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October is Rett Syndrome Awareness Month

Rett Syndrome Aweareness month

What is Rett Syndrome?
Rett syndrome is a postnatal neurological disorder seen almost always in girls, but can be rarely seen in boys. It is not a degenerative disorder.

Rett syndrome is caused by mutations on the X chromosome on a gene called MECP2. There are more than 200 different mutations found on the MECP2 gene. Most of these mutations are found in eight different “hot spots.”

Rett syndrome strikes all racial and ethnic groups, and occurs worldwide in 1 of every 10,000 to 23,000 female births.

Rett syndrome causes problems in brain function that are responsible for cognitive, sensory, emotional, motor and autonomic function. These can include learning, speech, sensory sensations, mood, movement, breathing, cardiac function, and even chewing, swallowing, and digestion.

Rett syndrome symptoms appear after an early period of apparently normal or near normal development until six to eighteen months of life, when there is a slowing down or stagnation of skills. A period of regression then follows when she loses communication skills and purposeful use of her hands. Soon, stereotyped hand movements such as handwashing, gait disturbances, and slowing of the normal rate of head growth become apparent. Other problems may include seizures and disorganized breathing patterns while she is awake. In the early years, there may be a period of isolation or withdrawal when she is irritable and cries inconsolably. Over time, motor problems may increase, but in general, irritability lessens and eye contact and communication improve.

Rett syndrome can present with a wide range of disability ranging from mild to severe. The course and severity of Rett syndrome is determined by the location, type and severity of her mutation and X-inactivation. Therefore, two girls of the same age with the same mutation can appear quite different.

Testing and Diagnosis
Rett syndrome is most often misdiagnosed as autism, cerebral palsy, or non-specific developmental delay. In the past, making the correct diagnosis called not only for a long list of diagnostic tests and procedures to rule out other disorders, but it also took from months to years waiting to confirm the diagnosis as new symptoms appeared over time. Today, we have a simple blood test to confirm the diagnosis. However, since we know that the MECP2 mutation is also seen in other disorders, the presence of the MECP2 mutation in itself is not enough for the diagnosis of Rett syndrome. Diagnosis requires either the presence of the mutation (a molecular diagnosis) or fulfillment of the diagnostic criteria (a clinical diagnosis, based on signs and symptoms that you can observe) or both. Below is a list of labs to share with your ordering physician that can do the MECP2 sequencing + deletion analysis, and the list of diagnostic criteria.

October is Down Syndrome Awareness Month

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Down Syndrome Awareness month VMi New England

Down Syndrome Awareness Month is chance to spread awareness, advocacy and inclusion throughout the community. During the month of October, we celebrate individuals with Down syndrome and make people aware of their abilities and accomplishments.

It’s not about celebrating disabilities; it’s about celebrating abilities.

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What Is Down Syndrome?

Down syndrome (or Down’s syndrome) is a chromosomal disorder caused by an error in cell division that results in an extra 21st chromosome. The condition leads to impairments in both cognitive ability and physical growth that range from mild to moderate developmental disabilities. Through a series of screenings and tests, Down syndrome can be detected before and after a baby is born.

The only factor known to affect the probability of having a baby with Down syndrome is maternal age. That is, less than one in 1,000 pregnancies for mothers less than 30 years of age results in a baby with Down syndrome. For mothers who are 44 years of age, about 1 in 35 pregnancies results in a baby with Down syndrome. Because younger women generally have more children, about 75 – 80% of children with Down syndrome are born to younger women.

What causes Down syndrome?
Down syndrome occurs because of an abnormality characterized by an extra copy of genetic material on all or part of the 21st chromosome. Every cell in the body contains genes that are grouped along chromosomes in the cell’s nucleus or center. There are normally 46 chromosomes in each cell, 23 inherited from your mother and 23 from your father. When some or all of a person’s cells have an extra full or partial copy of chromosome 21, the result is Down syndrome.

The most common form of Down syndrome is known as Trisomy 21, a condition where individuals have 47 chromosomes in each cell instead of 46. This is caused by an error in cell division called nondisjunction, which leaves a sperm or egg cell with an extra copy of chromosome 21 before or at conception. Trisomy 21 accounts for 95% of Down syndrome cases, with 88% originating from nondisjunction of the mother’s egg cell.

The remaining 5% of Down syndrome cases are due to conditions called mosaicism and translocation. Mosaic Down syndrome results when some cells in the body are normal while others have Trisomy 21. Robertsonian translocation occurs when part of chromosome 21 breaks off during cell division and attaches to another chromosome (usually chromosome 14). The presence of this extra part of chromosome 21 causes Down some syndrome characteristics. Although a person with a translocation may appear physically normal, he or she has a greater risk of producing a child with an extra 21st chromosome.

Toyota Sienna wheelchair van Information

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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

Wheelchair Accessible Van Conversion Options New England Mobility Center

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Wheelchair Accessible Van Conversion Options

We know that each individual person has their own personal desires and requirements in a wheelchair accessible van. At VMi New England Mobility Center, we offer a variety of conversion options in order to best fit your individual needs. Whether you need hand controls or an under vehicle lift (UVL), our highly trained Mobility Center Consultants are here to listen to your needs, educate you on the safest/best products available, and deliver the highest quality service in the vehicle modification industry.

VMi New England Mobility Center has access to hundreds of new and used wheelchair accessible vans ready for immediate delivery. We carry everything from minivans, to full-size vans, to commercial paratransit vans and ambulette vans, in Dodge, Chrysler, Chevrolet, Buick, Toyota, Honda, and Ford models. Our large inventory and unmatched mobility facility enables our customers to get the wheelchair accessible van they want, when they want it.

If you want to learn more about our wheelchair accessible van conversion options, contact us for a free in house consultation.

Adapting Motor Vehicles for People with disAbilities

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Introduction

A Proven Process for Gaining Freedom on the Road

The introduction of new technology continues to broaden opportunities for people with disabilities to drive vehicles with adaptive devices. Taking advantage of these opportunities, however, can be time consuming and, sometimes, frustrating.

The information in this brochure is based on the experience of driver rehabilitation specialists and other professionals who work with individuals who require adaptive devices for their motor vehicles. It is centered around a proven process —evaluating your needs, selecting the right vehicle, choosing a qualified dealer to modify your vehicle, being trained, maintaining your vehicle — that can help you avoid costly mistakes when purchasing and modifying a vehicle with adaptive equipment.

Also included is general information on cost savings, licensing requirements, and organizations to contact for help. Although the brochure focuses on drivers of modified vehicles, each section contains important information for people who drive passengers with disabilities.

Investigate Cost Saving Opportunities &Licensing Requirements

Cost Saving Opportunities

The costs associated with modifying a vehicle vary greatly. A new vehicle modified with adaptive equipment can cost from $20,000 to $80,000. Therefore, whether you are modifying a vehicle you own or purchasing a new vehicle with adaptive equipment, it pays to investigate public and private opportunities for financial assistance.

There are programs that help pay part or all of the cost of vehicle modification, depending on the cause and nature of the disability. For information, contact your state’s Department of Vocational Rehabilitation or another agency that provides vocational services, and, if appropriate, the Department of Veterans Affairs. You can find phone numbers for these state and federal agencies in a local phone book. Also, consider the following.

Many nonprofit associations that advocate for individuals with disabilities have grant programs that help pay for adaptive devices.
If you have private health insurance or workers’ compensation, you may be covered for adaptive devices and vehicle modification. Check with your insurance carrier.
Many manufacturers have rebate or reimbursement plans for modified vehicles. When you are ready to make a purchase, find out if there is such a dealer in your area.
Some states waive the sales tax for adaptive devices if you have a doctor’s prescription for their use.
You may be eligible for savings when submitting your federal income tax return. Check with a qualified tax consultant to find out if the cost of your adaptive devices will help you qualify for a medical deduction.

Licensing Requirements

All states require a valid learner’s permit or driver’s license to receive an on–the–road evaluation. You cannot be denied the opportunity to apply for a permit or license because you have a disability. However, you may receive a restricted license, based on your use of adaptive devices.

Evaluate Your Needs

Driver rehabilitation specialists perform comprehensive evaluations to identify the adaptive equipment most suited to your needs. A complete evaluation includes vision screening and, in general, assesses:

Muscle strength, flexibility, and range of motion
Coordination and reaction time
Judgment and decision making abilities
Ability to drive with adaptive equipment

Upon completion of an evaluation, you should receive a report containing specific recommendations on driving requirements or restrictions, and a complete list of recommended vehicle modifications.

Finding a Qualified Evaluator

To find a qualified evaluator in your area, contact a local rehabilitation center or call the Association for Driver Rehabilitation Specialists (ADED). The phone number is in the resource section. The Association maintains a data base of certified driver rehabilitation specialists throughout the country. Your insurance company may pay for the evaluation. Find out if you need a physician’s prescription or other documen-tation to receive benefits.

Being Prepared for an Evaluation

Consult with your physician to make sure you are physically and psychologically prepared to drive. Being evaluated too soon after an injury or other trauma may indicate the need for adaptive equipment you will not need in the future. When going for an evaluation, bring any equipment you normally use, e.g., a walker or neck brace. Tell the evaluator if you are planning to modify your wheelchair or obtain a new one.

Evaluating Passengers with Disabilities

Evaluators also consult on compatibility and transportation safety issues for passengers with disabilities. They assess the type of seating needed and the person’s ability to exit and enter the vehicle. They provide advice on the purchase of modified vehicles and recommend appropriate wheelchair lifts or other equipment for a vehicle you own. If you have a child who requires a special type of safety seat, evaluators make sure the seat fits your child properly. They also make sure you can properly install the seat in your vehicle.

Select the Right Vehicle

Selecting a vehicle for modification requires collaboration among you, your evaluator, and a qualified vehicle modification dealer. Although the purchase or lease of a vehicle is your responsibility, making sure the vehicle can be properly modified is the responsibility of the vehicle modification dealer. Therefore, take the time to consult with a qualified dealer and your evaluator before making your final purchase. It will save you time and money. Be aware that you will need insurance while your vehicle is being modified, even though it is off the road.

The following questions can help with vehicle selection. They can also help determine if you can modify a vehicle you own.

Does the necessary adaptive equipment require a van, or will another passenger vehicle suffice?
Can the vehicle accommodate the equipment that needs to be installed?
Will there be enough space to accommodate your family or other passengers once the vehicle is modified?
Is there adequate parking space at home and at work for the vehicle and for loading/unloading a wheelchair?
Is there adequate parking space to maneuver if you use a walker?
What additional options are necessary for the safe operation of the vehicle?

If a third party is paying for the vehicle, adaptive devices, or modification costs, find out if there are any limitations or restrictions on what is covered. Always get a written statement on what a funding agency will pay before making your purchase.

Choose a Qualified Dealer to Modify Your Vehicle

Even a half inch change in the lowering of a van floor can affect a driver’s ability to use equipment or to have an unobstructed view of the road; so, take time to find a qualified dealer to modify your vehicle. Begin with a phone inquiry to find out about credentials, experience, and references. Ask questions about how they operate. Do they work with evaluators? Will they look at your vehicle before you purchase it? Do they require a prescription from a physician or other driver evaluation specialist? How long will it take before they can start work on your vehicle? Do they provide training on how to use the adaptive equipment?

If you are satisfied with the answers you receive, check references; then arrange to visit the dealer’s facility. Additional information to consider is listed below.

Are they members of the National Mobility Equipment Dealers Association (NMEDA) or another organization that has vehicle conversion standards?
What type of training has the staff received?
What type of warranty do they provide on their work?
Do they provide ongoing service and maintenance?
Do they stock replacement parts?

Once you are comfortable with the dealer’s qualifications, you will want to ask specific questions, such as:

How much will the modification cost?
Will they accept third party payment?
How long will it take to modify the vehicle?
Can the equipment be transferred to a new vehicle in the future?
Will they need to modify existing safety features to install the adaptive equipment?

While your vehicle is being modified, you will, most likely, need to be available for fittings. This avoids additional waiting time for adjustments once the equipment is fully installed. Without proper fittings you may have problems with the safe operation of the vehicle and have to go back for adjustments.

Some State Agencies specify the dealer you must use if you want reimbursement.

Obtain Training on the Use of New Equipment

Both new and experienced drivers need training on how to safely use new adaptive 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. Bring a family member or other significant person who drives to all your training sessions. It’s important to have someone else who can drive your vehicle in case of an emergency.

Some state vocational rehabilitation departments pay for driver training under specified circumstances. At a minimum, their staff can help you locate a qualified instructor. If your evaluator does not provide on-the-road instruction, ask him or her for a recommendation. You can also inquire at your local motor vehicle administration office.

Maintain Your Vehicle

Regular maintenance is important for keeping your vehicle and adaptive equipment safe and reliable. It may also be mandatory for compliance with the terms of your warranty. Some warranties specify a time period during which adaptive equipment must be inspected. These “check ups” for equipment may differ from those for your vehicle. Make sure you or your modifier submits all warranty cards for all equipment to ensure coverage and so manufacturers can contact you in case of a recall.

For additional copies of this brochure and other important vehicle safety information, you can contact DOT’s web site at www.nhtsa.dot.gov and the DOT Auto Safety Hotline: 888-DASH-2-DOT (888-327-4236).

Resources

The Association for Driver Rehabilitation Specialists (ADED)
2425 N. Center Street # 369, Hickory, NC 28601
(866) 672-9466
www.driver-ed.org
www.aded.net

National Mobility Equipment Dealers Association (NMEDA)
11211 N. Nebraska Ave., Suite A5, Tampa, FL 33612
(800) 833-0427
www.nmeda.org

AAA
1000 AAA Drive, Heathrow, FL 32746-5063
(404) 444-7961
www.aaa.com

Department of Veteran Affairs
(800) 827-1000
www.va.gov

State Departments of Vocational Rehabilitation
Listed in telephone book.

The following manufacturers offer rebates or reimbursements on new vehicle modification.

Daimler Chrysler Corporation
(800) 255-9877
(TDD Users: (800) 922-3826)
www.automobility.daimlerchrysler.com

Ford Motor Company
(800) 952-2248
(TDD Users: (800) TDD-0312)
www.ford.com/mobilitymotoring

General Motors Corporation
(800) 323-9935
(TDD Users: (800) TDD-9935)
www.gmmobility.com

Saturn
(800) 553-6000, Prompt 3
(TDD Users: (800) 833-6000)
www.saturn.com

Volkswagen
(800) 822-8987
www.vw.com

Audi
(800) 822-2834
www.audiusa.com