Paul Ulrich, a GM engineer who is also in a wheelchair rightly said - "Nobody knows how important independence is until you don't have it".
A wheelchair van is a vehicle that has been specially adapted to accommodate wheelchairs. This can include features like a ramp or lift, wider doorways and more space inside the vehicle.
Wheelchair vans can provide independence and freedom for people who use them. They can also give peace of mind to family and friends who may be worried about the safety of their loved ones when they're out and about.
If you're thinking about getting a wheelchair van, there are a few things you need to keep in mind. First, you'll need to make sure that the vehicle is big enough to comfortably accommodate your wheelchair. You'll also want to consider whether you want a ramp or lift, and what kind of budget you're working with.
There are lots of different types of wheelchair vans on the market, so it's important to do your research before you make a purchase. But once you find the right van for your needs, it can make a world of difference in your life.
They spent huge sums of money and put a lot of effort to design automobiles (Wheelchair vans) that can be used by wheelchair users. Financially too they have made it possible for a wheelchair user to own a wheelchair van or automobile through their different funding programs.
Any automobile can be converted to suit a wheelchair user. But wheelchair vans are more comfortable and a lot of options available to choose a perfect according to ones need.
Excellent hand control devices are available for wheelchair vans for a comfortable and easy driving.
We can
split wheelchair vans into two basic types according to the user’s
need:
1) Just a travel equipment – The user will travel like a passenger
and does not want to do their own driving.
2) Want to drive around and burn some rubber!
For the first case the equipment will be simple and the wheelchair
van does not need a lot of alteration. A ramp or a lift to get in
and out will be sufficient in most cases.
But in the second case some alterations are necessary. But nothing
is impossible. The wheelchair van can be altered perfectly according
to your need.
Driving wheelchair vans involves more responsibility. So, if you are qualified to drive, the authorities will surely provide a license and you can enjoy your ride. But if not, stay within your limitations and still enjoy the ride while someone else drives.
Know
your need
An assessment centre can absolutely help you in assessing your needs
and prescribe a perfect wheelchair van for you. You will find professionals
who have huge experience working with wheelchair users and wheelchair
van vendors. Normally they look into
•
Your capabilities
• Eye sight
• Hearing
• Wheelchair to van transfer ability
• Ability to get the wheelchair into and out of the van
• Mental ability
• Perception
• Ability to make quick decisions
to prescribe a best suited wheelchair van for you.
There are a number of assistive technologies and devices available to overcome most of the problems. For example, a person with hearing problems can use siren sensors or a person with little or no ability to transfer wheelchairs to the vans can use wheelchair lifts, which does the job completely by itself without any human assistance or drive the vehicle just sitting on a wheelchair!
Wheelchair vans are expensive but not unaffordable. The major manufacturers of wheelchair vans do provide plenty of schemes and funding programs to make it affordable. Please visit general motors, Chrysler corp or ford corp sites for more information.