go to any service center and ensure that you’re maintaining your wheelchair van or mobility equipment correctly.

Here at our Mobility Center, not only do we understand the importance of maintaining your mobility vehicle and adaptive equipment, but we take the needed steps to ensure that everything is always in top condition. No other mobility dealer (that we know of) offers the level of maintenance offered by us.

Rust Maintenance
Vehicles today are subject to rust and corrosion due to moisture, humidity, tons of road salt and other airborne pollutants that can cause rapid deterioration of your wheelchair van. If neglected, the damages can make your mobility investment of little value.  The thousands of yearly miles, environments and exposure to the elements of larger vehicles means they are a lot more likely to suffer from the effects of corrosion. Correct rust proofing on a regular basis can ensure that your vehicle does not suffer from corrosion related vehicle downtime and keep your van from falling apart.

** We highly recommend that everyone gets their wheelchair vans rust proofed at least twice a year. Once in Spring and again in the Fall. **

If you consider that new vehicles undergo thousands of spot welds and numerous bends and folds during assembly; this process damages the automobile coating systems, exposing these panels to corrosion. Besides body-panel damage, certain mechanical parts are also at risk – suspension mounts, hood-locking mechanisms, door hinges, brake cables – which are all susceptible to the damaging effects of rust on your wheelchair van.

To protect your vehicle against corrosion our rust proofing formula does more than just cover the metal required. A rust proofing product must be applied as a high-pressured spray, ensuring protection to your vehicle’s most critical areas by penetrating, displacing existing moisture and protecting the many vulnerable crevices of your automobile.

Benefits of rust treatment
Prevention is better than a cure. There are a number of products that can offer prevention against rust. Products are available either as oils, waxes, fluids and coatings.  The range is vast. Our rust prevention processes, products, plan and application have been found to be very effective and developed over more than 25 years and still remain affordable.

We are the only mobility dealer in New England to offer this service.
Our rust proofing processes is ever evolving and has been for more than 25 years.

HighTower: Side Mounted Docking Station

Leave a reply

From B&D Independence, the leader and most trusted name in transfer seating for decades, comes a revolutionary new system.

Designed to significantly increase your ground clearance, Hightower gives you the freedom and enhanced mobility you’ve been searching for.

The Hightower is the world’s first vertical docking console.

HighTower boasts a sleek and streamline design while its brackets are made to meet the needs of individual wheelchairs and vehicle systems. This is good form and functionality all in one small but powerful package.

The revolutionary HighTower side-mounted docking console eliminates ground clearance concerns and improves stability. This means an operator can move about freely and drive with confidence from their powered wheelchair.

What is the HighTower Docking System?
The HighTower Docking System is a side-mounted docking station designed to dock powered wheelchairs into the driver or front passenger position of a lowered-floor minivan or full size van. It is the first ever of its kind, and utilizes a rod bracket between the frame and seat of the wheelchair that docks with a station situated in the console area between the driver and front passenger seat.

Who is developing the HighTower Docking System?
HighTower is developed by B&D Independence, Inc. B&D is the recognized leader of Transfer Seat Bases for the mobility industry, and has been producing Transfer Seat Bases for over 30 years. More information on B&D Independence, Inc. can be found at their website, www.bdindependence.com

Will the same HighTower Docking System support both a Driver and Passenger wheelchair?
The Hightower Docking Systems are built specifically to support either a Driver or Passenger application. However, depending on the wheelchair and the needs of the user, a Driver and a Front Passenger system can be installed into the same vehicle. Consult your local mobility dealer for more details.

How does the HighTower install to my vehicle and wheelchair?
Installation to both vehicle and wheelchair is simple. A frame bracket sits between the seat and the frame of the wheelchair, and the rod bracket is attached to this frame bracket. The HighTower Docking System is positioned in the console area and bolted in place while electrical wires to supply power are run to the vehicle.

What testing has B&D conducted for HighTower?
HighTower Docking System is crash tested and certified under RESNA WC-4:2012, Section 18. B&D Independence works with the University of Michigan’s Transportation Research Institute (UMTRI) to conduct the latest crash testing and safety requirements for the HighTower Docking System. Further information can be found at UMTRI’s website, http://www.umtri.umich.edu/. B&D Independence is also a member of the COWHAT (Committee on Wheelchairs and Transportation), the foremost leader on safety and testing related to Power Wheelchairs and their securement systems. More information on COWHAT can be found at: http://www.resna.org/atStandards/wheelchairs-and-transportation.dot

What specific wheelchairs work with the HighTower?
We work closely with wheelchair manufacturers and are adding new models regularly. We suggest you refer to our wheelchair applications search engine on our website, www.hightowerdocking.com, for the most current listing.

 My wheelchair is not listed on www.hightowerdocking.com; why?
HighTower is currently focused on ‘Rehabilitation Power Wheelchairs.’ Medicare defines this as Group 2 Complex, Group 3 and some Group 4 Power Wheelchairs. B&D Independence reviews the bracket needs of power wheelchairs in these categories to see if they would be right for a HighTower application, then, conducts all necessary testing and fitting before offering brackets for the specific wheelchair.If you feel your power wheelchair qualifies for the HighTower Docking System, but do not see your wheelchair listed, contact B&D Independence at info@bdindependence.com. Include your wheelchair make and model in the email.

What vehicles does the HighTower fit?
HighTower fits lowered-floor minivans such as the Chrysler, Dodge, Honda, and Toyota. HighTower can also fit to lowered-floor and some non lowered-floor full size vans. HighTower cannot fit to floors that are not compatible with wheelchairs, such as those with multiple floor levels or floors that have obstacles located in the driving / front passenger area, such as a airbag / control module found in most non-lowered full size vans.

Can I use my Hightower System as a unoccupied wheelchair restraint?
No, or more specifically, not yet. HighTower was built and tested as a forward facing Driver or Front Passenger application only. However, B&D Independence recognizes the need for unoccupied use in both the driving and cargo area of the vehicle; testing and engineering is being conducted to see if that can be a future possibility of the HighTower Docking System.

What mobility equipment can the HighTower work alongside?
HighTower works with most applications of equipment including hand controls, spinner knobs, pedal guards and other various simple use products. Even with high technology products, such as EMC or DSI equipment, the HighTower can coexist. The deciding factor in all of these applications will be the area in between the driver and front passenger seat; this location must be generally clear to receive the HighTower Docking System.

I use EMC / DSI equipment in my vehicle; will this cause a problem?
B&D Independence has conducted fit testing with the EMC / DSI Control box, a 26” wide wheelchair, and the passenger conversion pedestal and OEM Seat. All of these items were able to fit in the vehicle. EMC and DSI have been consulted regarding possible conflicts with the HighTower system; there is room to maneuver and move (slightly) the EMC / DSI control module, or even completely move the unit to the back of the vehicle, if the power wheelchair is very wide. Consult your local dealer for more information regarding the possibility of EMC / DSI equipment and HighTower.

The Benefits of Owning a Wheelchair Van

Leave a reply

Even though wheelchair-accessible minivans can offer greater independence, many wheelchair users are afraid to switch from their car to a mobility vehicle. For some, a car is more fun and the idea of driving a minivan is not all that appealing. Cars also offer a bit of a challenge and are generally less expensive than wheelchair vans, so there is often hesitation to make the change.

Unfortunately, wheelchair users and their caretakers usually have to deal with the hassles of transfers and chair loading when they use a car to get around. This can cause back or shoulder pain for those having to make the transfer and after a while, this can be quite physically taxing.

For those dealing with these daily struggles or those who want to prevent them, switching to a wheelchair-accessible van becomes an easy choice. Take a look at the following benefits and see why you might want to buy a wheelchair van.

Reduced Pain and Fatigue
When a car is the main vehicle used to transport someone in a wheelchair, pain and fatigue can be a serious problem caused by frequent seat transfers. It’s hard to get close enough to a car to make a smooth transfer and if the height of the car seat doesn’t match that of the wheelchair, it can put a lot of stress on the shoulders, back and neck. What could result is joint and muscle pain and eventually arthritis and tendinitis. If getting into your vehicle is too much work or too painful, you might give up doing the things you love to do after a while.

Fortunately, a wheelchair-accessible van can give you your freedom back so you can do all of your favorite things. Because a wheelchair van uses a ramp for entry, there are no transfers from outside of the vehicle and you don’t have to separately load your chair. Once inside the vehicle, the transfer from your wheelchair to the driver or passenger position is much easier since you can pull right up to the seat. Plus, some wheelchair vans even let you drive or sit in the front from your wheelchair, completely removing any need to transfer.

Greater Freedom and Independence
While many people may argue driving a minivan isn’t the “coolest” thing you can do, sometimes other things are more important than image. A mobility van may not always be sporty, fun or stylish, but it offers maximum freedom and independence. Actually getting where you need to go without too much assistance or a physical struggle is more important than how you are able to do it.

Helpful Financing Options
A converted van will most likely cost several thousand dollars more than a standard car, as the conversion price plus higher fuel and insurance costs increase your total spend. While this might deter many people from making the switch to a van, it’s important to consider what you get for the price – greater health, happiness and overall well-being.

Even though a wheelchair-accessible van may seem out of reach, there are programs available that can help you pay for a mobility vehicle. Government programs like Worker’s Compensation, Medicaid Waivers, Vocational Rehabilitation and those with the VA may all be able to help with funding. There are also charities or nonprofits that may be able to help provide fund raising opportunities and some banks or Independent Living Centers offer extended loans or lower interest rates. Used vehicles are an option as well, as many dealers sell old rental vans after a year of use.

People will always have a reason to avoid buying a mobility van, but it might be worth serious consideration. Think about your quality of life and whether easier mobility may improve it. If so, it might be time to make the change.

Mobility Seating Systems in vehicles

Leave a reply

The ability to get in and out of your vehicle easily and comfortably is one of the most important steps in gaining a true sense of freedom. Climbing, twisting and lifting make transferring from a wheelchair into a car’s seat difficult for people with disabilities or limited mobility. While built-in seating is the safest option when driving or riding as a passenger, the physical demands of the transfer process can take a toll on both your body and your caregiver’s.

The introduction of Turning Automotive Seating Systems like the Bruno Valet family of products, Adapt Solutions’ XL Base and B&D Independence’s Transfer Seat Base have been a welcomed addition to the world of adaptive vehicle equipment. Revolutionizing the entry and exit process for drivers or passengers with disabilities, this type of seating solution eliminates the difficulties of lifting, climbing and twisting with innovative mechanisms.

Turning seat systems offer a variety of features and options, including:

  • Ease-of-use and added comfort.
  • Ability to be mounted on a number of vehicle types, including sedans, SUVs, full and minivans, pick-up trucks, and more.
  • Easy installation process that does not alter your vehicle’s structure or affect your resale value.
  • Driver or passenger side installation.
  • Manual or fully powered, one button operated options.
  • Eligible for reimbursement under the terms of Mobility Programs offered by most major auto manufacturers.
  • Use of standard vehicle seatbelts.
  • Power recline, flip up footrests, seatbelt guide, posture vests, padded hip belts, armrests and other additional features available in certain models.

Due to their versatility and easy of use, auto mobility seating systems can make your dreams of independence a reality.