subject: How To Utilize A Wheelchair Lift [print this page] How To Utilize A Wheelchair Lift How To Utilize A Wheelchair Lift
Purchasing a wheelchair van was something that opened up your life to many possibilities. Instead of having to depend on friends and family to take you places, you can now get to wherever you need to go on your own. This process, however, has been made much easier since you purchased a wheelchair lift.
Having a wheelchair lift on your vehicle makes it much easier for you to get into your van. Like with any device that is going to be literally supporting you, you have to know how to use it so that you don't end up on the ground. Are you using your lift correctly?
The first thing you have to do is make sure your van is parked on a level surface. Without realizing it, we can have small hills and bumps in our driveways and those can make it unsafe to use your wheelchair lift. You should also be sure there is plenty of room for your wheelchair lift platform to open without hitting anything around the vehicle. Perhaps most importantly, the parking brake on your van should be on so that your van doesn't roll.
Next, you should open the wheelchair lift door and then lock it. There will most likely be a button that you'll have to press so that the wheelchair lift's platform goes down to the ground. Before you move onto the lift, you should be sure that the lift has completely stopped moving.
The next step will determine whether or not your lift is approved by the Americans With Disabilities Act (ADA). If it is approved, you will need to get onto the lift so that you are facing the vehicle. If it is not approved by the ADA, you'll need to face away from the vehicle while you are getting into the lift.
You should tightly fasten the wheelchair's seatbelt so that you are secure in your chair. Making sure the wheelchair locks are set is also very important. It will ensure that your chair doesn't roll around on the lift or off of the lift for that matter.
Next, you'll need to press the right button so that your wheelchair lift begins to rise. Once it has risen a few inches, stop it and make sure the safety barrier is secure then let the lift rise. Next, open the wheelchair locks and then roll your chair into the vehicle, and you're finished.
