subject: Tips for Accessorizing Your Handicap Vehicle [print this page] Tips for Accessorizing Your Handicap Vehicle
When it comes to buying a handicap vehicle, comfort and convenience is essential. You now need features that your old vehicle does not have. Therefore, it is important to research all of the options available. Before making your purchase, there are certain things that you want to take into consideration.
One great feature to have in any handicap vehicle is remote keyless entry. Many disabled people find it difficult to manage a key to open the door, especially those who suffer from various upper body mobility issues. Having a remote keyless entry system can make a big difference and enable you to enter your vehicle with minimal effort. You should also need to consider how wide the doors open. This is important since you will need more room to navigate getting into or out of the vehicle with your wheelchair. Wider doors can also help facilitate unloading and loading mobility scooters or wheelchairs.
Does the vehicle have power locks and windows? A vehicle with manual locks and windows can be difficult to for a person with a disability to navigate. Power locks and windows can eliminate this difficulty. Power windows are very useful for those times when you need to raise or lower the window with only one hand. Many power windows can be operated with the simple touch of a button. This is a great convenience for those who need added assistance because of mobility issues in the upper body.
It would also be helpful if the handicap vehicle had adjustable pedals, a feature that can allow the driver to adjust the position of the controls to make the feet and legs more comfortable. This is a great feature for those who have stiff lower limbs as it eliminates lower body strain. Some vehicles have special features such as automatic ramps and lowered floors. Others offer anti-slip floors and a system that is designed to keep the wheelchair steady and prevent it from rolling around in the vehicle. Stronger ramps that are made for heavier wheelchairs are also an option.
All of these extra features can get expensive. If you find that they are necessary for you but you can't fit them into your budget, many mobility programs offer reimbursements to offset the cost. Chrysler, Ford, GM, Honda, Hyundai and Toyota all offer reimbursement mobility programs. Check with your state rehabilitation office for options to help offset the vehicle as well.
