Category — Handicap Accessibility

For those facing limited or nonexistent mobility, the quality of life enjoyed can suffer dramatically. However, this does not need to be the case. Modern mobility equipment can offer individuals with disabilities that chance to regain their lost freedom and boost their quality of life significantly. In particular, wheelchair vans and mobility lifts offer the chance to ride anywhere in comfort, without worrying about being limited by your wheelchair.

Wheelchair lifts offer a simple way to enter and exit a vehicle. There are many different styles on the market, and you’ll need to make sure that you choose one with a weight capacity that matches your needs. Different types of lifts have different weight limits, ranging all the way up to almost 700 lbs. so choose your lift carefully.

When it comes to wheelchair vans, you have a very wide range of options. You can choose from minivans, such as the Honda Odyssey and the Dodge Grand Caravan. You can also choose full size vans from manufacturers such as Ford. Minivans offer better maneuverability, but full size vans provide more interior room. Wheelchair lifts can be installed in both minivans and full size vans, but full size vans can rarely use a ramp. Minivans can also feature a power kneeling system that lowers the rear suspension of the van, making it simpler and easier to use a ramp instead of a lift.

No matter what type of solution you need, you’ll find that wheelchair vans can be outfitted with the equipment required to meet your needs. IMED Mobility provides customers with access to the best in mobility equipment, as well as the best service in the industry. Whether you want a minivan outfitted with a ramp or a full size van with a slide-away lift, you’ll find the perfect solution.

Are you looking for a way to increase your mobility and your freedom? Traditionally, this has been very difficult for handicapped individuals to accomplish. However, an accessible van can give you back the freedom and independence that you thought long lost. How do these vans work? What should you know about buying one? Here, you’ll learn a few important tips for finding the right vehicle for your needs.

Find the Right Configuration

Much like regular vans, you will find that you have a wide selection of vehicles from which to choose when you decide to purchase an accessible van. However, all of this can be boiled down to two primary options – minivans and full size vans. Both have pros and cons. For instance, minivans usually need to have their floor lowered, which means modification to the original body. However, they are more maneuverable. Full size vans do not require any lowering of the floor, but they are larger and more difficult to maneuver. You will need to determine which configuration appeals to you the most. [Read more →]

Getting the transportation you need can be quite an expensive endeavor when there are mobility problems involves.  Wheelchair accessible vans can be too costly for many people, forcing them to think of other ways to regain their independence.  One great and cost effective option to consider is used handicap vans.  This can give you the freedom to get around and enjoy regular activities without the expense of a new vehicle.  There are many ways vans like these can benefit you and there are a variety of options that give you access to various used vehicles that will meet your needs.

Once you’ve determined the type of used handicap vans you’ll be shopping for, it’s time to figure out the best way to find the right van for you.  You’ll want to know the features you need and the type of lift that will work for you so you can make sure to get the best van possible.  You need to decide if you’ll be the driver or the passenger first, as this will have a major impact on the type of vehicle you’re looking for.  Once you’ve figured out the details, it’s time to start shopping for the right van. [Read more →]

Are you confined to a wheelchair or a mobility scooter?  If so, then you certainly understand just how difficult it can be to get around and to accomplish even minor tasks outside the home.  A lack of mobility can reduce your quality of life, and can even result in depression and frustration.  However, a wheelchair lift might just be the thing that you need to give you back a degree of mobility and freedom.  What should you look for in one of these devices?

Know Your Options

There are several different types and styles of wheelchair lifts available from many different manufacturers.  For instance, you will find a full platform lift, as well as hoist-style lifts.  These are used for many different purposes.  One type is designed simply to help you get your wheelchair or mobility scooter up and into the trunk of a car or stowed in the back of a van.  However, other types can actually lift both you and your chair into the vehicle.  From this point, it is a simple process to secure you in the chair, allowing you to ride easily.  Finding the right type of wheelchair lift for your needs and budget is important. [Read more →]

For those confined to a wheelchair, getting out and about is an enormous chore. Even something as simple as running to the corner store can be an onerous task. However, there are ways that this can be changed. If you are confined to a wheelchair or have significant mobility issues, then a wheelchair van might just be the best option. What might you find with these vans? What makes them a good option for your needs? Let’s consider a few of the most pertinent benefits found with these vans and how they affect your life.

Better Mobility

Of course, increasing your mobility is the entire reason for buying a wheelchair van. However, you will find that the increase is quite dramatic. Because these vans are manufactured to accommodate your specific needs, you will be able to ride (or even drive!) in considerable comfort. Instead of not leaving the house because of the hassle and the discomfort, you are free to go where you want, when you want, without the limitations imposed by regular cars, trucks and vans. [Read more →]

Anyone with mobility problems will almost certainly employ the use of various handicap lift products designed to make their life easier. Depending on your level of mobility and your specific needs, you’ll find a multitude of different products that can improve your quality of life and allow you to regain your independence. Before you start buying products, it’s a good idea to examine the options to make sure you get the right thing for your home, office, or automobile. From wheelchair lifts to hydraulic lifts, you’ll find many options that can improve your life.

Wheelchair lifts are common handicap lift products that can help you move your wheelchair with very little assistance. Often, products like this are designed to allow those with mobility problems to get up or down the stairs on their own or use their automobile to regain some independence. When it comes to your home, you might have a vertical lift, a step lift, or a stair lift. A vertical lift is more common to large public buildings and is simply referred to as elevators. In the home, it can be a great way to get around, but can be quite costly. A stair lift is an alternative that still allows you to get up the stairs safely, but won’t set you back as much as a vertical lift.

A sling lift is a handicap lift designed to help patients that need to be hoisted into bed or moved from place to place more easily. This is for people with very limited mobility and can be used in nursing homes, hospitals, or in your home. They could be ceiling-mounted or mounted with overhead tracks, depending on your needs and it’s best to seek a doctor or nurse’s advice as to which option would be best for you and your loved ones.

Another type of handicap lift product is a sit-to-stand lift. This is a great option for patients that have some mobility, but lack the muscle control to rise to a standing position on their own. This allows them to have a sense of independence and continue to use their muscles without injuring themselves. Products like these are designed to help those with mobility challenges find ways to improve their quality of life and become more independent. They are also helpful to loved ones as ways to help them take better care of their mobility-challenged family member.

IMED Mobility locations offer customers the innovative Sure Grip hand controls to aid in driving their wheelchair vans. The Roseville, Minnesota location will now have all four different styles on display.

These include a “lock out” disable feature which comes in handy if someone else is driving the van because the driver cannot accidentally hit the brake or the gas. “This really comes into play when you take your vehicle into a service station or to get the oil changed,” Ron Iverson of IMED Mobility in Roseville said. “There have been numerous incidents of techs smashing someone’s vehicle by accidentally hitting the gas on the hand controls.”

Four Types of Hand Controls
1. The Push/Rock Hand Control is the original Sure Grip device which allows a driver to keep both hands on the wheel and is the lowest fatigue available. By pushing forward for break and locking for gas, this convenient hand control position is the most versatile of anything on the market.

2. To operate the Push/Right –Angle, a person pushes forward for break and pulls down for gas, allowing for continual contact with the steering wheel while accelerating. The shortened throw system stays out of a driver’s lap and has a shorter stroke, making acceleration easier. No need to worry about extra leg clearance while accelerating.

3. The Push/ Pull hand control also has a shortened handle. Push this handle forward to break and pull back for gas. The shortened handle reduces the amount and range of moving components while acceleration. It also allows your hand to maintain contact with the steering wheel while at all times applying accelerating. This frees up your other hand to operate secondary functions while driving down the road. The Sure Grip Push/Pull control is much more comfortable to use than other Push/Pull controls on the market and has plenty of leg room.

4. The last new hand control is the Push/ Twist, which has a great pedal feel and an adjustable handle to allow for maximum comfort. By pushing forward for breaking and twisting for gas, this hand control offers smooth acceleration and easy breaking. The standard adjustable thumb/hand support is utilized to provide leverage to reduce fatiguing while accelerating.

If you have any questions about the Sure Grip hand controls please contact our mobility consultants at IMED Mobility in Roseville, Minnesota or Tea, South Dakota by visiting imedmobility.com or dial toll free at (800) 570-0236.

Depending upon your budget, you might not know whether you should buy a new or used wheelchair accessible van. If you want the latest model van and conversion, and you do not want to drive something that another person has driven, you should buy new. Those who are on a budget or who do not care if they have the latest model may want to check out the used vans in stock.

To find the best mobility van for your needs, you will want to contact one of our reps for a consultation. If you decide you need some extra help in affording a van, our mobility consultants can help you with a lender and/or their local bank.

If you want to save some money on your handicap accessible van, no matter the size or style that you choose, you can buy used.

IMED Mobility in Tea, SD and Roseville, MN has a variety of used vans ready for purchase. The used vans are a great choice for anyone who doesn’t have enough to afford a brand new model. They have safety features and plenty of options just like the new vans do, and they will come with a warranty. Take care of your used van with regular maintenance for the vehicle and the mobility equipment and it will last a long time.

When you are in the market for a new or used wheelchair van, no matter the model you want, give IMED a call. We can help you find the van you want with all the features you need.

Shopping for your wheelchair accessible van is an exciting experience. Wheelchair vans can offer you an incredible amount of freedom. One of the best perks of having a van is the power to no longer rely on someone else. With the use of a hand control and your wheelchair van, you can be completely independent.

You will be able to browse the different vehicles that are available and find something that matches with your aesthetic sensibilities and personal needs. With dozens of different van conversions and models available, you should be able to find a van that is just right for you. Sometimes, however, choosing a vehicle that is the right fit for you can be a bit stressful.

The first step you need to take is to contact a certified mobility consultant to ensure that you pick the vehicle you pick is right for you, with as little stress as possible. Mobility consultants can make sure you are aware of the different types of conversions and accessories that fit your specific requirements.

Contact a mobility consultant to learn more about wheelchair vans today!

IMED Mobility in Tea, SD and Roseville has some of the best certified mobility consultants out there. Don’t hesitate to give IMED a call or stop on in.

IMED Mobility in Tea: 1-866-803-2200

IMED Mobility in Roseville: 1-800-788-7479