Tag Archives: wheelchair accessible

Local Heroes Contest! Enter To Win a Free Accessible Vehicle!

This is the 4th annual National Mobility Awareness Month. During this month NMEDA has an amazing promotion where they encourage people with disAbilities to embody the spirit of Life Moving Forward by raising awareness of the many life-changing mobility vehicle solutions available today.

NMEDA and their members are mobility advocates dedicated to changing the lives of those living with disAbilities by providing access to quality handicap accessible vehicles and adaptive equipment. Whether you are living with a disAbility or have dedicated your time to helping someone who is, they want to hear your story of perseverance and strength.

For your chance to win a FREE wheelchair accessible vehicle enter NMEDA’s contest by telling them what makes you (or your loved one) a Local Hero‬! You can enter here

This year they will be giving away 4 handicap accessible vehicles:

one to a caregiver
one to a senior (60+)
one that is battery powered (for in-town driving only)
one in the general category.

Over 18 million people in North America are living with restrictive mobility issues. This is your chance to change the lives of just a few of those triumphing in the face of adversity.

Wheelchair Accessible Vehicle checklist For Passengers

Leave a reply

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.

Used Wheelchair Accessible Vehicles

Leave a reply

The used market for wheelchair accessible vehicles has grown in the past few years. This growing popularity seems to suggest that this solution works. In some cases, it does; however, buying a used wheelchair accessible vehicle is not like buying a new car. If you are are interested in purchasing a used vehicle, remember these key points.

It must meet your mobility needs
All wheelchair accessible vehicles are different. Ramp width, door clearance, and interior height will vary between vehicles which will affect whether or not the vehicle will work for your needs. Previously installed aftermarket additions, such as hand controls and securment devices, will have to be removed or replaced considering they were put in for the previous owner. Before you you start your search you should know your exact needs. Be aware that this may narrow your options significantly.

Getting your current vehicle fitted with a ramp or lift
It’s possible to convert a minivan you already own and make it accessible, as long as it meets the requirements set by your mobility dealer. Before doing so, you will need to know which accessible ramp or lift style works best for you and your family.

Buying online
eBay Motors and Craigslist are increasingly popular options for buying vehicles online. An increasing number of wheelchair accessible vehicles are listed on these two sites. While the prices may be tempting, this option can be risky if it’s not being sold by a trusted resource (such as a Mobility Center). Ramps are complex pieces of machinery. Without a specially trained mechanic looking it over, it can be very hard to know if a person is selling a good vehicle. We do not recommend this option because it can lead to numerous issues.

Used vehicles from a dealership
While mobility dealers are specifically trained to help you meet all your mobility needs, most still operate like conventional dealers. Customers sometimes trade-in their old vehicles for credit towards a new vehicle, leaving the dealership with a used vehicle. While not every dealership has a used vehicle inventory, some have good options to work with.

The 2015 Local Heroes Contest Begins Next Week

Leave a reply

NEMEDA Local Hero Contest – Enter or Vote Today!

May Is National Mobility Awareness Month

Join the National Mobility Equipment Dealers Association (NMEDA) in celebrating the 4th annual National Mobility Awareness Month. During this amazing promotion, they encourage people with disAbilities to embody the spirit of Life Moving Forward by raising awareness of the many life-changing mobility vehicle solutions available today.

This year they will be giving away 4 handicap accessible vehicles:

one to a caregiver
one to a senior (60+)
one that is battery powered (for in-town driving only)
one in the general category.

Find out more about NMEDA and the work they do within the disAbled community and stay tuned for this year’s events!

You can summit your stories on April 15, 2015.
Voting for your favorite Local Hero story will begin on May 1 and end on May 31.

Over 18 million people in North America are living with restrictive mobility issues. This is your chance to change the lives of just a few of those triumphing in the face of adversity.

BraunAbility MXV™: Wheelchair Accessible SUV

Leave a reply

BraunAbility MXV™

The BraunAbility MXV™ features a never-before-seen door operation, an innovative in-floor ramp and removable seating. This innovative wheelchair accessible SUV represents a brand new era in mobility and we want you to be a part of it. Availability of this vehicle begins Summer 2015.

BraunAbility MXV™ Features

Fold flat 3rd row seats for extra cargo space
Integrated Ford keyfob
Nerf bar
Sliding shifter for increased space
In-floor and lighted ramp
Innovative seat design allowing more interior space
Removable driver and passenger seats

Sporty Looks and Feel

EPA Estimated 17city / 24 hwy / 20 combined
6-Speed Automatic
Wheelbase 112.6″
Maximum Towing Capacity (estimated) – 5000 lbs.
Power Glide Door Integrated w/Factory Key Fob
28″ In-Floor Ramp Width
54 1/4″ Door Entry Height
LED Ramp Lighting System
Cantilever Seat Bases For Easy Removal

Interior View
The interior of the MXV allows for both front seats to be removed, and the middle seating is removed for wheelchair access. The 3rd row seats remain and allow for 4 passengers in the vehicle.