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.
Categories: Mobility Products Tags: accessible van, car, driving aids, hand controls, handicap driving aid, handicap driving aids, handicap driving controls, minivan, mobility dealer, mobility dealership, reduced effort steering, steering controls, suv, truck, wheelchair accessible van, wheelchair van, wheelchair van conversion, wheelchair vehicle
Aging Out Of Special Ed
Raising a child with a disability can be challenging. Recently we talked about one family dealing with the additional expense of a wheelchair accessible van conversion. There are extra doctor visits, physical therapists, medications, and equipment that families with disabled children have to work with. One area that helps is special education provided through schools.
But what happens when a child gets too old for special ed? Many families struggle with this question on a day to day basis. Cerebral Palsy of Westchester is doing something about this with a plan for a 7,000 square foot accessible facility in Norwalk that will help 15 families of disabled young adults. So far, 10 families have signed up, but more are needed. Get in touch with CPW for more information.
Categories: Living Tags: accessible van, accessible van conversion, cerebral palsy, special education, wheelchair accessible van
Reilly Needs A Wheelchair Lift Van
10 year old Reilly of Clinton, MI needs a wheelchair accessible van. Like all 10 year olds, he is growing and is getting too big to lift into and out of the family vehicle. Not only that, but Reilly uses a power wheelchair, which is too heavy to lift into and out of a vehicle. Problem is, with the economy struggling, both parents are out of work and can’t afford the expensive wheelchair van conversion. However, their community has responded. So far they have raised about 5800, which is almost 10% of their goal for a new wheelchair van. Visit Reilly’s blog, and consider making a donation.
Categories: Living Tags: accessible van, wheelchair accessible van, wheelchair lift, wheelchair lift van, wheelchair van conversion
Wheelchair Vans and Cold Weather
As we are in the dead of winter with another round of snowstorms approaching, now would be a decent time to talk about wheelchair vans and cold weather.
- Use the garage, if you have one. For wheelchair lifts that are mounted underneath the vehicle, a night in the garage can let the ice and snow thaw out. A lot of lifts for full size vans are powered by hydraulics. The oil used in the hydraulic cylinders tends to sludge up when the temp is really cold, and allowing the accessible wheelchair van warm up will help performance. A lowered floor minivan with a wheelchair ramp can also benefit from being inside and out of the elements.
- Wheelchair vans should be winterized, just like any other vehicle. For as long as people have been driving, they’ve been winterizing their vehicles. Its no different with a wheelchair accessible van. Many wheelchair van manufacturers recommend 6 month service appointments at a local mobility dealer for lubrication and checking for wear and tear. A mobility dealer can also catch potential problems before they happen and make the necessary repair. The half hour appointment can save big bucks later, not to mention the hassle of being stuck out in the cold when your accessible wheelchair van decides to quit.
- Write down the emergency numbers for your local mobility shop. Many offer 24 road side emergency service, but that won’t do you any good if you can’t contact them.
- The battery is one of the most crucial parts of any accessible wheelchair van conversion, so get it changed if you even suspect it is on its last legs. A trickle charger can also be a great investment if you drive you van less than 1 time per week, as it will keep the battery performing well.
- Keep an eye on the weather. It it is totally lousy, you might want to think about staying home.