Tag Archives: wheelchair accessible vehicle

Wheelchair Accessible Vehicle Repair Shops

When your accessible vehicle needs repairing, where do you take it? After checking the warranty, take it to the place where you bought it. But if you are out of town, have moved or it’s after hours, what do you do? You should know that answer before you need a repair or auto body shop.

Call the company that sold it to you. If they don’t make repairs, they can find a service center near you that works with conversion vehicles.

Check with your insurance company as they often make recommendations or have preferred shops. Get the list and research the shops.

Contact shops and ask if they have quality assurance program training, are members of national organizations such as ASA, I-CAR, are ASE certified and/or are members of NMEDA

NMEDA is a non-profit trade association of mobility equipment manufacturers, dealers, driver rehabilitation specialists, and other professionals dedicated to improving the lives of people with disabilities and assisting with driving independence using wheelchair accessible vehicles.
The non-profit National Institute for Automotive Service Excellence (ASE) conducts a national certification program for automotive technicians. Call 800-ASA-SHOP to see if the shop is a member and if they have any complaints against them.
I-CAR is a not-for-profit international training organization dedicated to improving the quality, safety, and efficiency of auto collision repair. Visit i-car.com.
ASA (Automotive Service Association) has a database of repair facility members nationwide. Visit asashop.org or call 800-272-7467.

Other tips:

Ask friends, neighbors and associates who they use. They will recommend a good shop or warn you away from not-so-good shops.
Call the Better Business Bureau.
Get the estimate in writing, not just over the phone.
Ask about a warranty on the work.
Google local repair shops

Financing A Wheelchair Accessible Vehicle

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One of the top reasons people with disAbilities don’t own adequate transportation is because they cannot afford it. The good news is there are a variety of options to consider when you’re looking for financing to purchase a wheelchair accessible vehicle. Don’t hesitate to do your homework and pursue all the possibilities that might be available out there. In addition to the traditional financing sources available from a vehicle dealership you may also want to consider:

Third Party Sources
There are numerous nonprofit groups and funding programs that can provide funding for a wheelchair accessible vehicle. But you will need to do your research to find out who can help. For example, the Muscular Dystrophy Family Foundation might be able to help if you have Muscular Dystrophy or United Cerebral Palsy may be able to assist with resources if you have Cerebral Palsy. Other philanthropic groups like the Masons, the Jaycees, and Easter Seals may provide assistance, as well.

The PASS Program
If you are on Social Security Income (SSI), you may want to take a look at the PASS Program. PASS stands for Plan to Achieve Self Success and is a program that provides the resources to help you reach a predetermined goal. For example, if you said you needed a wheelchair accessible vehicle to get to work or to attend school, the money for the vehicle would be provided each month to cover the payments.

Fundraisers
They may not be for everyone, but they can be effective and many people have successfully raised the money to pay for a wheelchair accessible vehicle with a fundraiser. Fundraising events can be held by family, friends, schools, churches, just about anyone who can rally a group of people together to work and contribute towards your cause.

Vocational Rehabilitation
Assistance will vary depending on where you live but the Bureau of Rehabilitation Services in your state may be able to help pay for the modifications to your vehicle. Many of the original equipment manufacturers (OEMs) may also offer financial assistance.

Wheelchair Accessible Vehicles: MPG

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As gas can be a bit of challenge to get for drivers with disAbilities, you’ll want to make sure your wheelchair accessible vehicle can get all the mileage possible before stopping to refuel. Below is a list of some vehicles that are great for conversions and their respective mileages to help you choose which is best for your needs.

Wheelchair Accessible Toyota Sienna FWD 3.5L – 23 mpg highway, 17 mpg city
Wheelchair Accessible Honda Odyssey FWD 3.5L – 23 mpg highway, 16 mpg city
Wheelchair Accessible Dodge Grand Caravan FWD SE 3.3L – 24 mpg highway, 17 mpg city
Wheelchair Accessible Dodge Grand Caravan FWD 3.3L V6 – 25 mpg highway, 18 mpg city
Wheelchair Accessible Chrysler Town & Country FWD 3.3L – 24 mpg highway, 17 mpg city
Wheelchair Accessible Scion XB FWD 2.4L – 28 mpg highway, 22 mpg city
Wheelchair Accessible Ford Transit Connect – 25 mpg highway

Adaptive and Accessible Wintertime Activities

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The colder months have a tendency to leave us feeling sluggish and craving extended naps. Although getting enough sleep is important for all of us, keeping our bodies and minds active, especially in the winter when our bodies are running slower, is essential. Here are a few ideas to keep you engaged this holiday season.

Change It Up
Don’t fall into the Netflix void this winter. While the online streaming service can help you host the perfect movie night, complete with hot chocolates and warm blankets, you know what they say about too much of a good thing.

Learn Something New
Master your camera’s manual functions or brush up on your own cooking skills by adding a few new recipes to your repertoire. With endless video tutorials and online resources, winter is the perfect time to pick up a new skill.

Out and About
Just because the temperature’s dropped doesn’t mean you have to be stuck indoors. If you have access to a wheelchair accessible car or van, you can go check out that new restaurant you’ve been eyeing, go explore a museum or even attend a play or concert. Some zoos even offer indoor exhibits. If you are in the mood for something a bit wilder, get out and discover all your city and neighboring towns have to offer.

Stay Active
Staying active doesn’t mean spending hours upon hours at the gym. Joining a bowling league or going for a stroll or ride around the neighborhood on days when the snow’s cleared can help you keep yourself warm this winter. You can also check with your local YMCA or other recreational centers to see if they offer accessible swim sessions or wheelchair basketball or wheelchair rugby leagues. If they don’t, talk to management about starting your own!

How To Make Your Wheelchair Vehicle Ready To Sell or Trade

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If you’re trying to sell your wheelchair accessible vehicle by yourself, you should know the average mobility vehicle could take a few months to sell. The number of people with mobility challenges in one local area who are in the market to purchase can be very small. Add to that the specialized equipment on your van that a potential buyer may not want, and the weeks roll by (and you’re still making payments on the old van).

The quickest deal is at a local mobility dealership. Many buy and sell new and used vans nationwide and take trade-ins, buy outright or on consignment—whether it’s a non-converted vehicle or a converted van.

You want to get the best offer (or trade-in value), so before taking the family transportation to a dealership, have a friend help clean it up if it is too big of a task for you.

Look at the vehicle with fresh eyes—like a buyer would. Ask yourself, “Would I buy this vehicle?”

If something needs repairing, fix it. A small investment can add hundreds to the value.
Wash it, wax it or get it detailed for a shine, inside and out. Maybe you only need to wash it and perhaps buy new floor mats.
Write down vehicle information such as year, make, model, interior and exterior colors and mileage; VIN number; side or rear entry, configuration of the interior of the van; standard features; removable features and any other adaptive extras.
Double check safety features: Are the tie-downs still sturdy and clean? Does the lift or ramp still operate smoothly?
Consider replacing the tires if they are bald.
Take out all personal items you may want to keep.
Find the registration, warranty, owner’s manual, equipment manuals and repair receipts.
All controls should be clearly labeled—and work!

Now you’re ready to sell or trade-in for a newer model.