United Access leads the handicapped van conversion industry by offering an exceptional variety of handicapped vans to customers in Illinois. They have locations in Champaign, IL and Springfield, IL for buying, modifying and renting handicapped conversion vans.
United Access has successfully designed conversion handicapped vans to meet the unique disabled transportation needs of individuals, hospitals and retirement homes in Illinois. All the handicapped van conversions at United Access are built keeping customer needs in mind. Their experts will perform proper evaluation and assist the customer in choosing the right handicapped van.
The van from United Access will have disabled equipment dependent on customer motor abilities, medical requirements, and on-road needs. The handicapped conversion van they provide can come with a lower floor and an fold-out or in-floor handicap ramp. Each of the vans have standard disabled equipment fitted for customer safety and convenience. They can also install wheelchair tie downs and lap belts for disabled travelers in the state of Illinois.
United Access of Illinois also includes the best equipment in the disabled minivan, to ensure that customers have a pleasant experience. The full size conversion handicapped vans they rent are spacious enough to accommodate disabled travelers.
Prior to sending a handicapped van conversion for rent, United Access will ask for the specific needs of the customer to make sure they get the best suited disabled vehicle. By putting customers first, they have acquired an fantastic reputation in Illinois. The technicians working at United Access are some of the most experienced in the handicapped van conversion industry. Customers are the top priority, and United Access will provide help in choosing disabled vehicles which match the customer preferences.
When a motorcycle accident left him handicapped, George Flores of Illinois was still able to continue his profession of professional harp servicing. Despite his spinal cord injury, Flores plays the harp with the assistance of a special wheelchair which allows him to sit more upright.
For the last eleven years, he has repaired harps. Prior to the accident, Flores went around the globe working for symphonies and orchestras. He was also in the music business as a performer in more contemporary bands. He then went on to become one of the world’s professional harp technicians.
A new accessible vehicle product has allowed George to enjoy one of the things his handicap prevented. The Conquest disabled motorcycle conversion enables the handicapped to feel the wind in their hair by driving from their wheelchair. He got the first chance at the recent Abilities Expo.
This motorcycle disabled conversion is available at Mobility Conquest dealers all over the country. For more information, visit MobilityConquest.com.
Last March, we told you about Riley, a 10 year old from Clinton, MI who needs a handicap accessible van for him and his family.
The good news is, they are working with MobilityWorks to find the right accessible van conversion with a handicap lift. They’ve even been able to collect over $13,000, thanks in part to their blog and the awareness raised on the internet. They are closing in on the right accessible handicap van, and time is running out to donate. Go to Riley’s website for more information and to make a donation.
Vantage Mobility International of Phoenix, AZ is a handicap vehicle manufacturer with a heart. It shows in their design, engineering, and manufacturing process, which brings thousands of disabled people the accessible vehicles they need for independent lifestyles.
It also shows in the actions of VMI outside their “business” operations. VMI recently donated a handicap access vehicle to Heather Grossman. Grossman runs Heather’s Haven of Hope. The Dodge Grand Caravan with the VMI Summit access handicap vehicle conversion features a folding ramp for access. This handicap access minivan will allow Grossman to lead a more independent lifestyle.
Heather’s story is truly amazing. Her ex-husband hired gunmen to shoot and kill her, leaving her dead on the scene of the crime. She was resuscitated, only to learn of paralys from the neck down—a condition which would require the assistance of an expensive handicap access vehicle for day-to-day activities. Grossman’s then husband mentally and physically abused her for four years.
Rising above all this adversity, she started Heather’s Haven of Hope, a charitable foundation which raises awareness of domestic violence. Heather also mentors other spinal cord patients in her role, consults with the Office for Victims at the Justice Department in Washington, DC, and is a guest speaker at seminars and conferences.
In 2009, Grossman had to deal with another setback; her handicap vehicle was wrecked in an accident. Jon Kyl, Arizona Senator, heard about her plight and contacted Vantage Mobility International and Phoenix International Raceway to see if they could help.
The new access handicap vehicle was given to Heather on April 10 at the Phoenix International Raceway. Disabled access is offered through an 11 inch lowered floor and power ramp.
“I had the pleasure of meeting Heather three years ago at the Ms. Wheelchair Arizona pageant and was instantly touched by her tenacity and positive outlook on life,” said Doug Eaton, VMI’s CEO. “When I heard that Heather had been without transportation for 11 months, I knew we had to do something for her, because she does so much for the community as a mentor for other abuse victims. Donating the Summit fold-out ramp conversion on the Dodge Grand Caravan will thankfully get Heather back on the road doing what she loves and what our community needs.”
Grossman said: “I feel like I’ve been let out of jail. I can now go and visit my son at Pepperdine University in California. I can go back to church and back to the hospitals to mentor other abuse victims.”
For more information on Vantage Mobility International and their handicap vehicles, go to www.mobilitysales.com.
The automotive industry as a whole has suffered during the recent economic downturn as evidenced by lower sales and government bailouts. One Phoenix, AZ disabled vehicle maker fills a nice niche in the automobile market, and helps people in the process.
Vantage Mobility International modifies Honda Odyssey minivans into handicap accessible vans. VMI has about 200 employees and is in the process of adding engineers and assembly workers to fill new accessible handicap van orders.
In September, the 2011 Odyssey from Honda is going to be available for purchase as a handicap van, and VMI is gearing up for the high demand in the handicapped vehicle market. Over the past 18 months, VMI has been engaged in a “lean manufacturing” process which lowered costs, but resulted in the layoff of around 30 employees.
BraunAbility of Winimac, IN is also gearing up to release new product lines. Their own version of the handicap accessible van, the Toyota Rampvan, is due for release. These Toyota Sienna minivans have also been modified for disabled access. Braun has about 100 additional employees compared to just 9 months ago. Rumors in the industry say Braun will also release a Honda Odyssey accessible handicap van soon.
Anyone who has driven a conversion handicap van knows the frustration of driving around and around a parking lot looking for a handicapped accessible parking space. Time and again, we see people without appropriate documentation parking in these vehicle spaces which are designated for disabled people.
Today, many states are starting to crack down on this fraud in handicap vehicle parking spaces. Some states are even increasing the fines offenders receive, and others are making it harder to make false parking placards for handicap conversion van parking.
South Carolina went as far as a new law which requires a user photo on the handicap parking placard. California and North Carolina also have similar laws trying to stop this bad behavior and keep these spaces reserved for individuals who need them, like drivers of handicap van conversions.
To help fight back, a website has been started by a California woman. She had so many difficult experiences trying to park with her disabled grandfather, that she thought something needed to be done. HandicappedFraud.org allows people to send in information on violations, and she sends it in to that state’s department of motor vehicles.
Maureen Birdsall, the person who started HandicappedFraud.org, tells people to avoid confrontation with people who abuse the handicap van conversion parking system. Often, individuals are disabled, but their condition is not visible to bystanders. Confrontation could make these disabled people feel like their disability is not valid.
LiftMyScooter is a website dedicated for individuals who may be searching for answers on disabled scooter lifts and disability vans from Vantage Mobility International. There are so many available options for those searching for a disabilities access vehicle. It can be hard to go through multiple sites trying to understand the disability product offerings on the internet. Keep in mind that a disability scooter lift might not be right for every ability or need. For people who are looking for greater access, a disabled van should be considered. LiftMyScooter offers detailed information on some of these disability access vans.
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There are a number of handicap driving devices on the market today which can assist people with disabilities in driving a vehicle. But what is a handicap driving device? These devices help handicapped individuals drive a car, truck, SUV, or minivan. In fact, there are devices for handicap driving almost any device with wheels (even tractors and golf carts).
What are some of the different handicap devices for driving? Disabled hand controls are the most popular and one of the most affordable. These simple mechanical devices typically attach to the steering column of the vehicle of choice. Typically, pushing on the control will apply the brake. Pulling down or rotating forward will push the accelerator.
Another type of handicap driving device is the spinner knob. Although these devices have been around for quite a while, there are several variations which can be tailored to almost any disability. There are standard spinner knobs, palm grip spinner knobs, and tri-pin spinner knobs. Different finishes are available to match personal taste and vehicle interior.
Left foot accelerators allow individuals with limited use of their right foot control the gas and brake with their left foot. This handicap driving device is easy to install, and some models are removable for ambulatory driving by a companion. Higher end driving handicap devices exist for individuals with higher level disabilities. Reduced effort steering actually assists with turning the steering wheel. Electronic devices can operate windshield wipers, blinkers, and virtually any other vehicle function.
Before choosing a handicap driving device, consult with a professional in the mobility industry. Typically, a local mobility dealer can offer the best advice as to which options are available. They can also help out with a driving evaluation in some cases, or point you to a certified driving evaluator. This can be important for insurance purposes and some states require it.
In the last few years, many adaptations have happened that allow individuals with disabilities achieve better lifestyles. In the discussion of accessible ability conversion vans, a variety of choice is the rule of thumb in auto accessible handicap vans.
Conversion ability vans are built with mobility products included which assist the handicapped who get around with a mobility device like a scooter. Conversion accessible vans come as mini vans or full size vans. Full size conversion wheelchair vehicles have more room to maneuver inside, and can carry a heavier load due to a stronger suspension. Wheelchair conversion full size vans sometimes have more head room due to a raised roof. The raised roof also allows for raised doors. Lowered floors are also possible in some full size wheelchair vans, creating even more interior head clearance.
Accessible minivans often have a lowered floor conversion for additional space, and they include several other benefits too. Minivans with a disabled conversion almost always have a handicap ramp at the side door for wheelchair access. Mobility lifts are another option for installation in some kinds of minivans. They can also offer better fuel mileage than their full size counterparts.
Ability access van conversions are a blessing for anyone wanting to transport a person in a wheelchair, however there are other disabled driving controls and aids to help get around. For a handicapped individual desiring to drive and not just ride, choices exist for them as well. Mobility controls that have been included in the installation process include electric tie-downs, hand controls, transfer seats, restraining belts, and many more. If you are searching for professional assistance in your quest for mobility, a mobility product dealer can assist with the whole process of buying a accessible handicapped vehicle.
Alamo Mobility has a large selection of new and used wheelchair access conversion vans that are made specifically to handle your individual disabled travel requirements. They also offer handicap accessible vehicles for rent throughout Texas.
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