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Wheelchair Accessible Vehicle checklist For Passengers
Traveling position
- Make sure you can sit comfortably and upright (without having to duck your head), and can easily see out of the windows.
- Is there enough space above your head so you don’t hit the ceiling if the driver takes a bump too fast?
- Will you be able to talk to the driver and any other passengers?
- Will your carer be able to get to you if you need assistance of any kind while you’re underway?
- Ideally, you should be positioned in front of the rear wheels or the ride can be very uncomfortable. This may not be possible in some smaller vehicles.
- If you have uncontrolled movements, make sure you are not too close to un-padded parts of the car.
Getting in and out
- Make sure that you, or whoever is helping you, can get you in and out and can safely and easily operate any equipment.
- Make sure that you and your wheelchair will fit along the entry and exit route without getting stuck.
- Some wheelchair accessible vehicle users place stickers on the ramp or somewhere else on the vehicle to help guide them into the right position when they are getting in.
Space
- Think about who will be traveling with you.
- Often, some of the rear passenger seats need to be removed to make enough space to get the wheelchair in – sometimes they’re replaced with folding or smaller seats.
- Think about where you’ll stow, and how you’ll secure, any luggage or equipment you’ll be carrying. You can’t use the space behind the wheelchair travelling position – it has to be clear for you to get in and out.
- Some wheelchair accessible vehicle users carry their extra luggage in roof boxes or trailers. Note that most wheelchair accessible vehicles cannot be used to pull a trailer because of the way the rear of the vehicle has been modified.
5th Annual Monti’s Run
Sunday, May 17, 2015
American Legion Post 405
SFC Jared C. Monti Function Room
219 Mill St. Raynham, Ma 02767
Registration: 9:30 and Ride Leaves at Noon Sharp
$20 per rider, passenger and Event only
Please join us for Pig roast, BBQ, Raffles and Entertainment by “Money Shot”
Proceeds Benefit SFC Jared C. Monti Charitable Foundation
www.sfcjaredcmonti.org
Complimentary Continental Breakfast at Registration
Driving with Paralysis
The first step in the process of learning to drive with paralysis is to get a thorough evaluation from a qualified driver trainer to determine your basic driving set-up, specific modifications, and driving equipment. An evaluation includes vision screening and assesses muscle strength, flexibility and range of motion; coordination and reaction time; judgment and decision making; and ability to drive with adaptive equipment.
To find a qualified evaluator, contact us today (508-697-6006) we maintain a list of certified specialists throughout the New England area.
As for getting a drivers license, 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, but you may receive a restricted license, based on the use of adaptive devices.
Once you get the go-ahead from the evaluation, it’s time to think about the kinds of vehicles that suit your abilities and needs. Selecting a vehicle for modification requires collaboration with the evaluator and a qualified vehicle modification dealer. The following questions can help with vehicle selection and whether you can adapt a car you already own.
- Does the necessary adaptive equipment require a van, or will a passenger car suffice (will you be driving from a wheelchair or can you transfer to the car seat? If you can transfer in and drive a car your choices are much wider.
- Can the vehicle accommodate the equipment that needs to be installed?
- Will there be enough space to accommodate 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 or walker?
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.
The cost of modifying a vehicle varies greatly. A new vehicle modified with adaptive equipment can cost from $20,000 to $80,000. Therefore, 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. Contact your state’s department of Vocational Rehabilitation or another agency that provides vocational services, and, if appropriate, the Department of Veterans Affairs. 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.
- 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.
Find a qualified dealer to modify your vehicle. Ask questions, check credentials and references. 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? Do they provide training on how to use the equipment? Do they provide service? What is the cost? How long will it take to do the work? What is the warranty?
Dodge Grand Caravan Wheelchair Van Conversion
Dodge Grand Caravan with VMI Northstar Conversion
VMI first developed the Northstar handicap van conversion in the early 1990’s to meet customer preferences for increased interior space. To this day, the VMI Northstar on the Dodge Grand Caravan minivan remains one of the best mobility ramp vans in America.
By sliding out of a space below the floor, the Northstar mobility ramp maximizes space inside the accessible vehicle. There are so many benefits of an in-floor wheelchair ramp, it is easily understood why its so popular.
VMI New England Dodge Northstar Wheelchair Van VMiNewEngland.com
Description
•Interior handles, and switches, buttons are easily accessed
•Front passenger seat retains regular functions
•No additional noise from handicap ramp
•In the event of an accident, the accessible ramp is under the floor-not inside the mobility van
•Works on curbs up to 10 inches tall
•Increased maneuverability due to greater space inside the accessible van
•Ramp-free doorway allows easy entry/exit for ambulatory passengers
•Minimized conversion wear and tear (fewer ramp cycles to load/unload additional passengers)
•Uncluttered and clean wheelchair vehicle interior
•Mobility vehicle interior gets less dirt inside
•Increased handicapped ramp width
Specifications
•Maximum Floor Drop – 11″
•Handicap Vehicle Ground Clearance – 5.5″
•Door Opening Width – 30.75″
•Door Opening Height – 55.125″
•Usable Mobility Ramp Width – 29.25″
•Wheelchair Ramp Length – 45.75″
•Length from Back Seats to Kickplate – 58.25″
•Overall Floor Length – 86″
•Floor Width at Front Doors – 61″
•Interior Height at Driver & Passenger Positions (Without Sunroof) – 58″
•Interior Height at Center Position – 57.63″
•Steering Wheel Bottom to Floor – 29.5″
•Measured Down from Front Edge of Steering Wheel to Front Kick-Up – 16.25″
Standard Features
Dodge Grand Caravan with VMI Northstar only
•Extremely-low 8.0° handicapped ramp angle
•Sure Deploy backup system leaves accessible van conversion usable even with power failure
•Manual secondary backup system for additional peace of mind
•800lb. handicap ramp weight capacity
Dodge Grand Caravan with VMI Northstar AND Summit
•Fully-powered accessible van ramp
•11” drop FLEX Floor maximizes interior space and headroom for better maneuverability
•Complete undercoating and rust proofing
•PowerKneel system lowers the minivan to reduce ramp angle
•Seamless integration with Dodge Grand Caravan vehicle electronics
•Complete control through Dodge keyfob and interior switches
•Removable front passenger and driver seat bases
•No-skid wheelchair ramp surfacing
•Complete crash testing and compliance with all government safety standards
•3-year/36,000-mile warranty
Optional Features
•Durafloor (rubberized flooring) to match Dodge Grand Caravan interiors
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Dodge Grand Caravan with VMI Summit Conversion
The Summit folding wheelchair ramp van conversion on a Dodge Grand Caravan is an economical choice compared to the popular Northstar in-floor handicapped ramp conversion from VMI. Summit mobility ramps utilize siderails that are 2 inches tall. This is especially important for those with a hard time navigating an incline. VMI Summit handicapped accessible van on the Dodge Grand Caravan also includes an industry best access ramp length of only 50.25”.
The short handicap ramp provides two key advantages to VMI customers. First, passengers can easily use the Dodge handle for the sliding door and switches because the handicapped ramp is not covering them. Second, users in wheelchairs have more room to move on and off the ramp when other vehicles park too close.
VMI New England Dodge Summit Wheelchair Van VMiNewEngland.com
Description
Dodge Grand Caravan with VMI Summit Only
•2” siderails help people with a disabilities stay on the ramp when coming in and out
•When other vehicles park too close, 50.25” ramp leaves users more room to maneuver
•By simply pushing outward on the ramp, it can be deployed incase of a mechanical/power failure
•Handicap ramp surface allows debris to fall through so it doesn’t end up inside the vehicle
•Mobility ramp has a quiet cabin dut to an anti-rattle device
•600lb. handicapped ramp rating
Dodge Grand Caravan with VMI Northstar AND Summit
•Fully-powered accessible ramp
•11” drop FLEX Floor maximizes head clearance and interior space for maneuvering a wheelchair
•Complete undercoating and rust proofing
•PowerKneel system lowers the minivan to reduce wheelchair ramp angle
•Total integration with Dodge systems prevents damage to vehicle/ conversion
•Accessible van conversion is controlled through interior sliding-door switches and Dodge keychain
•Easy-out passenger and front driver seat stands
•No-slip handicapped ramp
•Total crash-testing and compliance with all government standards for safety
•3-year/36,000-mile warranty
Specifications
•Maximum Floor Drop – 11″
•Mobility Vehicle Ground Clearance – 5.5″
•Door Opening Height – 54.25″
•Usable Wheelchair Ramp Width – 28.88″
•Handicap Ramp Length – 50.25″
•Length from Back of Seats to Kickplate – 58.25″
•Overall Floor Length – 86″
•Floor Width at Doors – 61″
•Interior Height at Center Position – 58″
•Interior Height at Drivers & Passengers Position (Without Sunroof) – 58″
•Steering Wheel Bottom to Floor – 29.5″
•Measured Down from Front Edge of Steering Wheel to Front Kick-Up – 16.25
Standard Features
•Power Folding Wheelchair Ramp with Non-Skid Surface
•Power Sliding Door with Easy Manual Operation
•Maximum Interior Headroom
•Undercoating and Complete Rust Proofing
•Manual Backup Ramp Operation
•Warranty – Mobiltiy Conversion Van
•Fully Crash Tested
•Remote Control Activation
•600 Pound Load Rating for Handicap Ramp
•9.7 Degree Handicap Ramp Angle
Optional Features
•Rubberized Flooring