Mobility Products

Motorcycle Enthusiast Rides Again

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.

Handicap Accessible Van Manufacturers Thrive During Downturn

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.

Handicap Driving Aids

Trying to find a handicap driving aid for your car, truck, SUV, or minivan?  AbilityTrend.com has some interesting information regarding the different types of handicap driving aids available for disabled people who want the freedom of driving.  Many of these unique wheelchair driver devices can work in un-modified vehicles, but when paired with a wheelchair van conversion (Wheelchair Accessible Van), a fully accessible, fully drivable wheelchair vehicle is created.

AbilityTrend.com details the different types of handicap driving aids for sale like steering controls, mechanical hand controls, electric controls, reduced effort steering, and left foot accelerators.  A greater level of driving handicap aids is achieved with electric aids, but they require a more in-depth evaluation and training by a professional.  To learn more about which driving aid for handicap use will work best for your situation and budget, consult with a local mobility dealership in your area.  A local mobility dealer will also be able to aid you with questions on prices and availability, as well as installation.

Wheelchair Stair Lift | Wheelchair Stair Lifts

Is getting up and down stairs a problem for yourself or a family member?  Consider installing a wheelchair stair lift.  Built specifically to assist individuals who find it difficult to climb stairs, stair lifts for disabled people are motorized seats with a track mounted to the wall that will safely take you or your family member with a disability up a stairway.  Lifts for stairs can be battery operated, plug in, or be hardwired to your home’s electrical system, and they usually don’t require any structural changes to the steps other than fastening hardware.

A lift for stairs can be a good idea for homeowners who have a hard time getting around without a wheelchair, or have other physical disabilities that make it difficult or unsafe walking up stairs.  A professional local mobility dealer can typically install a wheelchair stair lift without damaging the walls of your home, and there may be colors to match your home’s decor.  A wide variety of stair lifts are available, but the biggest factors to consider are the seat wideness and weight limit or load capacity.

Used wheelchair stair lifts are hard to come by, as these mobility devices are typically custom installed to fit each staircase they are needed.  Some mobility dealerships may be able to make modifications on a used stair lift to allow it to work in you home.  These mobility stores may also have additional mobility equipment you might find helpful like wheelchair vans, wheelchair accessible vehicles, wheelchair lifts, scooter lifts, hand controls for driving disabled, and more.