Disabled Transportation
November 12, 2007
Disabled Transportation
Almost all of us are either passengers or drivers of motor vehicles. When we look for personal transportation, we have a lot of variables to consider including but not limited to price, safety, comfort, style and convenience. When looking for disabled transportation, the variables are the same but the choices and options are much more specific to the individual driver or passenger. Let's look at some of the options to consider when in the market for new or used disabled transportation.
If this is your first purchase of disabled transportation, or if you aren't completely satisfied with your past purchases, your best bet is to begin by speaking to a Certified Driver Rehabilitation Specialist. His or her job is to evaluate you and your driving needs and then to advise you as to what type of disabled transportation or modifications will best suit your personal needs and lifestyle.
If you have a vehicle that you are planning on keeping, you will be looking for modifications to that vehicle. There are many innovations in this field that can assist with all types of disabilities. Some of these include electronic touch pads, pedal extensions, reduced effort brakes, steering devices, power door operators, power gear selectors and reduced effort systems.
All of these modifications are available on new and used vans and minivans that are specially adapted for disabled transportation. These vehicles can have removable driver seats, power transfer seats and transfer assists if needed. The floor may be lowered or the roof can be raised to accommodate for wheelchair seating while driving or for passengers. Be sure to sit in any disabled transportation you are considering. You should not have to bend your neck at all and if you are the driver, you will of course need to have a clear view of the windshield without sliding or bending.
You can buy disabled transportation with hydraulic or electric lifts and ramps. These can be used for wheelchairs or scooters and can be fully automatic or user operated. You will see vans with lifts on the side or in the rear of the vehicle. There are also interior lifts and under vehicle lifts available. You will have to consider your usage in terms of who travels with you and the space needed for the passengers and wheelchairs when choosing these options.
Disabled transportation is available at local car dealerships, on the personal sale market and the internet. Start with an evaluation by a Certified Driver Rehabilitation Specialist, and then make a list of your must haves and extras that would be nice to have. Make sure you have a good idea of what you need before you begin shopping. This will help alleviate a lot of confusion and the risk of buying disabled transportation that doesn't adequately fit your individual needs. Traveling in personal vehicles is something most of us take for granted but someone with special needs realizes the freedom, flexibility and independence it brings to our lives. Focus on your needs and those of your family and enjoy your new disabled transportation.
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