Category Archives: Wheelchair Vans

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

wheelchair vans rust, corrosion, long life and rust proofing in new england

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Braun Entervan New England rust

7 year old Braun Wheelchair van in New England. Customer didn’t believe in rust proofing

wheelchair vans rust, corrosion, long life

and rust proofing in new england

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 alot more likely to suffer from the effects of corrosion. Correct rustproofing on a regular basis can ensure that your vehicle does not suffer from corrosion related vehicle downtime and keep your van from falling apart.

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 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.

As seen in this picture the van has heavy rust and metal fatigue due to a lack of maintenance.

Once it’s this bad there’s not much we can do other than replace the van

Customer dealt with a different adaptive mobility equipment dealer that didn't offer rust proofing

Customer dealt with a different adaptive mobility equipment dealer that didn’t offer rust proofing

Saying Goodbye to the Wheelchair Accessible Volkswagen Routan

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vw wheelchair van massachusetts
Chrysler report indicates that it won’t be building any more minivans for Volkswagen. You can at least try to act surprised.
In 2008 Volkswagen struck a deal with Chrysler to turn the Town & Country into the Routan. The VW version of the Canadian minivan got a fresh face and returned suspension, but was essentially the same as its Chrysler counterpart. After four years of dismal sales (despite a costly advertising campaign with Brook Shields) the Routan has apparently been discontinued. The news was apparently slipped in under the radar into an announcement of production adjustments at the plant in Windsor, Ontario.

While the decision to axe the Routan was likely driven by lackluster sales, we can’t help but wonder if the tense relations between Volkswagen and Fiat/Chrysler didn’t usher the Routan to its grave. The Routan was just one of many nameplates under which the same van was sold, alongside the Chrysler Town & Country, Dodge Grand Caravan, Ram C/V and, in overseas markets, the Chrysler and Lancia Grand Voyager. Volkswagen reportedly has no plans to replace the Routan with a new model, although it has plenty of vans overseas (like the Touran and Sharan) it could bring over to North America if it deemed it worthwhile.

Over the past month or two, we’ve been going through our wheelchair van buyer’s guide here at VMi New England. This week was meant to spotlight the Volkswagen Routan, the fourth line of new minivans we offer.

Unfortunately though, the Volkswagen Routan is being discontinued.

Remembering the Volkswagen Routan

The Routan is an interesting mix of a vehicle.  See, the name and logo say Volkswagen.  The exterior curves and interior aesthetics look and feel like a Volkswagen.  Much like you would expect from a “European” vehicle, it also features a tighter suspension with firm steering to match.

Beneath its sheet metal and fiberglass exterior, however, it’s almost the exact same van as the Town & Country/Caravan.  The engine, the dimensions, the wheelbase, the list goes on.

The Routan is built on the same frame with the same engine.

But you’d be surprised how much the look and handling add.  Many have commented that the Routan is about as sleek and sturdy as a minivan could possibly get.  Alas, it wasn’t enough to keep it in production.

Though sales have been okay for the Routan, they weren’t quite good enough to keep it alive.  Part of the problem is no doubt the higher cost of the van.  Considering just how similar it was to the considerably cheaper Caravan in terms of specs, it was often a hard sell.

And so, the Routan has been retired.

The Future Beyond the Routan

Volkswagen is currently planning to replace the Routan with a crossover SUV.  While this might be good for the general public, SUVs (particularly crossovers) don’t exactly offer great wheelchair access.

For the wheelchair van community, we will still be offering the Odyssey, the Town & Country, and the ever popular Caravan, all three of which are fantastic vehicles.  Could the future bring a new wheelchair accessible minivan into the mix?

Wheelchair Vans Crash Test Provides Vital Safety Information

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wheelchair vans with advanced safety technologies

wheelchair vans with advanced safety technologies

Wheelchair Vans Crash Test Provides Vital Safety Information

 

Knowing how safe your car or one in which you ride would be in a crash, may save your life or save you from serious injuries. If you are seated in a wheelchair, then knowing the results of wheelchair vans crash test is even more important to you.

Wheelchair-Vehicle Interface

The interface with vehicle-wheelchairs pertains to how adaptable your car is from a safety perspective to your wheelchair, taking into consideration stability, convenience and safety as test factors.

You will also want to know how your wheelchair would fair in a crash test, to be sure that the chair or the van is as safe as possible.

ANSI and RESNA Standards

When wheelchairs meet the performance and design criteria put forth by the ANSI–American National Standards Institute–and the RESNA–the Rehabilitation Engineering and Assistive Techology Society of North America, they are then identified as WC19. That designation tells that they were designed for use in a vehicle and passed rigorous testing.

The wheelchairs have four points for securing the chair quickly and easily with tie-downs. The goal is to make it convenient for your caregiver or yourself to follow the latest and safest procedures to ensure stability and safety when using the wheelchair as a seat in handicap vans,  or another vehicle.

WC19 Wheelchairs

If any wheelchair meets the standards of the WC19 testing, it has five advantages beyond wheelchairs that have not met the testing standards.

  • 1. The chair has enough strength to offer protection for you in various kinds of crashes. It must remain secure and stable during the crash, to keep you (or the crash dummy during testing) inside the vehicle. The frame must not crack, and the seat must be firm and supportive.
  • 2.  The WC19 wheelchair must be easy to use in a vehicle adapted for it, such as the “wheelchair van” or the “wheelchair car.”
  • 3.  In order to be able to use the tie-downs one-handed in less than ten seconds, the points of securement must be clearly marked and accessible.
  • 4.  The standards require manufacturers to report the measurement of lateral stability once the wheelchair is loaded and tilted to a forty-five degree angle. This will mean the vehicle has greater stability.
  • 5.  A wheelchair that has earned WC19 designation has more compatibility with seatbelts and results in a better fit with shoulder and lap belts.

When riding in wheelchair vans or handicap vans, be sure that your chair meets the wheelchair vans crash test, and that you are secured in a wheelchair that is WC19 compliant.

 

Definitions

  • Rehabilitation Technology (Rehabilitation Act of 1973, P.L 93-112) The term “rehabilitation technology” means the systematic application of technologies, engineering methodologies, or scientific principles to meet the needs of and address the barriers confronted by individuals with disabilities in areas which include education, rehabilitation, employment, transportation, independent living, and recreation. The term includes rehabilitation engineering, assistive technology devices, and assistive technology services.
  • Rehabilitation Engineering (Rehabilitation Act of 1973, P.L. 93-112) The term rehabilitation engineering means “the systematic application of engineering sciences to design, develop, adapt, test, evaluate, apply, and distribute technological solutions to problems confronted by individuals with disabilities in functional areas, such as mobility, communications, hearing, vision, and cognition, and in activities associated with employment, independent living, education, and integration into the community.”
  • Assistive Technology (Assistive Technology Act of 2004, P.L. 108-364) The term ‘assistive technology’ means technology designed to be utilized in an assistive technology device or assistive technology service.
  • Assistive Technology Device (Assistive Technology Act of 2004, P.L. 108-364) The term ‘assistive technology device’ means any item, piece of equipment, or product system, whether acquired commercially, modified, or customized, that is used to increase, maintain, or improve functional capabilities of individuals with disabilities.
  • Assistive Technology Service (Assistive Technology Act of 2004, P.L. 108-364) The term ‘assistive technology service’ means any service that directly assists an individual with a disability in the selection, acquisition, or use of an assistive technology device. Such term includes—
    • The evaluation of the assistive technology needs of an individual with a disability, including a functional evaluation of the impact of the provision of appropriate assistive technology and appropriate services to the individual in the customary environment of the individual;
    • A service consisting of purchasing, leasing, or otherwise providing for the acquisition of assistive technology devices by individuals with disabilities;
    • A service consisting of selecting, designing, fitting, customizing, adapting, applying, maintaining, repairing, replacing, or donating assistive technology devices;
    • Coordination and use of necessary therapies, interventions, or services with assistive technology devices, such as therapies, interventions, or services associated with education and rehabilitation plans and programs;
    • Training or technical assistance for an individual with a disability or, where appropriate, the family members, guardians, advocates, or authorized representatives of such an individual;
    • Training or technical assistance for professionals (including individuals providing education and rehabilitation services and entities that manufacture or sell assistive technology devices), employers, providers of employment and training services, or other individuals who provide services to, employ, or are otherwise substantially involved in the major life functions of individuals with disabilities;
    • A service consisting of expanding the availability of access to technology, including electronic and information technology, to individuals with disabilities.
  • Universal Design (Assistive Technology Act of 2004, P.L. 108-364) The term universal design means a concept or philosophy for designing and delivering products and services that are usable by people with the widest possible range of functional capabilities, which include products and services that are directly accessible (without requiring assistive technologies) and products and services that are interoperable with assistive technologies.

Driving Specific Considerations – Amputation

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Driving Specific Considerations – Amputation

Foot Steering Wheelchair Van Massachusetts

Amputation

  • is the removal of all or part of a limb
  • can be the result of trauma or illness
  • or limb deficiency may also be present at birth
  • is not progressive but the advancement of disease can lead to additional amputation(s)

Potential Deficit Areas

  • loss of function at or above the amputation site
  • decreased range of motion and/or strength of the residual limb
  • decreased sensation at the amputation site
  • hypersensitivity at the amputation site
  • phantom Pain

Impact on Driving/Transportation

  • A modified vehicle, wheelchair lift or transfer seat may be needed for a person who now requires a scooter or wheelchair for mobility or has difficulty transferring into an unmodified vehicle.
  • The site of the amputation will determine if the person will need adaptive equipment to return to driving.
  • Adaptive driving equipment allow the person to compensate for an impaired ability to reach primary and secondary driving controls
  • Prior to driving with adaptive equipment, the person will need a driving evaluation.

Possible Vehicle Equipment Needs

Left Arm Loss
  • Automatic transmission
  • Power steering
  • Steering device
  • Directional cross over
  • Electric turn signal
  • Foot parking brake release modification
Left Leg Loss
  • Automatic transmission
  • Parking brake extension
  • Chest strap
Right Arm Loss
  • Automatic transmission
  • Power steering
  • Steering device
  • Electronic ignition
  • Crossover and/or gear shift extension
  • Wiper control modification
  • Console parking brake modification
  • Secondary/dash modification
  • Key extension
  • Electric ignition
Right Leg Loss

Possible Vehicle Equipment Needs

Loss of Both Arms
Loss of Three or Four Limbs
Loss of Both Legs

Vocational Rehabilitation Program Rhode Island

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Vocational Rehabilitation Program

VMiNewEngland Toyota Sienna Northstar wheelchair van driver

What is the Vocational Rehabilitation (VR) Program?

The Vocational Rehabilitation (VR) Program is the public state and federally funded program that assists individuals with disabilities to choose, prepare for, obtain and maintain employment. Employment being the successful outcome of services provided through the public vocational rehabilitation program. It is expected that individuals with disabilities who apply for services are interested in becoming employed and understand that this is the focus of the VR program.

Who is Eligible for VR Services?

Do you want to work?
Do you have a condition that limits your job opportunities?

To be eligible for vocational rehabilitation services, you must – 1) have a physical, intellectual or emotional impairment which is a substantial barrier to employment, and 2) require vocational rehabilitation services to prepare for, secure, retain, or regain employment, and 3) be able to benefit from vocational rehabilitation services in terms of an employment outcome. If you are receiving Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) or Supplemental Security Income (SSI), your vocational rehabilitation office will presume that you are eligible for vocational rehabilitation services.

How Do You Obtain Services Through the
Vocational Rehabilitation Program?

Individuals with disabilities must first apply for the VR program and be determined eligible before services can be provided. Individuals with significant disabilities are presumed eligible for the program if an application is completed and there is documentation of disability. All applicants for the VR program are encouraged to present documentation of their disability and/or Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) or Supplemental Security Insurance (SSI) to speed up the eligibility process.

Employment Plan
(Individualized Plan for Employment)

The eligible individual with a disability and a Qualified Vocational Rehabilitation Counselor will work together to develop an employment plan called the Individualized Plan for Employment (IPE). The Employment Plan considers the individual’s unique strengths, resources, priorities, concerns, skills, abilities, preferences, capabilities, interests, and values, as well as the barriers to employment. The Employment Plan identifies the employment goal that the individual has chosen, the time it is expected to reach the goal, the services that the individual chooses as necessary to reach the employment goal, and how the services will be provided. Some of the services may be provided directly by the VR Counselor, others may be available through other public sources such as netWORKri (One Stop Career Centers), and others may be purchased with funds provided by the VR agency. The individual may develop the Employment Plan with the assistance of the VR Counselor, another individual, or by him or herself. The VR Counselor is always available to provide assistance in this process, and a Qualified Vocational Rehabilitation Counselor who works for the public VR program must approve the Employment Plan before any services are provided through the VR agency. The partnership between each individual with a disability and their Vocational Rehabilitation Counselor is a key component in the Vocational Rehabilitation process.

What Are Some of the Services that
can be Included in an Employment Plan?

Vocational rehabilitation services that may be included in an Employment Plan are:
  • Counseling and Guidance to help plan vocational goals and services;
  • Transition Services from School to Career;
  • Rehabilitation Technology Services;
  • Assistive Technology Services;
  • Diagnostic Evaluations;
  • College or Vocational Training;
  • Job Training and Job Supports;
  • Job Development and Placement Services;
  • Vehicle Modifications;
  • Housing Modifications;
  • Post-Employment Services.

What Are Some Services After an
Employment Goal is Achieved?

Employment is the successful outcome for the individual with a disability and the VR program. Once employed, however, the VR agency may assist with post-employment services to assist the individual to retain or advance in employment.

If you are interested in applying for services, please fill out and sign the completed Application (Espanol) and return to Intake, Office of Rehabilitation Services, 40 Fountain Street, Providence, RI 02903.