Category — Handicap Accessible

If you have mobility problems and want to find an easier way to get around, getting a van or car equipped to transport your wheelchair is probably your best bet. Buying a new car or van with this expensive equipment might not be in the budget for many people, so it might be a good idea to consider looking at used wheelchair vans as an option. This can be a great way to save significantly on the equipment you need to get around. There are many tips that can save you time finding the perfect vehicle for your needs.

One great way to find a variety of used wheelchair vans is by shopping online. This will give you the opportunity to find many options in a very short time, right in your area. This can cut back on the headaches of looking through newspapers of car lots trying to find a cost effective solution. There are many websites today that specialize in vans like this, making it even easier to find what you need. The simple fact is, this time-saving option can get you the van you need in the shortest amount of time, allowing you to enjoy a much better quality of life even sooner. [Read more →]

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 →]

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

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