Category Archives: Wheelchair Vans

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

wheelchair vans with advanced safety technologies you can rely on

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wheelchair vans with advanced safety technologies

wheelchair vans with advanced safety technologies you can rely on

At VMi New England mobility center we have wheelchair vans that offer safe, convenient and reliable personal mobility that stand the test of time— the freedom to travel where you want, when you want. Our wheelchair vans include the most popular minivans available offering some of the most advanced safety technologies available. Come visit our mobility center showroom where every day is a ability expo and see mobility vans like the Chrysler Town & Country, Toyota Sienna, Honda Odyssey and Dodge Grand Caravan.

Come try out reliable mobility vans from Vantage Mobility, Eldorado, Mobility Works or BraunAbility many different styles and configurations:

  • Extra-tall height: Toyota VMI Northstar Access 360, Eldorado Amerivan, Chrysler/Dodge Entervan XT, Toyota Rampvan XT
  • Standard height (foldout ramp): Toyota Sienna, Honda Odyssey and Dodge-Chrysler
  • Standard height (in-floor ramp): Toyota Sienna, Honda Odyssey and Dodge-Chrysler
  • Centered-lowered: Dodge CompanionVan SE
  • Rear-entry: Toyota Sienna, Honda Odyssey and Dodge-Chrysler

come see first hand the added space you get from a extra-tall height with in-floor or foldout ramps from the best manufactures in the industry

With more room to enter and exit, Toyota VMI Northstar Access 360, Eldorado Amerivan, Chrysler/Dodge Entervan XT, Toyota Rampvan XT the BraunAbility Entervan XT and Rampvan XT are built to fit your space needs. Several provide extra-tall height offering the highest vertical door clearances available, a full four inches more than the standard lowered floor wheelchair van. They are available in Toyota Sienna, Honda Odyssey, Chrysler Town & Country Touring and Limited models as well as three Dodge Grand Caravan models; the Express, Mainstreet Crew and R/T models.

The Toyota Northstar Access 360 wheelchair van is available in the Sienna model. With its sporty look and one-touch entry and exit system, this mobility vehicle has high-tech convenience and the reliability of premium transportation.

wheelchair vans with standard height lowered floor conversions offer reliable, safer in-floor ramps or a power foldout ramp for people with power wheelchairs

The VMI Nothstar & Summit, Eldorado Amerivan and BraunAbility conversions all offer different heights in the same Honda, Toyota, Dodge and Chrysler Town & Country Touring and Limited models.

The standard height handicapped vans also are available in the Honda Odyssey model. The Odyssey wheelchair handicap conversion van features the one-touch power and entry/exit system as well as the flexible Step and Roll seating. It boasts a 3.5L V6 for optimum power with fuel economy performance. The Honda Odyssey door opening height is different from each of the different manufactures.

standard height with in-floor ramp

Premium in-floor ramp wheelchair and scooter vans have been being built by Vantage Mobility for over 20 years and available in four trim levels: LE, SE, XLE and Limited. The Toyota Sienna rampvan Northstar Access360 features the out-of-sight ramp that stores safely in-floor for obstacle free entry and exit.

Center-lowered with foldout ramp

Do you travel with a companion regularly? The Dodge CompanionVan SE while not a choice if you want to ride in the passengers front position of a wheelchair van. It’s economical and has a lowered floor with ample room for a wheelchair or scooter. The CompanionVan SE features a manual door and bi-fold ramp with 52.5 inches of door opening height.

Rear-entry Wheelchair Vans

Rear entry wheelchair vans or mobility vans. The rear-entry conversion is available on models including the Chrysler Town & Country, Dodge Grand Caravan, Honda Odyssey and Toyota Sienna. You can customize its seating configurations and choose the features best suited for your individual needs and budget.

To speak with a handicap van specialist and receive your free mobility consultation, contact VMi New England at 508-697-6006. Call or email for additional information on many different wheelchair van products.

Abstract: Our staff have worked with rehabilitation engineering research experts all over the United States for more than 26 years on wheelchair transportation safety issues with a objective of looking at all the issues related to the safety of individuals seated in wheeled mobility devices while they are being transported or while they drive themselves in a motor vehicle. Researched topics include: the safety of individuals who drive from their wheelchairs in smaller vehicles and those who are transported in larger vehicles like buses, working with industry engineers to create industry standards as best practices to improve the safety of individuals who use mobility devices, and the crashworthiness of wheelchairs and other mobility equipment. We have been working with products to make releasing the seatbelt easier, an easier system for securing a wheelchair, automated docking systems for individuals who drive themselves while seated in a wheelchair or use public transportation, and a system for the safety of both individuals and their mobility devices while using public transportation vehicles. These projects have been a collaborative effort involving the experts across the globe.
Descriptor Terms: ASSISTIVE TECHNOLOGY, SAFETY MATERIALS, DEVICES DESIGN, DRIVING, MOTOR VEHICLES, PUBLIC TRANSPORTATION, SAFETY, TECHNOLOGY DEVELOPMENT, TRANSPORTATION, WHEELCHAIRS.

Built in Safety

Some handicapped van conversion are designed with safety in mind, some are not. Using much of the same safety technology developed to protect drivers piloting modern racecars 200+ miles per hour, some engineers have created what we believe to be is the safest wheelchair accessible minivan conversion available today. You can rest assured that the safety features built into the wheelchair van conversion you get from us will be there when you need them. Not all fully automated accessible van conversions are built utilizing duty-tested systems that allow you to easily exit the vehicle in the case of power loss or emergency, or has successfully crash-tested  their wheelchair accessible vehicles. Not all handicap van converter build quality conversions,there are more and more grey market conversions being built and sold on-line or on ebay every day.

 At VMi New England mobility center, we believe you can’t put a price tag on your family’s safety, but your wheelchair van shouldn’t break the bank either…When you purchase a accessible van from us you are assured it will not be a great market conversion, you’re not only saving money. You’re also gaining 26+ years of accessible vehicle safety experience and innovation that will be there when you need it most…

modern wheelchair accessible vehicle safety is becoming a more important consideration for consumers

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modern wheelchair accessible vehicle safety

modern wheelchair accessible vehicle safety at it’s finest

In modern cars and wheelchair accessible vehicle safety is becoming a more important consideration for consumers and thus a stronger focus for car manufacturers. Although active safety systems are seeing the fastest innovation and dynamic levels of growth, passive safety systems still have an important role to play. The difference between active and passive safety systems is that active safety systems play a role in preventing incidents and accidents whereas passive safety systems work to limit the negative consequences in the event of a crash.

Despite the increasing effectiveness of active safety systems, accidents with vehicles will remain widespread in the foreseeable future. Developments and innovation in the passive safety systems market are therefore essential and will provide protection for motorists.

Traditional passive safety systems such as airbags and seatbelts will retain their current position. In most developed countries both systems are mandatory and legislation in developing countries is rapidly catching up.

Innovation in the automotive passive safety systems market is mainly focused on protecting vulnerable road-users. Pedestrians and cyclists make up a large majority of traffic fatalities but until recently car makers have not done much to protect this group. New systems such as pop-up bonnets and pedestrian airbags have now been developed but are yet to gain widespread popularity.

Another area of increased focus and innovation has been whiplash protection. Carmakers have developed seats and headrests to prevent whiplash in case of rear-end collisions and institutions such as Euro-NCAP have included this metric in their safety ratings. As is inherent in the automotive industry, these systems are only slowly being adopted by carmakers and will gradually see their way into all new vehicles in the coming decade.

We will continue to follow the competitive landscape of leading automotive passive safety systems companies their, products, services, focus, strategies and outlook.
– Autoliv
– BMW
– Chrysler
– Continental AG
– Daimler AG
– Delphi Automotive PLC
– Fiat PsA.
– Ford Motor Company
– General Motors
– Honda Motor Company
– Hyundai-Kia Automotive Group
– Nissan
– PSA Peugeot Citroen
– Renault
– Robert Bosch GmbH
– Suzuki
– Takata Corporation
– Toyota Motor Corporation
– TRW Automotive
– Volkswagen AG
– Volvo Car Corporation

Constant analysis of competitive factors: strengths, weaknesses, opportunities and threats revealing what drives and restrains the industry and the prospects for established companies and new market entrants.

This methodology allows us insight into the key drivers and restraints behind market dynamics and competitive developments, as well as identifying the technological issues. We look for an ideal balance of qualitative analysis combined with extensive quantitative data including global, submarket and regional markets.

We look forward to market forecasts, technological trends, predictions and expert opinion from independent analysis of extensive primary and secondary products.

Discover how wheelchair accessible vehicle safety features could benefit you.

Adaptive Driving Aids For Your Car

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Adaptive Driving Aids For Your Car

Boston Strong

Boston Strong
Adaptive driving makes it possible for the mobility-impaired to drive vehicles easily and safely. Driving is an important part of life. The mobility-impaired have to meet the challenges of life just like any other person. However, normal cars cannot be used by the mobility-impaired because they have special needs. Adaptive driving helps people in wheelchairs to gain independence, move in and out of the vehicle, and drive the vehicle with assistive technologies.Hand ControlsHand controls are integrated to the vehicle to enable easy operation. Levers and buttons are used to apply the brakes. Remote switches are provided for secondary controls. The driver can use hand arm movement to execute the controls, accelerate, push the brakes forward or twist the grip. Lights, wipers, horns, and indicators are controlled with buttons. Other controls such as signals turns, dimmers, and even accelerator can be operated using the hand.

Some portable hand controls are also provided with adaptive vehicles, which can be installed depending on varying needs. These controls can be carried along in the luggage. Power brakes and steering controls are provided with most of the hand controls. Electronically assisted hand control is also provided to manage primary and secondary driving controls. Devices such as amputee ring, spinner knob, and quad fork are attached to the steering to assist driving. The hand controls enable the driver to use both the hands to control the vehicle, providing a safe and smooth drive.

  • Hand Controls: Provides links to some places where you can get adaptive hand controls.
  • Mobility Products & Designs: A good place to find adaptive hand control products.
  • Sure Grip: One of the leading suppliers of traditional hand controls and offers a number of hand controls like spinner knob, palm spinner, quad fork, and more.
  • Mobility controls: Take a look at their range of adaptive hand controls.

Pedal Extensions

Pedal extensions help the person with short legs to reach pedal. In this kind of arrangement, the brakes and accelerator pedal height are raised. The pedal extension enables the driver to apply the brakes with reduced effort.

  • Extension Controls: Discusses extension controls for adaptive driving including pedal extensions.
  •  

Left Foot Gas Pedal

The left foot gas pedal requires professional installation in which modifications are done for the braking and acceleration systems. For a missing leg, the left foot gas pedal is used as it prevents crossovers. In left foot gas pedal adaption, the pedal is provided on both sides of the brakes.

  •  The best place to find left foot gas pedals.
  •  portable left foot accelerator are not recommended for use in anything.
 Driver Seat ModificationsThe driver’s seat is modified depending on the person’s ability to enter or exit the vehicle. The seat helps in positioning, balancing, and providing stability to the driver. Power seats are the attachments which help to adjust the seat position. The seat is modified to allow it to be rotated, removed or lowered. The driver’s seat is modified so that it can be turned to enable the person to enter the vehicle. Provision for climbing onto the vehicle is provided. Lap belts are used along with shoulder belts on the seat to provide extra support.

  • Ricon: Take a look at this 6-way Power Transfer Seat.
  • Bruno: Provides a range of Turning Automotive Seating options.
  • Adaptive Auto: Offers a state-of-the-art transfer seat for adaptive driving.
  • Modifications: Explains various modifications to be done for adaptive driving including driver seat modifications.

Wheelchair Ramps and Lifts

Ramps and lifts are provided in the vehicle to enable easy entry and exit from the vehicle. Ramps are used to load scooters and other equipments. Modifications such as increasing the width of doors in minivans and automatic button to open and close the doors are installed before the ramps and lifts are installed. Handle bars and grab bars are located in convenient position in the van to make it easy for the driver to move in and out of the wheelchair. Transfer boards are provided to help the driver slide from the wheelchair to the car seat.

Cost Saving Opportunities

There are some cost-saving opportunities for people with disabilities. Many nonprofit organizations provide grants to pay for the devices. Some health insurance companies provide coverage for vehicle modification, wheelchair lifts, and adaptive devices. State governments have waived taxes on adaptive devices and the mobility-impaired can receive certain tax benefits. The person can claim to get medical deductions in income tax returns. It’s best to contact a tax consultant to know more about it. Many manufactures of the adaptive devices provide reimbursements and rebates for the devices.

  • Check out their 10-year financing options.
  • Offers information on state and federal government agencies.
  • Car Manufacturers

Car manufacturers offer mobility programs where the buyer is provided with vehicles which are equipped with a number of adaptive devices. Most of the wheelchair lifts and devices provided in the vehicles are eligible for reimbursements. Chrysler provides reimbursement of up to $750 for trucks, and the reimbursement for cars is up to $1000. The car is modified to be equipped with adaptive driver and passenger equipments or there’s also a full sized wheelchair van. Similar programs are run by other leading car companies such as Dodge, Toyota, Honda, GM, and Ford. Training is provided to drive such vehicles and the person is required to obtain a license to operate the vehicle.

  • Ford: The mobility motoring division of the company.
  • GM: General Motors’ Mobility homepage.
  • Volkswagen: One of the top manufacturers of mobility vehicles.
  • Toyota: Check out their range of mobility vehicles.
  • Chrysler: Find out more about their Automobility program.

Resources

For more information about assistive vehicles and driving programs, please visit the following links:

Rehabilitation Services Rhode Island

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Rehabilitation Services Rhode Island

 

2012 Dodge Grand Caravan CR121019 Inside Front Right Veiw View

The Office of Rehabilitation Services helps people with disabilities become employed and live independently in the community. They provide a variety of programs and services to empower individuals with disabilities to prepare for, obtain and maintain employment and economic self-sufficiency.

  • Vocational Rehabilitation
    The focus of the Vocational Rehabilitation Program is to help people with disabilities prepare for, obtain and maintain employment. Individuals who apply for this program are interested in becoming employed. If a person receives Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) or Supplemental Security Income (SSI) and they are interested in working, they are assumed to be eligible for this program.
  • Services for the Blind and Visually Impaired
    The Services for the Blind and Visually Impaired offers a variety of training and adjustment services for individuals who are blind or who have significant visual impairments. The goal is to help them become independent, active, and self-sufficient members of their community. Services are available for children and adults.
  • Disability Determination Services
    The Disability Determination Services unit determines the eligibility for children and adults with disabilities who are applying for cash benefits from the federal Social Security Administration’s programs – Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) and Supplemental Security Income (SSI).
  • Assistive Technology Access Partnership
    The Office of Rehabilitation Services administers the Assistive Technology Access Partnership which can help individuals with disabilities get assistive technology devices and services.

LINKS

Free check up for 2010 2011 2012 2013 Toyota Sienna braun ability rampvan adaptive equipment

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2010 2011 2012 2013 Braun Toyota Sienna free service / check up

2010 2011 2012 2013 Braun Toyota Sienna service and repairs in New England

Bring your 2010 2011 2012 or 2013 Toyota Sienna Braun Rampvan conversion with adaptive driving equipment in for a free check up between  July 7 and July 31 2013

Call 508-697-6006 to schedule your free check up.

We also offer no hassle oil changes for all lowered floor mini vans.

We have drive on lifts that have been modified to ensure easy no hassle, no damage oil changes while you wait.

High Tech vans are no problem for us to service and or drive

Come in for a free check up and drive away with the knowledge that you mobility van is in top condition.

Ask about our rust prevention and maintenance program.

Benefits of rust treatment

Prevention is better than 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 are ever evolving and have been for more than 25 years.

We would love to repair or service your BraunAbility vehicle – the automatic kneeling system lowers the rear suspension and allows for a low ramp slope and 54-3/8” of sliding door height. As always, the lightweight aluminum side-entry ramp folds out for convenient and easy wheelchair or scooter access. With its sleek exterior and impressive interior options.

If your having problems with your Rampvan give us a call at 508-697-6006 and well get you back on the road ASAP (most often the same day)

Over 25 years of innovative cutting edge mobility solutions for clients all over New England