Hit The Open Road With Handicapped Conversion Vans
The problem of outside mobility while handicapped, dealing with the hassles of trying to get from one place to the other is enough to keep a handicapped person indoors, away from the rest of the world. Asking for help from relatives and loved ones has it sets of problem as well, and getting in and out of a vehicle, transferring and storing the wheelchair is a cumbersome process that takes time and effort. Just the thought of it might cause a person to delay chores and avoid social activities.
Handicapped conversion vans can give that person the freedom of the road and the freedom from worry and lengthy arrangements. It is a very important step in gaining back independence.
Quality of the vehicle and safety features should be in the forefront when looking at conversion vans. Since each disability poses it's own set of requirements, vans can be adjusted to provide easy access and easy handling, either from the side, the back or the driver's seat itself.
Vans are converted to provide access in and out, to provide space in the van to accommodate a wheelchair while trying to preserve as much of the passenger and cargo space. Of course hand controls have to be installed. The van's profile has to be lowered so access ramps will not be too long or too steep. If a lift is used, the van's balance has to adjusted to accommodate the weight of the ramp.
The ADA (The Americans with Disabilities Act) provides guidelines to safety and construction of conversion vans. Much information can be found on their website www.ada.gov. Another source of information is the National Equipment Mobility Dealers Association (NMEDA) that is there to ensure quality in the manufacturing and installation of mobile equipment in vehicles.
Converting a van might be an expensive endeavor. If it is cost prohibitive, purchasing a used converted van is also possible. Amsvans.com offers many services for those thinking about purchasing a converted van. They can facilitate buying, converting, trading and selling of handicap vans. Freedom Motor USA (fminow.com) is a company that has been converting vans since 1987 and can help convert any vehicle to allow wheelchair accessibility and also offers pre-owned converted cars and vans.