Tag Archives: mobility vans

Why a Toyota should be your next wheelchair van if you live in New England

Toyota offers some of the best options on the market when it comes to wheelchair accessible vans. Each van offers comfort, reliability, and reasonable pricing for its conversion. Choosing a new wheelchair van isn’t always as easy as choosing a traditional car. There isn’t a particular one-size-fits-all van that covers every need or preference. As you make your choice, keep in mind a few practical reasons to choose an accessible Toyota.

why a toyota should be your next wheelchair van if you live in new england

Variety

Toyota’s wheelchair accessible minivan is a modified version of the Toyota Sienna and is the most popular Toyota vehicle that is converted for accessibility. Overall, it’s an easy vehicle for the major wheelchair accessible vehicle manufacturers to convert. Toyota currently produces five different models of the Sienna that are available for modification:

Sienna L- the L model is the most basic model of Sienna. It includes all the standard features and will often be the lowest priced model.
Sienna LE- the LE is still a fairly basic model but includes a rear-view camera and enhanced climate controls.
Sienna SE- Sienna SE is a mid-level option that offers enhanced navigation displays, rear-view cameras, and cross-traffic controls for ease and maneuverability.
Sienna XLE- Sienna XLE is outfitted with leather-trimmed driver and front passenger seats. It also features a blind spot monitor and a power lift gate with jam guard.
Sienna Limited- The Sienna Limited is the final and most luxurious model of Sienna. The Limited features many of the standard and upgraded features of the other models while offering more extras like a JBL sound system, driver and passenger leather- trimmed seats, and a dual moon roof.

Any one of these models of the Sienna can be easily modified to accommodate your specific needs. Budgetary constraints and your individual situation will play a major part in which model you decide to purchase. Once you’ve made that decision, VMi New England Bridgewater, MA Mobility Center will help you find a Toyota wheelchair van that combines Toyota’s infamous quality with comfort and accessibility.

Adaptability

Toyota’s wheelchair accessible vans don’t start out being adapted for accessibility. These vans start as traditional vehicles without any modifications before being converted to accommodate individuals with disabilities. Toyota relies on certified wheelchair conversion manufacturers, such as VMI, to fit the vehicles with lowered floors, kneeling systems, ramps, and more.

why a toyota should be your next wheelchair van Bridgewater, MA Mobility Center

After the initial conversion is made the vehicle is sent to our Bridgewater, MA Mobility center where we can make even more adaptations to your vehicles. Mobility seating, hand controls, and pedal extensions are all available and fit beautifully inside the modified Toyota Sienna. There are even products that allow users to control the vehicle by pressing a few key buttons or by simply flipping a switch on the vehicle.

2013 Toyota Sienna VMI Summit Silver VMi New England

2013 Toyota Sienna XLE VMI Summit Silver VMi New England

Though the middle row of seats is removed to accommodate a wheelchair, there are still plenty of options to satisfy your needs. Both front seats can be removed to allow the wheelchair user to ride up front and there is a full bench seat in the back for children or guests. There is also a large trunk to accommodate groceries or additional supplies.

Safety locks and straps are installed into the floor of the van to keep wheelchair passengers in place and prevent any excess movement during transit. The lowered floors help to compensate for a wheelchair passenger’s added height. There are countless additional features and add-ons, so it is clear that the Toyota Sienna’s adaptability and flexibility are two key factors that make it a good choice for an accessible vehicle.

2013 Toyota Sienna VMI Summit Silver VMi New England Mobility Center

Style

When it comes to the Sienna, you’ll be hard pressed to find a vehicle as stylish. This Toyota is available in a rainbow of colors from a vibrant cherry red to a subtle sage green. Its sleek exterior is curvier and more modern than that of some types of minivans.

The interior is stunning, and the more customizations you make, the more personal and warm the vehicle feels. Its spaciousness accommodates passengers for a ride to the store or a road trip to Disney World with the same comfort and style you’d get from a luxury vehicle. If you’re looking for an accessible vehicle that is practical and attractive, be sure to consider the Toyota Sienna for its superior style.

Why Choose a Toyota?

A Toyota Sienna with a VMI Northstar 360 is one of best wheelchair accessible vans on the market. The variety of options means there’s really one for everyone. It’s able to be adapted with ease and features many options to suit all your needs. And, to top it all off, it’s a beautiful vehicle that will provide its purchaser’s with a long life and a lot of fun. It has, without a doubt, cemented its place as a top-rated accessible van that will retain its value and perform under the most rigorous conditions. If the Toyota Sienna fits what you’re looking for in an accessible van, then come take it for a spin! Contact VMi New England today to schedule a test drive by filling out our online contact form or by giving us a call at 508-697-6006.

mobility concept vehicles for wheelchair drivers

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“To get something you never had, you have to do something you’ve never done.” ~Unknown

dodge wheelchair driver and passenger concept vehicles

Were going to change the world one person at a time

Join the revolution

Do you want a 4×4 wheelchair vehicle you can drive?

We have built 4×4 accessible vehicles going all the way back to the 80’s

Want a 4×4 SUV you can drive your wheelchair from?

Want a Ford Explorer SUV that is a wheelchair accessible vehicle?

We can and will build you a concept vehicle you can drive from a wheelchair.

‘Courage is fear holding on a minute longer.’ – -George S. Patton

One definition of resilience is “the ability to cope with shocks and keep functioning in a satisfying way”. Resilience is about the self organizing capacity of systems. This means the ability to bounce back after disaster, or the ability to transform if a bad stage has happened. Both of these forms of resilience seem relevant to explore in our times, especially in relation to Assistive Driving Technology for Wheelchair Drivers.

Vmi New England and Automotive Innovations as a company is aware of this challenge and has been working on cutting edge wheelchair driving technology since the 80’s

automotive mobility concept vehicle systems
Vmi New England and Automotive Innovations is leading in its study of ever evolving automotive wheelchair driving systems.

Ford wheelchair driver and passenger concept vehicles

The way we see it, everyone has a fundamental need to have there own personal transportation, to access anything they need like, clean water, food, fibres and many other goods and services.

For future human development it is essential to understand the contribution each person can make to human livelihoods, health, security and culture if given the chance.

wheelchair driver and passenger concept vehicles

Resilience thinking is part of the solution, as it thrives at building flexibility and adaptive capacity. People and nature are interdependent. That means, we have to look for collaboration within society to find resilient solutions.

Interdependence between people and nature.

Exploring the missing links in our imagination
Solutions to find new possibilities in the Assistive Driving Technology require creativity.

Creativity is the answer to missing links in our imagination, at least according to Jim Sanders. They have found a unique way to explore the relationship between current automotive designs, people and technology.
A safe operating vehicle for people in wheelchairs
“In the face of ever evolving change in transportation needs, we need to work together to find safe mobility solutions for humanity. The key is in creative mobility solutions that connect nature with people. Flexible and adaptive strategies will bring us further. By stretching our imagination, we will start to explore the unknown. And by always looking for new combinations of technology, and common sense, we will find the new solutions.” Jim Sanders 2013

Sometimes even the smallest shift in thinking or doing can create the biggest changes in someones lifecan you save trust for a rainy day?necessity is the mother of invention

driven by the freedom of the choice to explore the worlds future possibilities

VMi New England Mobility Center and Automotive Innovations is one of America’s best providers of wheelchair vans, vehicle modifications, and adaptive equipment including hand controls, wheelchair and scooter lifts, ramps, raised doors, lowered floors and specialized gas, brake and steering controls. With hundreds of accessible vehicles available to be custom built for your specific needs, from the industries best manufacturers such as VMI, Eldorado and Braun, at our New England mobility center. Founded in 1984 and offering the best equipped mobility facility in New England with a unparalleled commitment to offering a broad selection of specialized vehicles and services to meet the needs of every customer. Our facility is also Quality Assurance Program (QAP) certified (first in Massachusetts) through the National Mobility Equipment Dealers Association (NMEDA), resulting in Automotive Innovations being held to the highest standards in the vehicle modification industry. We have a strong and committed Veteran sales staff with many decades of experience satisfying our customers’ needs. Feel free to browse our inventory online, visit our huge indoor showroom where every day is a ability expo, request more information about vehicles, set up a test drive or inquire about financing! Feel free to call upon our friendly Mobility Consultants with any questions you may have about options on wheelchair vans or any of our other products. 508-697-6006We look forward to exceeding your expectations for decades to come!

concept |ˈkänˌsept|nounan abstract idea; a general notion: structuralism is a difficult concept | the concept of justice.• a plan or intention; a conception: the center has kept firmly to its original concept.• an idea or invention to help sell or publicize a commodity: a new concept in corporate hospitality.• Philosophy an idea or mental picture of a group or class of objects formed by combining all their aspects.• [ as modifier ] (of a car or other vehicle) produced as an experimental model to test the viability of new design features.ORIGIN mid 16th cent. (in the sense ‘thought, frame of mind, imagination’): from Latinconceptum ‘something conceived,’ from concept-‘conceived,’ from concipere (see conceive) .

exceed |ikˈsēd|verb [ with obj. ]be greater in number or size than (a quantity, number, or other measurable thing): production costs have exceeded $60,000.• go beyond what is allowed or stipulated by (a set limit, esp. of one’s authority): the Tribunal’s decision clearly exceeds its powers under the statute.• be better than; surpass: catalog sales have exceeded expectations.mobilitynoun1 elderly people may become socially isolated as a result ofrestricted mobility: ability to move, movability,moveableness, motility, vigour, strength, potency.2 the gleeful mobility of Billy’s face: expressiveness,eloquence, animation.3 the mobility of the product: transportability,portability, manoeuvrability.4 an increasing mobility in the workforce: adaptability,flexibility, versatility, adjustability.

freedom |ˈfrēdəm|nounthe power or right to act, speak, or think as one wants without hindrance or restraint: we do have some freedom of choice | he talks of revoking some of the freedoms.• absence of subjection to foreign domination or despotic government: he was a champion of Irish freedom.• the state of not being imprisoned or enslaved: the shark thrashed its way to freedom.• the state of being physically unrestricted and able to move easily: the shorts have a side split for freedom of movement.• (freedom from) the state of not being subject to or affected by (a particular undesirable thing):government policies to achieve freedom from want.• the power of self-determination attributed to the will; the quality of being independent of fate or necessity.• unrestricted use of something: the dog is happy having the freedom of the house when we are out.• archaic familiarity or openness in speech or behavior.

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…