subject: Transporting Your Handicapped Family Member is Easy with a Wheelchair Vehicle [print this page] Transporting Your Handicapped Family Member is Easy with a Wheelchair Vehicle
If your handicapped family member is small and lightweight, it may seem simple to just lift them from the wheelchair to a vehicle and then store the wheelchair in the vehicle. However, after several times in and out of the vehicle, both the family member and the wheelchair become heavy. This puts strain on the person doing the lifting as well. But, of course, you want your family member to join you on outings, and it's necessary if that family member is a child.
A wheelchair vehicle is the solution to this problem. These vehicles have been converted from regular vehicles, usually vans, into wheelchair accessible vehicles. These conversions require structural changes as well as installation of mobility devices to make it safe and comfortable for the handicapped person, as well as the other family members.
A wheelchair vehicle is usually a full-sized van or a minivan. The floors are often lowered, and the ceilings are sometimes raised to allow for sufficient headroom for the wheelchair restricted person to be comfortable. Seats must be removed to allow space for the wheelchair as well. Special seats that allow for easy transfer from the wheelchair to one of the front seats may also be added.
In addition to changes for added room, mobility lifts are necessary to make entering and exiting the wheelchair vehicle simple.
These lifts may be a ramp or a platform lift allowing access through the side door or the rear door. In some cases the wheelchair is secured to the platform and remains there during travel, or there can be another location for the wheelchair to be secured and ride during movement.
If the handicapped person desires to drive his or her own vehicle then further modification is required. This includes modifying the controls according to the extent of the disability. In some cases the foot controls can be modified, but in most cases hand controls are required. Technology advances rapidly and this technology is no exception. Joysticks, touch pads, and electronic steering are all possible with the right modifications.
Knowing the many possibilities available in a wheelchair vehicle gives you the tools for finding a vehicle that will provide independence to the handicapped and allow for easier transporting of those restricted to wheelchairs. Life will never be the same after you experience the comfort and ease of transporting your handicapped family member in a wheelchair vehicle.
