Category — Handicap Accessibility

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

Finding a good wheel chair accessible hotel can be a challenge. With so many lodging options from which to choose, disabled travelers need a quick way to compare hotels and identify the accommodations that best meet their special needs.

The following trip planning steps serve as a guide to help you choose the right wheel chair accessible hotel that can make the difference between a great vacation or a frustrating trip.

1. Begin by narrowing your list of hotel choices.

While wheel chair accessibility is the top priority for a disabled traveler, many travel agents and travel reservation sites forget that a person with a disability has other needs too.

In addition to good mobility access, disabled travelers are also interested in amenities such as a swimming pool, restaurants in the hotel, pet accommodations, and internet access.

Therefore, look for reservations sites that offer advanced search capabilities that allow you to select the specific accommodations you need and amenities you desire. This will enable you to develop a list of viable lodging choices for your trip.

2. Call the hotel directly and ask questions.

Calling each wheel chair accessible hotel and asking the following questions can quickly determine if the hotel is disability-friendly and right for you.

• “Do you provide special disability services?” This should be the first question you ask. The answer you receive will immediately indicate the property’s experience and desire in assisting disabled travelers.
• “Which floors are the disabled rooms located?” It is important to be on or near the ground floor in case of an emergency, especially when elevators are not in service.
• “Are the disabled rooms ADA compliant?” If the answer is yes (and it should be), ask for specifics on how the room is equipped to accommodate ADA guidelines.
• “Can the beds and other furniture be moved in order to make the room more comfortable and accessible?” Depending on the room size and configuration, you may not need to make any adjustments. Yet, it is a good question to ask particularly if you are unfamiliar with the hotel brand.
• “How high is the bed and is it easily accessible from a standard wheelchair?” Some hotel beds rise 30 inches or more from the floor. While, wheelchair seats may be under 18 inches. Be sure to confirm that the bed height will enable you to easily get into bed without assistance.
• “Does the hotel provide a wheel chair accessible shuttle to nearby tourist attractions and public transportation?”
• “Is disabled or handicap parking available?” You may want to follow-up by asking how many spaces are allocated per wheelchair accessible room.

3. Listen “between the lines.”

A disabled traveler should be listening for clues that indicate the hotel has a good understanding of the difficulties faced by an individual with a disability.

If the reservation desk at the wheel chair accessible hotel is knowledgeable about ADA requirements such as passages, counter heights, door hardware, bathroom fixtures, and roll-in showers, there is a good chance the property frequently serves disabled guests.

However, be wary of a hotel representative that appear to promise too much. If the hotel seems too good to be true… it probably is