subject: Accessible Vans Broaden the Family's Horizons [print this page] Accessible Vans Broaden the Family's Horizons
It's difficult to be dependent on a wheelchair, both for the disabled person and his or her family members. Having a child or parent living with you that is restricted to wheelchair use only can seem like a burden if the family does not enjoy activities because it is too difficult to transport the handicapped family member. Often, families assume that they only really need to go a few places with the disabled person and therefore can get by with the standard family vehicle, sometimes not even realizing that wheelchair accessible vans are readily available.
Unfortunately, that is often not the case. Being relegated to the home except on a few occasions can cause feelings of low self-esteem, of being a burden, and sometimes result in depression. Sometimes similar feelings are experienced by family members whose activities are restricted because of the difficulty in transporting a family member that is dependent on a wheelchair. But there are alternatives available that will allow the whole family to broaden their horizons.
Accessible vans can change the entire outlook of the whole family. With accessible vans, running an errand across town with the handicapped family member can be simple. With the easier entry and exit into the vehicle, it takes only a matter of minutes to load or unload the wheelchair and its occupant. No one has do any lifting anymore either.
Accessible Vans Options
Generally there are two basic options for accessible vans: full sized vans and minivans. The minivan is becoming the choice for many people today. Not only are they smaller and easier to maneuver, but they are popular among all social and income levels, whether designed for the handicapped person or not. Both types can be modified to allow the driver to remain in the wheelchair while the van is moving. The wheelchair can enter accessible vans through the back, side, or in some newer models, the driver's door.
Entry and exit while remaining in the wheelchair is possible with the use of a ramp or a wheelchair lift. If the handicapped person does not intend to stay in the wheelchair while traveling, a lift can be used to lift the wheelchair and store it during operation. Accessible vans can also be modified for disabled driver use, requiring modification to the driving controls.
No matter what modifications are made to accessible vans, when your family experiences the freedom of going places easily it will improve the quality of life for everyone.
