subject: Handicapped Van Adapted to the Individual [print this page] Handicapped Van Adapted to the Individual
Not every wheelchair van is truly a handicapped van, because there are many forms of handicaps that require much more in the way of improvements to vans before certain disabled people can use them. A wheelchair van may only be designed for one type of handicap.
The nature of the handicap determines modifications that must be made for the vehicle. Some people have partial use of their legs, and some have no use of them whatsoever. Obviously, the same operating controls for the vehicle aren't necessary in every application.
When shopping for a handicapped van, it is better to deal with someone who can address the exact needs of the person who will be using the van. Special conditions almost always exist that require each van to be fitted for the individual. Mobility specialists have the basic handicapped van that can be modified as necessary to fit the person who will use it.
It is desirable for some shoppers to locate a van they like and then have it altered to suit their needs. If that is the case, it is still a situation where the best people to contact are the ones who deal with these special needs every day.
Retrofitting a van is nothing like the normal mechanic work done on standard vehicles. It would take specialized training for the local mechanic to be able to perform changes to a van that would be adequate to serve the person who will operate it. No one should want a person that is unqualified to make modifications doing critical work that must be right to ensure the safety of the vehicle operator.
Most mobility specialists prefer that the vehicle is purchased from their inventory because every kind of van has not been engineered for handicap use. Getting the equipment to make modifications might not be possible for some vans.
If a buyer wants to pick a van and have it modified for handicap use, it is important to contact a mobility specialist and find out what brand and style it must be. Additionally, it is vitally important to know if it is plausible to make a deal of this type with the mobility contractor.
The simplest way to buy a handicapped van is to go entirely through the mobility specialist. The buyer would have options to pick colors, make, and style, and then have the mobility specialists deliver a new vehicle with all the modifications.
