BMR sample 9

Where to buy mobility vans

If you’ve ever wondered where to buy mobility vans, allow me to give you a few options.  There are quite a few places you can find online, such as Mobility Vans USA, that offer both new and pre-owned vans.  You can cruise through their selections with great ease.  They have full size vans, mini vans, along with a variety of cargo vans and buses.

Once you’ve looked through the mobility vans they have to offer, they have several tabs specifically for answering any questions you may have.  If you can’t find the answer online, you can call their number to talk to a live person.  They can help with your decision and you can either choose to apply right there on the phone, or they have an application on their site you can fill out and submit.  Remember, though, as with any vehicle purchase, you should always try and make sure your credit is in good standing.

My aunt’s search for mobility vans

One of my cousins was in an accident in high school.  Unfortunately it left him unable to use his legs, and confined to a wheelchair.  I went with my aunt one day to look at mobility vans.  These vans are especially equipped to allow access, usually by means of a chair lift, for those in wheelchairs.

We went to a local dealer that specialized in mobility vans.  Since there are many more intricacies involved with a handicapped accessible vehicle, it’s best to go to a certified dealer rather than through a private buyer.  Even if it costs you more, you get the insurance of having service support in case your lift or any other mechanism falters.  They were extremely friendly, and when she had picked out the one she liked, they walked her through the credit application.  Everything went fine, and we drove the van off the lot that day.  My cousin was so excited to see us pull up to the house in his special van.

My friend chose to sell mobility vans

I met up one night with a friend of mine.  We were both in the business of vehicle sales.  When he mentioned he no longer worked at the same place, he then told me he had a new job selling mobility vans.  I was extremely confused as to why someone with his talent would go from selling high-end cars to selling handicapped accessible vehicles.  I knew the money couldn’t be as good, so I pressed the matter further.

He explained that his sudden interest in mobility vans was due to his niece.  She was adopted by his sister and was confined to a wheelchair.  She had been born premature and had never fully developed the leg strength.  When he saw her for the first time and heard her story, he was really moved and made the decision right then to leave shallow world he was in and do something important with his life.  His first step was selling vehicles that were specifically for special kids like her.

Would you like to donate mobility vans?

Mobility vans can be extremely expensive.  They can create a major hardship on low income families who are in need of transporting their handicapped loved ones.  But unfortunately they are needed to help make life even just a little easier.  It’s very hard to take a wheelchair when travelling in a car.  They do have racks you can attach to the back of your vehicle, but compared to having a van that can house the wheelchair, it’s just not as efficient.

If you have mobility vans that you are no longer using, instead of selling them, another option is to donate them.  There’s a company called Wheelchair Vans for All that will take your donated handicapped accessible vans and make them affordable for families who could not otherwise afford them.  Not only could you get the benefit of a tax write-off, but you can do something knowing it helps those less fortunate.  That’s what truly matter.

Mobility vans: A lesson in appreciation

We were out grocery shopping one day, and while loading the items into our car, a man in a wheelchair rolled up to the van next to us.  When the doors opened, a small chair lift folded down, allowing him to roll onto it.  I asked my mother what kind of vehicle that was.  She told me it was one of those mobility vans.  They’re used to help the handicapped get around easier.

She said the mobility vans come with chair lifts that simply pick them up and let them roll right into the van.  Then the chair is anchored down, or they can choose to move themselves over into a normal van seat.  It seemed like an awesome idea.  I thought about that man all the way home, and how a simple thing like that van must make him feel much more normal.  It also made me appreciate the fact that I wasn’t injured and had the capability to move around freely.

Mobility vans: offering a chance at a normal life

One type of vehicle that accommodates handicapped individuals is mobility vans.  They offer the comfort and support for a person with disabilities to travel with ease.  There are other means of aid with transportation are the racks you can anchor to the back of your vehicle, but they do not offer you or the person in question the comfort that mobility vans offer.

They come equipped with chair lifts, or at least the majority of them do.  These chair lifts can lower to the ground and allow the individual to roll onto the platform, and then lifts them into the vehicle.  Once lifted, they roll right in and have the option (in most) to either anchor to the floor, or for the person to simply transfer themselves over onto an actual van seat.  It is much more efficient and less of a hassle which in turn can create more confidence within the handicapped person.  The less they have to rely on others, the better they can feel about themselves.

Mobility vans offer a sense of normalcy

You ever wonder what those vans are that transport handicapped persons?  They are typically called mobility vans.  Since they live in a world where everything is much more difficult, these vehicles allow them to feel at least a bit more normal, with as little effort as possible.

The chair lifts help them and their wheelchairs up into the vehicle.  Once in, they have the option of anchoring or moving themselves over to one of the seats provided within the van.  It is fabulous that technology has been able to create such a vehicle that would allow them even the slightest bit of normalcy.  While confined to that chair, they must feel a flood of emotions that the rest of us could never understand.  Those mobility vans help people feel things that they wouldn’t normally get to feel while rolling around in the “real world”.  They can feel like the rest of us.  And for once get to dream of the days when they, too, could simply jump out of a van.

Mobility vans: an aid to both provider and dependent

You ever see a handicapped person wheel around to a van that, when the doors open, a mechanical lift glides down, allows them to roll on, and then lifts them up so as to allow them to roll straight into the vehicle?  Those are called mobility vans.  They are made special for handicapped individuals who can’t get around as other’s do.  If you’re trying to find a means of better transportation that less of a hassle on the both of you, consider these vehicles.

They come equipped with technology which allows the person’s using the mobility van the opportunity to feel as normal as humanly possible while constricted within the confines of a vehicle.  These really are the best choices for both the individual and the caretaker.  It allows easy access for the individual while giving the caretaker less to worry about.  Unlike typical racks that affix to the back of vehicles, these vans give each person the freedom to not worry about the wheelchair and its occupant.

Mobility vans vs. transfer seats

For those with that struggle getting in and out of their vehicle, it might seem that the only course of action is to purchase mobility vans that are far from the case. In fact, there are quite a few different setups available that can provide you with excellent mobility, without the need to buy a mobility van.

For instance, if you own a pickup truck or a taller SUV, then you’ll benefit from using a stow -away transfer seat. This option of mobility seating solution is installed under the driver-side door and extends outward from underneath. A transfer seat is mounted on a lift and allows you to easily move from the driver or passenger seat to the transfer seat, and then gently lowers toward the ground (or rises up to enter the vehicle).  This can be a lot less costly than purchasing an entirely new vehicle.  For those on a budget, this could be a much better solution.

Wheelchair vans can be of use if precautions are taken

A wheelchair van should give you all the freedom that you need to live the life you want. Of course, there are some important choices you’ll need to make when purchasing a wheelchair van, including things like whether you need a wheelchair lift or a ramp, whether you want hand controls installed and what seating configuration will work best for you and your family.   All of these choices can play a major role in your current lifestyle and the ease your vehicle adds to it.

 However, you’ll also need to consider something else – your safety while in the vehicle.   You need to make sure you have the proper restraints available for the wheelchair, or you have seating available to where the person or persons can remove themselves from their chairs and transfer to an actual van seat.  While most individuals require lap belt restraints, you’ll want to ensure that the restraints provided are more suited for the type of passenger you are transporting.

The Configurations of Wheelchair vans

There are a lot of configurations to consider when choosing wheelchair vans.  One of the varieties of configurations is side entry.  This option allows a handicap accessible individual access to the driver’s seat.  This helps them with controlling the vehicle entirely by themselves.   This allows much more freedom and mobility on the handicapped persons’ part, which in turn may make them feel more independent.

Another configuration of wheelchair vans is to allow front passenger access so that the wheelchair bound individual can wheel themselves up into the front passenger seat.  If these options are not what you are looking for, there are several more which range from no seats to several seats in back where the persons can either remain in the wheelchair while in motion, or transfer to another given seat. There are also options which allow rear entry, but those can be more costly and restrict the mobility of the wheelchair-bound individuals.

The Wheelchair Vans for My Son

When my son was born premature at 25 weeks I had no idea what a rollercoaster ride we would be going on. It was extremely touch and go at first and we definitely took it one day at a time. He was so tiny at 1 pound 2 ounces I had no idea that one day we would need one of those specially modified wheelchair vans.

He was in the hospital for so many months and finally they said he would be able to go home soon on oxygen, no need for any special equipment especially a wheelchair van. He took a turn for the worse and we had to fly him down state to a specialty children’s hospital. They were not sure if he was going to make it and that was the worst time of my life. He is a fighter and he did pull through. His lungs were severely damaged and he had to get a tracheostomy and g-tube.

Our Ride Home in Wheelchair Vans

When my son finally came home from the children’s hospital down state we needed a lot more equipment then we ever thought. We had to have a ventilator. They were hoping that just the tracheostomy would be enough to help him but he needed the extra support for his tiny damaged lungs. The trip back up home was arranged in one of the hospitals special wheelchair vans.

I had no idea that one day we would need one of these wheelchair vans for ourselves. After we got home we had a lot of adjusting to do. He was very medically fragile and would go down really fast if he disconnect from the ventilator. It was so scary for the first 5 or 6 months I don’t think we slept very much if we didn’t have a homecare nurse. He had a couple of really sick spells where he went back into the hospital and he had a couple of close calls where he almost lost his life.

Our Shiny New Wheelchair Vans

Now that my premature son is two years old he is delayed. He has a trach and g-tube so he does not talk and he does not like to eat by mouth. He is not walking yet and he is still on a ventilator at night. So we had to order him a wheelchair and we are looking into getting one of the modifications for wheelchair vans accessibility.

It is amazing how much your life changes when you have a special needs child. Well my sister in law told me that her dad used to do the modifications to make a standard van one of the wheelchair vans so I asked her to help me look into it. It turns out that I can get assistance from Medicaid or real services to have our van changed over so that is what we did. It is much easier to have the wheelchair get lifted into the van. I can take him out without much help now and I am really glad.

The Wheelchair Vans was My Clue

When I worked as a homecare nurse I never knew what to expect when I was sent on a new case. I hadn’t been to a particular case before and I was sent there at 6 am. When I arrived no one answered the door. I knew this was the right place because I saw the wheelchair ramp and one of those wheelchair vans sitting out front.

The dog was standing by the front door waiting for me to come inside. You can imagine my confusion and apprehension. I looked again at the wheelchair van and decided to go forward. I turned the knob and the door opened. It was not unusual for the doors to be unlocked and the expectation that you would just walk in. This was unusual because I had not been there before but as I walked in I said hello. The dog was now barking at me and I heard a faint hello come in.

The Dog Wanted to Go for a Ride in the Wheelchair Vans

The day that I started on a new case as a homecare nurse my only clue that I was at the right door was the wheelchair van. My patient was lying in his bed and I heard a faint hello come in. I went in and introduced myself he proceeded to tell me that he had a busy day planned. He needed total care and I was very busy all morning. He told me step by step everything that he needed to be done which helped a lot.

He also told me that he had a doctor’s appointment that afternoon. I had him dressed, fed, up in his wheelchair and ready for the wheelchair van for transport since we are not allowed to drive the patients to their appointment for insurance reasons. The van arrived and I opened the door and the dog ran outside. This was just the beginning of my adventures with this particular patient.

The Excitement When Seeing the Wheelchair Vans

When I worked at the nursing home it was busy and I grew to love the residents. They had a community and I enjoyed being a part of it. Occasionally they would plan outings in the wheelchair vans to movies or restaurants. They would be so excited to be leaving the facility and getting out having some fun. We would go along to help if we had the time.

 I was never able to go because I was working but I always enjoyed when I saw the wheelchair vans pull up because there was so much excitement in the air. They looked so happy getting their coats on and lining up in their wheelchairs for their field trip. It was a lot like field trips in school. They were so chatty and lively when they returned. They happily gave all the details and shared their stories. They were so thrilled to have eaten what they wanted and not have to eat the food prepared from the kitchen.

Witnessing person’s entering Wheelchair vans

While we were out doing our Christmas shopping, we noticed a few persons in a wheelchair rolling up behind a couple of wheelchair vans.  We were curious as to how they could enter the vans from the back instead of the side as we were used to seeing.  Without hesitation, their caretakers pushed a button and both backs opened, revealing a lift.

The lift on these wheelchair vans lowered down allowing each person to roll onto it, then lifted them into the back of the vehicle.  I watched as each person entered and mounted themselves into a spot specified in the floor just for them.  The caretaker took extra precaution to ensure that each person’s chair was strapped securely to the floor of the van before departing.  I sat and wondered to myself how they could accept this life they were given along with all of it’s’ peculiarities without a moment’s hesitation.  Then I realized it wasn’t really for me to question, got into my car, and proceeded home.

Wondering who concepted the Wheelchair vans?

I wonder sometimes who even came up with the concept of wheelchair vans?  Did someone just sit down one day and decide to invent this wheelchair accessible van that would allow handicapped individuals of all types the ability to rise up into a cab and travel as if they were a regular person?  Why did they invent this?  Why did they find this to so ultimately important that they had to share it with the rest of the world?

Was it some regular Joe that woke up one morning ready to do good for the rest of the world by creating this lift that allows handicapped people easier access to vehicles, or was it an actual handicapped person who said the wheelchair vans should have these specific lifts along with other major modifications?  What prompted this chain of events?  What spoke to this person and made them come up with a concept that would inevitably affect a huge portion of unlikely person’s?

How to ease your mind when purchasing wheelchair vans

When purchasing wheelchair vans, some of the things you need to consider are how many passengers can the van accommodate?  Do you prefer side or rear entry?  Do you wish for your occupants to remain strapped to their chairs, or would you prefer them to sit as regular passengers in a normal seating arrangement?

How would you like them to enter the wheelchair vans?  By ramp or by chair lifts?  While considering each option, you should take into account the cost factor.  With each moving part, you can expect to pay more.  A ramp will cost significantly less than installing a lift into the side of said vehicle.  If the parts of the lift decide to stop operating, can you afford the cost of fixing it, or the insurance to cover such costs?  There are so many factors when choosing a vehicle used to transport such valuable things as your children or other family members.

From Motivation to Handicap Vans

I was watching a show about a woman who did not have legs and her goals in life. She wanted to drive and it amazed me how much they could modify handicap vans to help accomplish these tasks. I believe that everyone should have the same opportunities whether they are handicapped or not. I was impressed by her determination and drive. I really believe that sometimes having a difficulty in life can make you want to work harder. She did not want to give in and just accept that she could not do something she worked to overcome her difficulties.

The more I thought about this the more it made me ashamed to not work harder to achieve my goals. I went to college to become a nurse but I did not pursue my education further. I wanted to go to school for my nurse practitioner and work in a doctor’s office. Now whenever I see handicap vans I think of my goals and what I could do to pursue them.

The Amazing Modifications of Handicap Vans

I was thinking about trying to purchase a handicap van for my special needs son. He has a wheelchair and it would be much easier to take him places if I had a place for the wheelchair. I decided to look online and see what I could find. I found that I can buy a van already modified used which is not a bad option. I found lots of information about the ramp style and resale value. The ramp can go from the side of the van or the back of the van.

I found out about all the different modifications that can be done to handicap vans such as hand controls, driving aids, wheelchair tie downs, lifts and platform carriers, portable wheelchair ramps and so much more. It really is amazing how much they can do to vans to help people with special needs. All I need is a wheelchair accessible van although wheelchair tie downs would be nice so I wouldn’t have to get him out of his wheelchair at all.

Hand Controls in Handicap Vans

My friend was searching online for handicap vans. We found that they can come with hand control that gives people with physical disabilities the capability to drive using alternate methods. The hand controls come in a variety of structures specified to the user’s needs and wants. The hand controls can have many different configurations and can be paired with a variety of steering wheel options to accommodate many different driving systems.

The hand controls are pretty cool because they allow the driver to operate both the brake and gas pedal using levers. My friend was looking up the handicap vans because he had a stroke and would like to have his freedom back and driving was a big part of that to him. He was never dependent on anyone else, he was never married and for him to have to rely on other people was a big blow to his self-esteem. I hope that he will regain as much of his freedom that he possibly can.

Lots of Different Driving Aids for Handicap Vans

As we were searching for handicap vans we found lots of neat driving aids. These aids are used to assist with the mobility needs of a driver to even operate a non-modified van. Some of the aides include pedal extensions for gas and brake pedals which gap the distance from your foot to the gas or brake pedal. It is customizable according to your height. Another of the aids is a handy bar that is designed for helping people get in and out of almost every type of vehicle.

This is a great idea to help people to use their current vehicles if they need a driving aid they can access it without have to buy a new handicap van or modify their current vehicles. Personally I would rather have a person to drive me around but I understand why some people like to drive themselves. Just because they have a physical challenge doesn’t mean that they should not have the option to drive if that is what they wish.

There are Many Different Handicap Vans Grants

Money is tight these days. I know that I am constantly struggling just to make ends meet. When I ended up needing a handicap van because my husband was in a car accident I didn’t know what to do. Now that he was not able to work I was really going to be strapped for cash. I began searching for ways to get help with obtain a van for my husband.

I found out that there are many different grants and funds out there to help assist people to buy handicap vans. The initial step of the process was to gather up all of the information that would be needed to fill out the application for the grant. Next I needed to write out what my intentions were for the grant money if it was awarded to me. I needed to obtain a copy of my husband’s medical records in which I highlighted what his disability is and the severity of its impact on our lives.

A Handicap Vans for a Special Little Girl

When I started working as a car sales person I found my area I wanted to work in. It was a busy day and I saw some costumers walk in with their little girl in a wheelchair. She was so sweet and she really touched my heart. They were looking for handicap vans so that they could easily put their daughter’s wheelchair in.

As hard as I tried we had no handicap vans in stock so I started searching for information on vans. I found information on grants for them and information on used vans. I found information on modifying vans and the different types of ramps. The more I searched the more I found and the family was so thankful for all of my help. It felt very good to help a family that has more than enough of their share of problems. The thanks that I got made me happy for weeks so I decided to try to help families get handicap accessible vans.

The Handicap Vans for the Special Campers

When I was a camp counselor I found out that I could work in a special department of the parks department. I decided to transfer to working with the special needs kids. They were so excited to be packed up in our handicap vans to go on our camp outing.

I loved seeing all of their faces light up as we got everything ready. It was also nice to not have 30 campers at a time. I was responsible for 5 campers and they were so sweet. I had a helper and the nurse was with us as well. As our handicap van pulled up to the camp site the campers started cheering. We had so much fun for a week and I really enjoyed spending the time with my girls. They went swimming and we roasted marshmallows by the fire to make smores. We told ghost stories and stayed up late. I felt like a kid again.

The Handicap Vans to Go to the Mall

When I was searching for a handicap van for my son I found lots of different options. The main thing I realized is that I can get grants but it was not going to be an easy process. Then I noticed how his face lite up when we said we were going out. He stayed at the house most of the time and I felt bad that he didn’t get all of the normal experiences that my other kids got.

I decided that I had to pursue getting the handicap van for him. I wanted to take him to the mall and to the park. I wanted him to meet new people and have friends that he could visit. I wanted him to enjoy going out and not just go out to the doctor’s appointments. I tried to take him to church as much as I could but it was so hard to fit his wheelchair in the minivan.

The Handicap Vans at the Zoo

 I was sitting in the park on day by the local zoo and just watching people. I watched the kids with their parents play together and go to the zoo. Then I watched a handicap van pull up. It was interesting to watch the healthcare workers get all of the wheelchairs out with the excited people. They were going on a field trip to the zoo. They were older adults but I could hear them and they reminded me more of kids. I couldn’t help but smile to myself as I watched them.

I went about my day and returned to my spot on the park bench later that day. I hoped that I would see the handicap van as I sat down. I wanted to see how the people enjoyed their day at the zoo. I did not see it as I looked around. I felt a little disappointed but I could imagine how much fun they had.

My Grandmother’s Handicap Vans Escapades

My grandmother loved her handicap van. She maintained her independence even while she was unable to walk around anymore. We went everywhere in that van and she was able to get her wheelchair in and out and even drive. It amazed me at how they were able to modify the van especially for her needs. The driver seat was removed and the lift would pull her wheelchair to the driving seat position. She would strap herself in and use hand controls to drive the van.

I loved watching her drive. I know it made her feel normal and free. She and I would go to the grocery store to shop and even to the movies together. My grandmother really was my best friend. When she passed away I could not get rid of her handicap van. It reminded me too much of her. Then I realized that she would not want me to hold on to it. She would want someone else to be able to use it.

Finding a Good Home for the Handicap Vans

I finally brought myself to the point to think about giving up my grandmother’s handicap van. I would cry because I missed her so much since she passed away. I knew she wouldn’t be around forever, but I still wasn’t prepared for her to go. We went everywhere together in that van, so when she first passed away, I would sit in the van and listen to our music and cry.

My mom said she was worried about me grieving so much, for so long. She said that my grandma would not want me to be holding on her van crying every day. She was right so I told my mom we could find a good home for the van. We put in ad in the paper and waited. We got a call on day from a young man who was looking for a handicap van for his dad. It was exactly what they needed and I know that grandma would be happy to be able to help someone one last time.