Tag Archives: accessible van

Wheelchair Van Conversion Styles: In-Floor Ramp Vs. Fold-out Ramp

There are several wheelchair accessible van conversion styles you’ll want to consider when choosing the right mobility solution for you. One decision you’ll have to make is to choose between an In-Floor wheelchair van ramp and a Fold-Out wheelchair accessible ramp.

In-Floor Vs. Fold-Up Wheelchair Ramps
Another important consideration to make is whether you’d prefer a fold-up or an in-floor wheelchair ramp in your handicap van. As their name implies, fold-up ramps fold in half and stow upright, next to the side passenger door. On the other hand, in-floor ramps slide into a pocket underneath the vehicle’s floor. People who opt for in-floor ramps prefer the ramp out of the way of the passenger entrance. Typically, fold-up ramps tend to be less expensive and easier to maintain, and they present a lower ramp angle. In-floor and fold-up wheelchair ramps are available in a wide range of handicap minivan conversions.
Wheelchair Van Conversion Styles- In Floor Ramp Vs. Fold out Ramp

Wheelchair Van Conversion Styles: Side-Entry Vs. Rear-Entry

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There are several wheelchair accessible van conversion styles you’ll want to consider when choosing the right mobility solution for you. One decision you’ll have to make is to choose between a side-entry wheelchair van and a rear-entry wheelchair accessible van.

Side-Entry Vs. Rear-Entry Wheelchair Vans
One of the most important choices you’ll make in selecting a handicap accessible wheelchair van is side entry versus rear entry. Your choice will impact such things as the wheelchair seating positions, your ability to accommodate other passengers, and parking options. Side-entry wheelchair vans represent the majority of the market—over 75% for most personal use vehicles. However, rear-entry wheelchair vans are also gaining in popularity as more products become available. Here is a look at some key points you’ll want to be aware of.

Style	Side-entry wheelchair minivans	Rear-entry wheelchair minivans
Advantages	Enter and exit safely onto curbside away from traffic Drive from a wheelchair or sit in the front passenger position in a wheelchair or driver position More choices available More storage space	Park in any parking space—no extra room required for ramp (excluding parallel parking) Side passenger doors aren’t blocked by a ramp Mid-passenger seats can be mounted next to the wheelchair position Great for long wheelchairs/leg rests Less expensive conversion More ground clearance
Important options	Power ramp and doors Power kneeling system In-floor ramp or fold-up ramp (some ramps are manual)	Power ramp and doors Power kneeling system Driver swivel seats available Manual conversion available
Limitations	Requires handicap parking space/extra room for ramp deployment Some driveways aren’t wide enough to accommodate a van	Must exit and enter from traffic area It is not possible to drive from the wheelchair and/or having the wheelchair in the front passenger position Less storage space available
Conversion price	$19,000-$25,000* *Cost of conversion only (vehicle cost is additional).	$17,000-$22,000* *Cost of conversion only (vehicle cost is additional).

VMI Northstar Vs. Summit

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Shopping for a wheelchair van can be a confusing and long process, especially if you don’t know how or what to look for. All wheelchair-accessible vehicles are different and there are several features to consider before making such a large purchase. Think about things like your preferred make and model, how much space you need, whether you will be the driver or passenger, and what type of ramp system you want.

There are two basic wheelchair ramps for vans – in-floor and fold-out ramps. In-floor ramps, like VMI’s Northstar, store under the floor when not in use for added safety inside of the vehicle. Fold-out wheelchair ramps, such as the Summit from VMI, are stowed within the vehicle and extend outward when deployed.

Each van wheelchair ramp has its own benefits and can accommodate users of different sizes with different types of wheelchairs. Benefits of the fully-powered Northstar in-floor wheelchair ramps include:

An obstacle-free doorway for safe entry and exit
More open space to maneuver inside of the minivan
Cleaner interior free of dirt and debris
Accommodating high capacity and width

While the Northstar wheelchair ramp system is convenient for almost any wheelchair user, the Summit wheelchair ramps offer other helpful benefits, such as:

A great value at an affordable price
Easier navigation because of high side rails
Corrosion-resistant strength and durability
A manual deployment option for reliable access

Although both of these wheelchair van ramps provides users unique perks, both are great options and can increase independence through better mobility. If you need help deciding which wheelchair ramp would be right for you, contact us today.

Everyone Has A Story To Tell: Help A Local Hero Win A New Wheelchair Van!

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Who Is A Local Hero?

Local Heroes can be Defined as People who Volunteer, Educate, Advocate, Achieve, and Persevere.

Whether you are living with a disability or have dedicated your time to helping someone who is, we want to hear what makes you/them a Local Hero.

How To Enter

Get the Promo Code From your Local Dealer (including us: 508-697-6006)
Complete the Local Hero Entry Form and include either a written story or a video.
- Written: Write up to 400 words with a picture of the local hero (1MB or less).
- Video: Make a YouTube video that is no longer than 2 minutes.
Preview your Story and Submit your Local Hero Entry Form here

Important Dates

February 25, 2014 – NMEDA will begin accepting Local Hero entries
March 11, 2014 – Public voting begins — Click here to vote
May 9, 2014 – Local Hero entries and voting end
May 30, 2014 – The Local Hero Winners are contacted
June 2014 – Local Heroes will publicly be announced
June/August 2014 – Wheelchair Accessible vehicles will be delivered

Obtaining a Wheelchair Accessible Van

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Obtaining a Wheelchair Accessible Van
Automotive Innovations, Your New England Mobility Resource understands a wheelchair van is much more than a way to get around. It means independence, a higher quality of life and freedom. We also understand that people with disabilities often struggle with medical bills, limited income and other financial obstacles that can make owning a handicap van seem unrealistic.

A wheelchair van is more obtainable than you realize. Numerous grants and reimbursements are offered from varied sources. And now you’ve found the most comprehensive online resource for wheelchair van financial assistance options. Explore the links below to discover the available grants, rebates and reimbursements for buying a wheelchair van or modifying a car with adaptive driving equipment.

OEM Rebate Programs
Learn about rebates offered by original equipment manufacturers. Vehicle manufacturer programs that give money back on new wheelchair vans or handicap van conversion equipment are a great way to cut your costs.

Organizations that Award Grants
See a list of nonprofit organizations and associations that award grants to people with physical disabilities. Grants can significantly offset the expense of a wheelchair van or adaptive driving equipment.

Financial Aid for Veterans
Find sources of funding for veterans of the U.S. military. Most veterans are eligible for partial or complete aid for acquiring a wheelchair van.

Assistance for Families with Disabled Children
Read about aid benefiting families of children with special mobility needs. Grants for physically disabled children help families afford a handicap van.

State Grants
Search for grants given out by your state. Every state provides financial aid to the physically disabled. Your state government is an essential source to help make a wheelchair van, accessibility modification or adaptive driving controls more affordable.