It has been quite some years since wheelchair accessible vehicles came in to the market. With growing awareness of the special needs of disabled people, the automobile industry started manufacturing vehicles for wheelchair accessibility. Gradually dealerships started specializing in converting vehicles for easy accessibility.
At the current moment, there are mobility consultants at automobile dealerships that advice you before you purchase vehicle. Based on your specific needs, the consultant or dealer will provide you with a number of possible accessibility solutions that are within your budget.
If you do not have the funds to buy a van and you can’t get a bank loan, there are many organizations that provide funds to the disabled for mobility equipment. Mobility vehicles are covered by insurance like any other vehicle as well.
To make the most of your vehicle, you must ensure you have the right kind of conversion done. Ramps, lifts, transfer seats, wheelchair securements, etc. have been the conventional modifications for a long time. Most recently, automobile manufacturing companies have started making vans that allow a disabled person to travel either in the front passenger seat or drive from the wheelchair itself.
This is a step forward in the field of mobility for disabled people. These new innovations allow greater freedom and independence of movement than before. A wheelchair user now has the option of driving themselves around if they can.
Sitting up front
If your disability isn’t very extensive you can now travel up front, next to the driver’s seat from the comfort of your own wheelchair. In these vehicles, entry is through the rear where a ramp is installed. The tail gate of the vehicle can be opened and closed via remote control which eliminates the need to do it manually. In spite of the additional space needed for the entrance and exit for the wheelchair, seats for 2 more people apart from the driver can be installed. This modification is ideal for minivans and vans.
Driving from the wheelchair
If you still possess the ability to drive, the latest innovations in the automobile industry allow you to drive from your wheelchair itself. They can be modified to allow a disabled person to drive with the help of electronic control. The tail gate of the vehicle can be controlled remotely. A ramp opens out once the gate lifts to allow the wheelchair user to enter the vehicle. Once the person is in the driver’s position, he or she can drive like any other person through the help of steering aids and electronic accelerators.
Flat flooring
Unlike most other cars, they have flat and low floors for easy movement of the wheelchair. Bumps and carpeting in the interior of the vehicle is a deterrent to accessibility.
People with disability have the good fortune to look forward to many more such innovations that will improve the quality of life for people who are living with disabilities.
Contact :
Contact Person: Mo Abusham
E-mail: [email protected]
BETTER LIFE MOBILITY CENTERS
Address: 8130 Parkway Dr.La Mesa, CA 91942
Tel/Fax: 888 540 8267
Website: http://www.betterlifemobility.com/