If you’re the caregiver for an individual who uses a wheelchair, owning a wheelchair accessible van is helpful and can be more affordable with these tips. As the caregiver for a family member, you can choose a wheelchair van based on the needs of the person in yourWheelchair vans come with rear entry access or side entry access, and one can sometimes work better than the other in certain situations. The family caregiver, as the driver of the van, canSide entry access means the van’s ramp deploys from one of the side-door openings. wheelchair user can sit in the middle of the cabin just behind the front seats or in the front-passenger position when the adapted minivan has a removable frontThe removable seat lets you to carry up to two wheelchair users at the same time. Jump seats can be added for extra seating for non-wheelchair users. If the person uses an extra-large or extra-tall power chair, rear entry access may be the best choice.

rear door-opening width and height are larger, and the ramp is wider, too. The rear entry conversion usually features a manually operated ramp, but a power ramp can be added for an extra charge. Having a wheelchair van is a unique selling point for many self-employed caregivers and caregivingWhether it’s taking a patient to a doctor’s appointment or providing the patient with a change of scenery, a wheelchair accessible vehicle can make a big Your patients will have different mobility devices, including power chairs and mobility scooters, so your best choice is a minivan adapted for rear entry access. A rear entry van also has seating if a patient’s family member or two comes along. A long-channel rear entry conversion can handle up to two passengers in wheelchairs at the same time. you’re a self-employed caregiver or caregiving company, you’ll have a well-equipped vehicle that can be a rolling advertisement for your business.

Tip #1: Shop around. wheelchair van dealerships online and nearby to see what they have in your price range. There are also mobility classifieds online, where individuals list only wheelchair-accessible vehicles for sale. Tip #2: Determine your budget. Budget is almost always a top concern for family and Today’s handicap accessible van market has three clear price levels that represent the three base If you’re on a budget, look for certified-used wheelchair vans with reasonable prices, and don’t forget Tip #3: Understand kneeling systems. wheelchair accessibility have a kneeling system. vehicle “kneels” closer to the ground to lessen theThat makes entry and exit easier for the independent, manual wheelchair user. be pricey, unreliable, and unnecessary for caregivers. Tip #4: Be Prepared with Questions for the Mobility Mobility consultants, online or local, should give you this information, but if not, you should

be aware of the following information before you buy: Tip #5: Read Company Reviews and Testimonials Before You The most reliable online and local wheelchair vanlift chair rental melbourne fl dealerships appear on review sites like Yelp and Googletable and chair rental lansing miCompany web sites should feature customerzero gravity chair australia When you shop for a wheelchair van, keep these tips inchair covers to hire essex mind to make sure you get the best van for your needs atherman miller chair mat

the best possible price. Susan Hawkins is a writer for AMS Vans, Inc.—America’s Mobility Superstore—a leading online and local wheelchair van dealership that sells some of thetable and chair rental newark ohio market’s most affordable, new and used wheelchair vanswheelchair vans for sale pennsylvania and other accessible transportation, with nationwide andsalon chair rental minneapolisLogin to access different featuresstair chair lifts western australiaFederal and state programs help individuals and organizations purchase handicap vans. Only a limited number of government grant programs offer funding for handicap vans.

Federal government programs typically only provide this type of funding for organizations serving disabled individuals and for military veterans. Certain states offer financing programs to help the disabled purchase vans or install assistive equipment, such as lifts or hand controls. Other funding options include rebate programs offered by automobile manufacturers to pay for assistive equipment, and grant programs sponsored by nonprofit organizations. Grants for Organizations The Transportation for Elderly Person and Persons with Disabilities program, sponsored by the U.S. Department of Transportation, helps support organizations that provide services, including transportation, to the disabled and to senior citizens. The program awards funds to states, which make subgrants to nonprofit organizations and government agencies. Grantees can use funds to pay for capital expenses associated with transporting disabled and elderly people in geographic areas that do not have sufficient transportation services to accommodate their needs.

Veterans Grants Disabled U.S. Armed Forces veterans may qualify for grants offered by the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs. The VA offers grants to veterans who become disabled due to disease or injury associated with their military service, or who become disabled as a result of therapy, rehabilitation or medical treatments provided by the VA. As of 2011, qualified veterans can receive a maximum of $11,000 to purchase a handicap van. For vehicle purchases, the VA pays funds to the automobile seller and does not grant funds directly to the veteran. Disabled veterans may also qualify for VA grants to fund vehicle modifications, such as special assistive equipment or power seats, windows, brakes or steering. Veterans can receive more than one grant for vehicle modifications, and the VA pays funds either directly to the veteran or to the equipment seller. State Financing Programs Numerous state programs offer financing for purchasing handicap vans or modifying vehicles for disabled drivers or passengers.

For example, the state of Oklahoma offers the Alternative Financing Program through its Assistive Technology Foundation. The program offers loan guarantees and direct loans through BancFirst of Stillwater. As of 2011, borrowers can receive loans at a 6 percent interest rate, with repayment terms of up to five years, to pay for vehicle or home modifications. Candidates who do not qualify for a direct loan from BancFirst may qualify for a guaranteed loan with backing from the foundation. Other Options Other options for the purchase or modification of a handicap van include rebates offered by automobile manufactures and grant programs sponsored by nonprofit organizations. Volkswagen of America sponsors the Mobility Access Program, which offers a maximum of $1,000, as of 2011, to help offset the purchase of assistive equipment, such as hand controls and lift equipment. The program only offers benefits for equipment installed on certain Volkswagen vehicles. The Travis Roy Foundation offers grants to help quadriplegics and paraplegics, who were disabled by spinal cord injuries, pay for vehicle modifications, such as the installation of lift equipment or hand controls.