CHOOSING
A RESOURCE
FINANCIAL ASSISTANCE
HOMES
Home Adaptations
Home Resources
HOSPITALS/CLINICS
NATIONAL RESOURCES
STATE RESOURCES
VEHICLES
VAN ADAPTATIONS
All children with A-T progress differently, and most families will have varying needs over time. This article is designed to provide information that may help in determining what may work in regard to van and home adaptations, as well as some ideas as to how to fund them.
WHEN IS THE TIME RIGHT?
Generally speaking, with a collapsible manual wheelchair, a caregiver can help a child transfer from the wheelchair into a car or van seat, fold the wheelchair and put it in the trunk.
When the time is right to make the move from a manual wheelchair to an electric wheelchair, some families choose to use an electric wheelchair at home or school, and use a manual chair everywhere else. That can delay the need for a wheelchair-accessible van.
The move to a wheelchair-accessible van becomes important in order to transport an electric wheelchair, or when transferring to and from a manual wheelchair and a bucket seat in the car is no longer desirable.
Preferred and required modifications vary from individual to individual, so before any purchase, it may be valuable to contact a physician or physical therapist, as well as an ADA member mobility dealer.
EVALUATOR
It may be beneficial to employ the services of an evaluator to aid in the purchase of a vehicle as they determine detailed adaptive equipment prescriptions, restraint and support systems, sufficient head clearance, etc. The best way to select an evaluator certified by the Association for Driver Rehabilitation Specialists (ADED) is via the ADED website. Click here to visit the ADED website. www.driver-ed.org. Using an evaluator avoids the biggest and most common mistake of purchasing a vehicle that does not meet the needs of the buyer.
CERTIFIED DEALERS
Whether purchasing from a local dealer or the Internet, it is a good idea to ensure the dealer is NMEDA QAP certified (National Mobility Equipment Dealers Association Quality Assurance Program) as this offers better assurance that a qualified individual has installed the equipment on the vehicle and has kept a record of all adaptive work. Additionally, these dealers are well versed in selection, safety and service and are well equipped to handle questions or concerns that may arise during the purchase process. NMEDA has a database of dealers that are accredited on its website. Always check dealer references. Click here to visit the NMEDA website. www.nmeda.org
SELECTING THE DEALER
When purchasing a van or pursuing vehicle modification, it is vital to do so from dealerships registered with the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) to ensure that the dealership follows safety standards.
A buyer has the choice of purchasing either via the Internet or locally. Below are some tips to aid in making this decision.
Internet
- The Internet may offer less expensive deals.
- Obtain proof of product liability insurance; this covers damages to vehicle that occurred as a result of defects that are the responsibility of the company or individual that modified the van.
- Confirm in writing that the vehicle can be serviced locally.
- There may be shipping charges for cars that will be delivered.
- If purchasing from another state, be sure to look into specific laws in your region as some states have laws prohibiting or regulating the sale of vehicles over state lines.
Local
- Buying locally may be more expensive than buying on the Internet.
- It may ensure that the vehicle purchased is able to be serviced nearby.
- Vans purchased locally will have a warranty easily validated at the dealership.
- Local dealers may be able to respond better to specific needs.
MAKING THE DECISION ON VEHICLE ADAPTATIONS
It is wise to purchase with potential future needs in mind. This could influence the decision on whether to buy a mini van or full-sized van, as well as whether to equip the van with a ramp or a lift. Comparing the amount of money saved on buying a used vehicle versus the cost of upkeep for equipment not covered by warranties is wise. This may aid in determining whether to purchase a new or used vehicle.
There are several options when buying a wheelchair-accessible van:
NEW VANS
- These typically are pricier.
- They generally have state-of-the-art technology.
- New vans will be covered by a warranty.
- Some dealers do require a wait-time to perform the conversion.
USED VANS
Here are some tips that may be helpful when considering purchasing a used van:
- National Mobility Equipment Dealers Association (NMEDA) and American Disabilities Act (ADA) member dealerships assure that vehicles meet safety standards.
- Read referrals from those who have purchased from these dealers, and avoid those with overwhelmingly negative testimonials.
- CarFax (www.carfax.com) can also be checked to determine if the van has a history of problems or accidents.
- Have the van reviewed by an Automotive Service Excellence (ASE) certified mechanic who will offer an independent opinion.
- Take a test drive with the mechanic.
- Used vans - to be converted
Keep in mind that many companies will not or cannot convert vans that are greater than three years old as they may lack the older parts needed for aged vehicles. - Used vans – already converted
If deciding to purchase a used vehicle that has been previously converted, be advised that wheelchair-accessible vans have relatively short life spans as the adaptive equipment becomes gradually less effective with time and use. Parts can wear out; moreover, technology can become outdated with the passing of time.
- Used vans - to be converted
WARRANTIES
As with all cars or vans that are purchased, determine if there is a warranty on the van, or if it is a certified used vehicle, meaning the vehicle has been inspected and the necessary repairs have been made, allowing it to be covered by an extended warranty.
VAN SIZE
Be sure the vehicle being purchased is the right size and can accommodate the child(ren), the wheelchair(s), as well as other family members.
Both minivans and full-sized vans have positive aspects. Minivans use less gas, are more manageable and use ramps as opposed to the lifts necessary on a full-sized van. Full-sized vans have greater space and headroom and are more comfortable and powerful. A full sized van may be the appropriate choice for large families or more than one wheelchair.
EQUIPMENT
RAMPS AND LIFTS
In order to get a wheelchair into your vehicle, a ramp or a lift must be used. There are a variety of lifts and ramps from which to choose depending upon the vehicle, as well as the individual’s needs. Commonly, people must consider the weight and seated height of the individual in his or her wheelchair, as well as the van size. Minivans typically use ramps, whereas full-sized vans usually use lifts. Consider that in order to enter or depart the vehicle, typically 6 - 8 feet of clearance is necessary.
RAMPS
Ramps are generally made of aluminum or other lightweight material. A buyer has several different options when purchasing a ramp:
- Portable ramps are manually operated and can be used with other vehicles. They may be difficult to carry and/or maneuver.
- Mounted (non-powered) ramps are manually operated and are easily mounted permanently to the floor.
- Mounted (powered) ramps work in conjunction with a power door or hatch. These are activated using a remote entry button and are easily mounted permanently to the floor.
Ramps can also be installed at the side or the rear of the vehicle. For safety reasons it is recommended that if a portable ramp is used, it should have a direct and secure attachment to the vehicle
Some additional tips regarding ramps include:
- Ramps should also have a non-slip surface.
- Larger, portable ramps may be more challenging to handle as they are heavier and bulkier.
- Consider available space as the slope must have at least 12 inches of length for ever 1 inch of rise.
- Some ramps may necessitate the vehicle have a lowered floor to accommodate the necessary slope.
- It could be physically challenging to push the wheelchair up the ramp, so the less steep the better.
Visit the Wheelchair website (www.newdisability.com) for additional information on selecting the right wheelchair ramp to fit the need of the user.
LIFTS
There are several types of lift available.
- Lifts can be external or internal.
- Side entry lifts are extremely popular.
- Rear door entry lifts are handy in areas where there is limited parallel parking.
- Under vehicle lifts mount on the outside of full-sized vans, storing the platform beneath the vehicle. This offers unobstructed doorways and additional interior space.
Visit the Vehicle Wheelchair Lifts Review website www.adaptedvan.com for additional information on selecting the right wheelchair lift to fit the need of the user.
RAISED ROOF/LOWERED FLOOR
A common modification made to vehicles to ensure appropriate space for wheelchair users involves raising the roof and/or lowering the floors. Lowered floors may be necessary in some minivans to accommodate ramps with less steep slopes.
Full-sized vans generally have raised roofs to provide additional head room for taller seated passengers, but may not be necessary.
Be advised lowered floors may scrape against speed bumps; conversely raised roofs could cause clearance issues in spaces with low ceilings, for example, in parking garages.
SECURING THE WHEELCHAIR
First, use wheelchairs that are advertised as “transport safe” in any vehicle as these have demonstrated the ability to sustain a crash without significant damage. Equipment to secure the wheelchair in the van must be carefully determined. It is essential to ensure that occupied wheelchairs are properly secured when placed into a van. There are two types of wheelchair restraint available – tie-downs and EZ Lock.
TIE-DOWNS
Manual non-retractable or retractable tie-downs, consisting of straps that are secured to the floor using quick-release latches, are then attached to the main frame of the wheelchair in four locations – two in the front and two in the rear. Attaching the straps must be done by someone other than the individual in the wheelchair and should be tied to both the front and the back. This method can be awkward and time consuming as it takes time and energy to ensure they are tied correctly, but it may be more feasible for multiple wheelchair use due to space constraints with the EZ Locks.
EZ LOCKS
An EZ Lock is an electric lock consisting of a box and bracket that mount to the floor and wheelchair respectively. When the wheelchair rolls over the box, a pin is engaged, thus securing the wheelchair. In order to release the chair, a button is pushed. This takes much less effort than tie-downs and is quite popular, but requires that the user makes sure the wheelchair will function correctly with the lock. For instance, some manual wheelchairs will not work with the EZ Lock (specifically those with a one piece footrest and low back rest), so if both manual and motorized wheelchairs will be used, it may be better to pursue tie-downs.
SEATBELTS
The wheelchair occupant should be secured to the vehicle with the van’s shoulder and lap belt to further protect against injury in event of a crash situation. There are specific laws governing safety for motorized chairs. RERC (Rehabilitation Engineering Research Center on Wheelchair Transportation Safety (www.rercwts.pitt.edu) has additional information on these regulations.
ROADSIDE ASSISTANCE
It is compulsory for NMEDA member mobility dealerships to include free 24-hour roadside assistance to their customers. This is a fundamental service in event of vehicle malfunction or breakdown, so be sure to discuss this with the dealer.
INSURANCE
Obtaining insurance not only for the van, but for the equipment is imperative. Typical car insurance will not cover any damage related to the equipment.
FUNDING YOUR WHEELCHAIR-ACCESSIBLE VEHICLE
CAR LOANS
For wheelchair-accessible vans, many dealerships will now offer 100% financing (no down payment) with an extended payments over a 10-year period with the adaptations rolled into the monthly payment. As it will when obtaining any car loan, credit history will be considered.
CAR MANUFACTURERS
Many car manufacturers offer financial assistance (generally $1,000) towards the installation of adaptive equipment on new car purchases. See the supplemental Resource Guide for more information on this.
OTHER PROGRAMS
Government programs (Medicaid, SSI) and service organizations (like the Lions or Rotary Club) may be able to help with funding as well. For helpful links, visit the Wheelchair Website. www.newdisability.com.
LEASING
Leasing may be an option, although it is not available for converted van purchases in all states.
HOME LOANS
Homeowners can consider taking out a second mortgage or home equity loan, enabling a lower interest rate that is tax deductible.
TAX BREAKS
Consult a tax expert to determine if the cost of adaptive equipment is deductible under medical expenses. A doctor’s prescription may eliminate having to pay sales tax on any adaptive equipment.
HEALTH INSURANCE
Some health insurance policies provide support for a van purchase and conversion.
FOR MORE INFORMATION
National Mobility Equipment Dealers Association (NMEDA) is a non-profit association dedicated to aiding people with disabilities in learning more about purchasing modified vehicles. They offer a comprehensive FAQ on their website. www.nmeda.org
