Hiring a wheelchair-accessible vehicle is easy, says Peninsula Transportation Group's Cullan Meathe

Hiring a wheelchair-accessible vehicle is easy

, says Peninsula Transportation Group's Cullan Meathe

There is no need for you or a family member to be homebound if a wheelchair is part of the picture, says Cullan F. Meathe of Peninsula Transportation Group, LLC. That's because many ground transportation companies like his offer wheelchair-accessible vehicles. These special vehicles are known as accessible taxis, wheelchair-accessible taxicabs, modified taxicabs or paratransit vehicles.

The next time a person accompanied by a wheelchair needs a ride to a family outing, a doctor's appointment or even a concert, consider hiring a wheelchair-accessible vehicle. If a group that includes wheelchair users is traveling somewhere, many companies can ensure the journey is effortless and comfortable by providing a vehicle specific to the needs.

These accessible vehicles are Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA)-compliant. Companies train their drivers on getting the wheelchair with its rider - in and out of the vehicle, as well as on securing the wheelchair so it doesn't move around during the journey. The van should be equipped with all standard equipment for the passenger's comfort and safety, including a full set of wheelchair tie downs and lap and diagonal restraint belts. Some vehicles have lowered floors or a high roof or a combination of both, with a fully automatic foldout ramp and a kneeling system and are fitted with manual ramps or electric lifts for safe entry and exit to the vehicle.

Wheelchair taxicabs are often vans or minivans. More recent versions have been incorporating side loading doors with emergency egress in case of an accident affecting the rear door. Some of these vehicles can transport only one passenger in a wheelchair and an additional four to six able-bodied persons.

How do you find a company that hires wheelchair-accessible vehicle? According to Meathe, you can ask your physician's office for recommendations, various social service agencies, or even seniors' community centers. You also can go online and research taxi companies with wheelchair accessible vehicles. Companies like Peninsula Transportation Group provide their drivers with sensitivity training to respect all customers' needs and ensure their comfort and safety.

Meathe emphasizes that we have a responsibility to care for our aging population and Americans with disabilities.

It is important to be aware that, although the vehicles are designed to serve persons who use wheelchairs and cannot use traditional taxis, they also are available for able-bodied passengers. When organizing a journey for a wheelchair rider, contact the taxi company well in advance to ensure there will be a suitable vehicle and driver when you need them.

These taxis are cost-effective for passengers. There are stringent rules about not charging extra for persons with disabilities. When booking the ride, ask the company about the price and whether an additional fee is charged for an attendant traveling with the wheelchair passenger.

Having greater mobility is very empowering for individuals with disabilities. Quality of life is improved by being able to engage in normal daily activities and travel to destinations with minimal disruption.

To hire a wheelchair-accessible vehicle in Southeast, Northeast or West Coast Florida, go online to www.PeninsulaTransportation.com

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