It’s no secret that finding the funds to purchase a wheelchair van can be a Catch 22 for someone with a disability. For starters, many wheelchair users have enough other accessibility and medical-related expenses that it’s difficult to afford a wheelchair van. And obviously it can be hard to find quality employment without reliable transportation to and from your job.
If you’re looking for ways to afford a wheelchair accessible vehicle, make sure you’ve researched all possible options first. While you may not find a way to cover the vehicle’s cost, the possibilities below may go a long way in getting you on the road to independence.
USED VEHICLES
First of all, every BraunAbility dealer has a good selection of quality used vehicles. Many dealers would agree that wheelchair vans - because they are so critical to their owners - are some of the most well-maintained vehicles on the road. An important point to make: avoid the temptation to search used accessible vehicles on sites like eBay. Make the trip to your nearest BraunAbility dealership and try out the wheelchair van before you make a purchase. Buy one you haven’t tested first-hand (especially a handicap van), and you may end up with a vehicle that you can’t rely on, or in some cases, can’t even fit into!
FUNDING AGENCIES AND ORGANIZATIONS
Although regulations vary from state to state, you may have luck checking with your Department of Vocational Rehabilitation or Division of Developmental Services. Many state offices will cover the cost of adaptive equipment that allows a person with a disability to remain in the workforce. And, of course, if you’re a veteran you should check with the Veterans Administration Agency, which provides assistance to qualified veterans who need to equip a vehicle with adaptive equipment.
Many nonprofit organizations offer support for mobility modifications. Whether the nonprofit is related to a medical condition (National M.S. Society or Easter Seals) or is a charitable organization (Knights of Columbus), you may find financial assistance through any number of nonprofits.
FUNDRAISERS
Although it takes a good deal of time and effort, fundraising is another alternative that many of our customers have found helpful. While fundraising may not afford the entire cost of a vehicle or its conversion, many customers have come up with the funds for a down payment through local efforts, from charitable motorcycle rides to flower sales to golf outings.
And a few final considerations: BraunCredit is a program that gives customers the convenience of financing where you buy your vehicle. And, of course, your insurance or workman’s compensation policies may include coverage for your type of disability. Don’t overlook other opportunities to further reduce your costs. Your doctor’s prescription, for example, may exempt your purchase from sales tax.
A wheelchair van is an investment….and it’s not inexpensive. There are ways to make the purchase more affordable. If you have any suggestions for the disability community on how to make mobility more affordable, please share them!
Agor Enterprises provides and designs vehicle and in home mobility solutions making the world accessible for people with disabilities. Agor Enterprises is a member of NMEDA and is QAP certified. Agor Enterprises is committed to providing the highest standard of safety and service in the industry. Built on the principal that dedication, service to the customer, and quality are paramount in running a successful business, Agor Enterprises continues to be a leader in customized solutions for the physically challenged. Agor Enterprises has also equipped golf carts, lawn mowers, tractors, and houses with various adaptive devices. We continue to welcome challenges to provide solutions that enable independence.
When looking for the least expensive car, van or accessible equipment for a loved one with a disability, Internet-only dealers may seem to have great deals. They can offer cheap prices because they don’t pay for a brick-and-mortar storefront, don’t pay for a staff of professionals, service people or much else.
But, there are many disadvantages from buying your adaptive vehicle online. You can’t see, feel and try out the product. And most products for those with disabilities must be customized to that person. If it doesn’t fit their height, weight or special needs, it will cost much more to have it altered than just the original price.
When you buy locally from a National Mobility Equipment Dealer, you can see, feel and try-out the product, meet the owner or staff and shake their hands. You will also receive an in-person evaluation before your purchase so you can be sure you are getting the right solution customized to your needs. That doesn’t hold true with an Internet-only business.
According to the Council of Better Business Bureaus, before you buy you should:
- Check with the Better Business Bureau at http://www.bbb.org.
- Inquire if it is a member of a reputable dealers association.
- Ask about follow-up service, if you need it. Many sellers don’t have the expertise or facilities to provide service for the goods they sell.
- Never give out your bank account number, credit card number, or personal information unless you’re certain a company is legitimate.
- Always use a secure Internet browser that “encrypts” or scrambles your personal or financial information. The http in the web address should say “https” – the “s” is for “secure.”
- If you do business with an Internet-only company, print out a copy of your order and confirmation number for your records.
- Try to pay by credit card. If you don’t get the merchandise, you can challenge the charges with your credit card issuer.
Remember the old adage; you get what you pay for.
Agor Enterprises provides and designs vehicle and in home mobility solutions making the world accessible for people with disabilities. Agor Enterprises is a member of NMEDA and is QAP certified. Agor Enterprises is committed to providing the highest standard of safety and service in the industry. Built on the principal that dedication, service to the customer, and quality are paramount in running a successful business, Agor Enterprises continues to be a leader in customized solutions for the physically challenged. Agor Enterprises has also equipped golf carts, lawn mowers, tractors, and houses with various adaptive devices. We continue to welcome challenges to provide solutions that enable independence.
As all of us age, our bodies and abilities change in ways that may affect our ability to drive. Vision, perception, reaction time, and physical functioning are all factors that play into our ability to drive safely. Fortunately today, older drivers have many options to assess their driving abilities and make modifications that can enable them to drive safer for longer.
For caregivers of elderly drivers or older drivers themselves, recognizing the warning signs of possible impairment to driving abilities is crucial. Here is a list of warning signs:
- Stops observing signs, signals, or other traffic
- Requires help from other passengers
- Slow or poor decision making abilities
- Becomes easily frustrated and confused
- Gets lost frequently, even areas that are familiar
- Drives at inappropriate speeds (too fast or too slow)
- Unable to stay in proper lanes or makes wide turns
- Increasing frequency of accidents or near misses
Older drivers are mostly able to properly self-regulate their driving abilities, so for those who have noticed any of these warning signs in themselves or a loved one, the first step is to get a driving evaluation. A proper driving evaluation performed by a certified driving rehab specialist will examine the following:
- Medical history and any current medications
- Vision
- Functional abilities
- Perception
- Reaction Time
- Behind-the-Wheel Evaluation
Finding a certified driving rehab specialist is as easy as using the American Occupational Therapy Association’s (AOTA) website tool or calling your local rehab hospital. Once an evaluation is completed, if a driving evaluator finds deficits in any of these areas, they can either recommend a complete cessation of driving or conduct easy training to improve in areas that need it.
If functional and physical abilities are the only hindrances to driving safely, simple equipment changes can often fix the problem. For example, if older drivers are having difficulty getting in and out of their vehicle a turning automotive seat could be an easy solution that will keep them mobile for longer. Better mirrors, improved space inside the vehicle, and other minor equipment changes can do wonders for older drivers as well.
It is a myth that getting older drivers off the streets will make for safer roadways. Older drivers are often the safest and are statistically proven to be less likely to drink and drive. If you are concerned about your parent’s ability to drive or your own ability to drive, there are many options for maintaining independence and staying mobile for many years to come.
Agor Enterprises provides and designs vehicle and in home mobility solutions making the world accessible for people with disabilities. Agor Enterprises is a member of NMEDA and is QAP certified. Agor Enterprises is committed to providing the highest standard of safety and service in the industry. Built on the principal that dedication, service to the customer, and quality are paramount in running a successful business, Agor Enterprises continues to be a leader in customized solutions for the physically challenged. Agor Enterprises has also equipped golf carts, lawn mowers, tractors, and houses with various adaptive devices. We continue to welcome challenges to provide solutions that enable independence.
We hear a lot of talk about which accessible vehicle to buy. It all depends on your unique mobility needs and your lifestyle. (Do you tote around business equipment, a wheelchair or have tons of friends?) There are several sizes to choose from:
Sedans
It’s difficult for anyone to get into the back seat of a 2-door vehicle. A 4-door is easier. If you use a walker or wheelchair, you need a car with a roomy trunk and a low lip height for easier loading. Some sedans have a hatchback in place of a trunk lid – the entire back of the vehicle lifts up for easier loading.
Sedans and hatchbacks are roomy enough for portable manual wheelchairs, electric wheelchairs that can be disassembled, compact or partially dissembled scooters and walkers.
Station Wagons
A station wagon has a old school connotation but they are typically roomier than a sedan and handy for loading with its tailgate at the rear. Fold-down rear seats accommodate either passengers or cargo.
Station wagons have ample space for manual wheelchairs, compact electric wheelchairs, electric scooters and walkers.
Minivans
Minivans are taller than a sedan or station wagon and easier to maneuver than full-sized vans. Many have sliding doors as well as out-swing doors. They come in large, compact, mini and micro sizes.
Minivans can hold manual wheelchairs, many electric wheelchairs, electric scooters and walkers.
Full-Size Vans
Full-size vans are designed to transort cargo and/or groups of people. They are taller than other private vehicles and ideal for larger families or those with “cargo”- i.e. power wheelchairs.
Full-size vans are spacious enough for manual wheelchairs, 2 electric wheelchairs, electric scooters and walkers.
Depending on your budget, you can also adapt SUVs, Pick-up Trucks and some Sports Cars. With the rising price of gasoline you will want to consider how important good gas mileage is to you versus style and convenience.
Consider the future: Buy a vehicle not just for today, but for tomorrow’s possible needs.
Agor Enterprises provides and designs vehicle and in home mobility solutions making the world accessible for people with disabilities. Agor Enterprises is a member of NMEDA and is QAP certified. Agor Enterprises is committed to providing the highest standard of safety and service in the industry. Built on the principal that dedication, service to the customer, and quality are paramount in running a successful business, Agor Enterprises continues to be a leader in customized solutions for the physically challenged. Agor Enterprises has also equipped golf carts, lawn mowers, tractors, and houses with various adaptive devices. We continue to welcome challenges to provide solutions that enable independence.
Every week I have people come in our showroom to ask about the different types of seats, lifts and ramps they can purchase to make their vehicle wheelchair user friendly? While talking with them I find that many people chasing their disability. Chasing your disability is thinking about what your current needs are and never thinking about how your needs may change in the future. Many people don't think about how their abilities may diminish in a couple of weeks, months or years.
I had a client come in to buy three Turning Automotive Seats, one for each new vehicle purchase he has made. By the time he paid off the Turning Automotive Seat he no longer can use them, now his disease has progressed to the point that he can’t use them at all. This past year he decided “what the heck maybe I should get a van”. NOW he truly understands that he was chasing his disability. In doing so he has spent money equivalent to the cost of a van conversion but is left with three seats that are no good to anyone.
Understanding your current reality is great, but when making a big purchase considerations need to be made for the future. If you have a disease that is progressive, being newly diagnosed is hard enough and then you get hit with the costs of everything you need combat your disease. If are facing this situation, you need to understand where you are headed and make sure you are not spending money on equipment that you will grow out of when you could have spent wisely towards equipment that would suit your long term needs.
Agor Enterprises provides and designs vehicle and in home mobility solutions making the world accessible for people with disabilities. Agor Enterprises is a member of NMEDA and is QAP certified. Agor Enterprises is committed to providing the highest standard of safety and service in the industry. Built on the principal that dedication, service to the customer, and quality are paramount in running a successful business, Agor Enterprises continues to be a leader in customized solutions for the physically challenged. Agor Enterprises has also equipped golf carts, lawn mowers, tractors, and houses with various adaptive devices. We continue to welcome challenges to provide solutions that enable independence.
One of the most frequent questions asked of mobility dealers is "Where do I get help paying for a wheelchair van?" For people with disabilities who are interested in trying to go back to work, Vocational Rehabilitation may be a good source for wheelchair van funding.
Vocational Rehabilitation (also known as Voc Rehab) is a government organization that was setup under the Rehabilitation Act. While Voc Rehab receives federal funding it is completely state run, and therefore the policies, procedures, and budgets for voc rehab may vary slightly from state to state. However, the main goal of vocational rehabilitation is the same: getting people with disabilities back to work.
The nice thing about vocational rehabilitation is that it serves ANYONE with a disability, regardless of income. While some services are provided on sliding scales, no one is turned away because of how much or how little their current income is. Furthermore, according to the requirements set forth in the rehabilitation act people with the most severe disabilities are served first.
Essentially, all a work candidate has to do is visit their local vocational rehabilitation office, undergo an eligibility assessment, and once approved, will have a specific action plan created for them. Depending on their desired profession, disability, and skill set, the services rendered can range from transportation services, college stipends, housing coordination, and other services to help that individual achieve their personal employment goals.
As far as funding for wheelchair transportation services, this comes down to the individual needs of the person with a disability. If a person needs help paying for a wheelchair accessible van, typically vocational rehabilitation will go through a bidding process with approved mobility dealers in order to secure the equipment the person needs.
While vocational rehabilitation may pay for the cost of any conversion equipment, the vocational rehabilitation client is generally responsible for the cost of the chassis. This is where a QAP certified mobility dealer can help in finding affordable new vans to be outfitted with handicapped equipment. Mobility dealers can also accept trade ins of non-accessible vehicles to help cut down on the costs of the vehicle itself.
If you are disabled, interested in getting back to work, but require wheelchair accessible transportation in order to do so, Google "vocational rehabilitation [your state's name]" for your local office contact information. Your independence is never worth giving up on, and vocational rehabilitation counselors are some of the most compassionate, understanding people.
Agor Enterprises provides and designs vehicle and in home mobility solutions making the world accessible for people with disabilities. Agor Enterprises is a member of NMEDA and is QAP certified. Agor Enterprises is committed to providing the highest standard of safety and service in the industry. Built on the principal that dedication, service to the customer, and quality are paramount in running a successful business, Agor Enterprises continues to be a leader in customized solutions for the physically challenged. Agor Enterprises has also equipped golf carts, lawn mowers, tractors, and houses with various adaptive devices. We continue to welcome challenges to provide solutions that enable independence.
Disabilities like Lou Gherrigs disease, Guillian Barre, and total paralysis are often hard to understand by the general public. To be a prisoner in your own body while retaining a lucid mind frame is unimaginable by most. With such great physical limitations, these everyday heroes are often left with few forms of effective communication, independent living, and creative outlets. However, Eduardo Miranda has provided an avenue for such creativity by inventing a program that allows those without muscle control from the neck down a way to create music through eye movement, brain waves, and attention levels.
Although brainwave programs are already in existence, most focus on the user controlling a mechanical device such as a wheelchair or mechanical arm. Miranda’s project goes beyond existing music programs that make an audio representation of the user’s brainwaves to give the user full control of the music he or she composes by using a system of “buttons” on a computer screen. The level of attentiveness changes the size of the “button” and produces a unique sound. Of course as with any musical instrument, practice makes the process easier to control, however for those that live with a disability that limits body movement, a new realm of creative expression has opened up.
Based on electroencephalogram technology that reads the users brainwaves and eye movement detection to determine attentiveness levels and specific buttons for the user to concentrate on, this program puts the former composer and computer music specialist at the top of breakthrough programs that enhance the quality of life for a person with very limited independent movement.
Miranda remains inspired to further cultivate his invention into other outlets of expression for those that have limited mobility. His determination and bold explorations into uncharted scientific territory will continue to set mile markers and name him as both an advocate and hero within the disabled community.
Agor Enterprises provides and designs vehicle and in home mobility solutions making the world accessible for people with disabilities. Agor Enterprises is a member of NMEDA and is QAP certified. Agor Enterprises is committed to providing the highest standard of safety and service in the industry. Built on the principal that dedication, service to the customer, and quality are paramount in running a successful business, Agor Enterprises continues to be a leader in customized solutions for the physically challenged. Agor Enterprises has also equipped golf carts, lawn mowers, tractors, and houses with various adaptive devices. We continue to welcome challenges to provide solutions that enable independence.
To say that Bettina Eistel is an accomplished dressage horse competitor with a disability is a huge understatement. With 2 silver and a bronze medal at the Vice-Europe in Portugal, 3 silver medals at the Vice World Champion in Belgium, 2 silver and 1 bronze medal at the 2004 Paralympics in Athens, 3 German Championships, and a bronze and silver medal in Hong Kong at the 2008 Paralympics, Eistel has quite the resume for any rider, let alone one with no arms.
Eistel was born with the birth defect when her mother was given Thalidomide, commonly given to pregnant mothers until it was later learned the drug was responsible for birth defects. Having no arms from birth, Eistel learned to do everyday tasks such as eating, drinking, putting on make-up, etc with her feet and toes. As a child, Eistel was enrolled in horseback riding lessons and taught herself the balance required to ride a horse as well as how to saddle, bridle, wash, and brush her horse with her feet.
Competing in horse dressage; a sport that features competitive horse training whose fundamental purpose is to develop, through standardized progressive training methods, a horse’s natural athletic ability and willingness to perform, thereby maximizing its potential as a riding horse, Eistel taught her horse to respond to a combination of voice commands, leg aides and head movements. Riding with boots that have cut outs for her toes, Eistel rides Fabuleax 5 (her horse) with two sets of reigns; one in her mouth and one in her toes.
Eistel hasn’t stopped with being a top of line horse dressage athlete. After high school, she completed college and went to work as a graduate psychologist in Hamburg, Germany. To add to her long list of accomplishments, her upbeat optimistic attitude landed her a job as a popular TV Talk Show Host with a weekly show.
Agor Enterprises provides and designs vehicle and in home mobility solutions making the world accessible for people with disabilities. Agor Enterprises is a member of NMEDA and is QAP certified. Agor Enterprises is committed to providing the highest standard of safety and service in the industry. Built on the principal that dedication, service to the customer, and quality are paramount in running a successful business, Agor Enterprises continues to be a leader in customized solutions for the physically challenged. Agor Enterprises has also equipped golf carts, lawn mowers, tractors, and houses with various adaptive devices. We continue to welcome challenges to provide solutions that enable independence.
Buying a wheelchair van for the first time can be overwhelming and we want to simplify the process by answering every question that a potential customer may have. One of the major questions surrounding a
purchase is, of course, the price. We acknowledge that it may be difficult to afford a necessary piece of equipment such as a wheelchair van. Thankfully, though, there are various resources that can be utilized when making such a large purchase. In our new series Wheelchair Van Funding, we will detail these various sources, financing options, Government agencies, Non-profit organizations.
Chrysler, Ford, GM, Saturn and many other automobile manufacturers offer “Mobility Programs” which were established to provide rebates to disabled drivers for the installation of adaptive equipment in any new vehicle, whether purchased or leased. Most lifts and carriers are eligible for reimbursement under the terms of these mobility programs. Companies such as BraunAbility offer special financing options unique to the customer’s own situation.
As always, speaking with one of our Mobility Consultants is a great way to know if there are special options available to you when it comes to financing or funding your vehicle purchase. We work closely manufacturers to assure our customers get the best possible value.
The Toyota Mobility Program
This program provides cash assistance of up to $1,000 of the cost of adaptive equipment, comprehensive mobility resource information, and it offers flexible, extended-term financing of up to 84 months for the vehicle and the adaptive equipment. They suggest a thorough review of NMEDA’s Comprehensive Automotive Mobility Solutions presentation to learn about the different types of vehicles and adaptive equipment. You can also speak with one of our Mobility Specialists who can evaluate your needs.
Reimbursements must be applied for by the original vehicle purchaser within 90 days of the completion of the adaptive equipment installation. Equipment installations must be completed within 12 months of the new Toyota vehicle delivery date.
For more information, contact the Toyota Mobility program (800) 331-4331 or (800) 443-4999 – TTY
Visit the Toyota Mobility Program Online
Chrysler Mobility Program
The Chrysler Automobility Program will provide cash reimbursement to assist in covering the cost of installing adaptive drive or passenger equipment on a vehicle. Conversions to minivans may be reimbursed up $1000 while all other Chrysler Corporation cars, and trucks qualify for a maximum of $750.
For more information, contact the Chrysler Mobility Program toll free at 800-255-9877 (TTY Users: 800-922-3826). In Canada call 800-265-6908 or 313-916-9448.
Visit the Chrysler Automobility Program Online
Ford Mobility Motoring Program
The Ford Mobility Motoring Program offers financial assistance of up to $1,200 for the installation of adaptive equipment, and up to $200 on alerting devices for hearing impairments, lumbar seats and running boards on new Ford Motor Company vehicle purchases or leases.
For more information, contact the Ford Mobility Motoring Program toll free at 800-952-2248 (TTY Users: 800-833-0312). In Canada call 800-565-8985.
Visit the Ford Mobility Program Online
GM Mobility Reimbursement Program
Under the GM Mobility Reimbursement Program, a customer may be reimbursed up to $1,000 of the cost of any eligible aftermarket adaptive equipment when installed (or reinstalled) on any eligible purchased or leased new vehicle manufactured by GM, including Buick, Cadillac, Chevrolet, GMC, HUMMER, Oldsmobile, Pontiac and Saturn divisions.
To take advantage of the GM Mobility Reimbursement Program, vehicles must be adapted within 12 months from the date of purchase/lease and a claim submitted within 90 days from the date of adaptation.
Please call the GM Mobility Assistance Center at 1-800-323-9935 (TTY 1-800-833-9935) with any questions. In Canada call 800-263-3777 or 905-644-6624.
Visit the GM Mobility Reimbursement Program online
Honda Customer Mobility Assistance Program
The Honda Customer Mobility Assistance Program is proud to support the mobility needs of drivers and passengers with physical disabilities. Honda will provide a reimbursement of up to $1,000 to each eligible, original retail customer for expenses incurred to purchase and install qualifying adaptive equipment on any eligible purchased or leased Honda vehicle.
For more information, contact Honda Automobile Customer Service 800-999-1009
The reimbursement request must be made within six months of the adaptive equipment installation.
Visit the The Honda Mobility Assistance Program Online
There are also options from the manufacturers of many popular accessibility products. BraunAbility offers a credit program that is easy and convenient, with competitive, low rates and flexible terms. Call BraunAbility (888) 690-1039 or speak with your Mobility Speacilist.
Visit the BraunCredit Program Online
Buying an accessible van doesn't have to be an unpleasant experience, even when you're thinking about money. Our Mobility Consultants want to help with any question or concern. Begin by contacting us with any questions you may have on vehicles.
Agor Enterprises provides and designs vehicle and in home mobility solutions making the world accessible for people with disabilities. Agor Enterprises is a member of NMEDA and is QAP certified. Agor Enterprises is committed to providing the highest standard of safety and service in the industry. Built on the principal that dedication, service to the customer, and quality are paramount in running a successful business, Agor Enterprises continues to be a leader in customized solutions for the physically challenged. Agor Enterprises has also equipped golf carts, lawn mowers, tractors, and houses with various adaptive devices. We continue to welcome challenges to provide solutions that enable independence.
John Clark, a 6th grade teacher for 20 years, finally retired when his disease, progressive spinal muscle atrophy, became too much to continue. Regardless of the disease, Clark continued his education from home, receiving a Master’s degree in poetry, which he writes with the use of a mouth stick. In 1998, he was even published in the American-Irish Historical Society’s journal, The Recorder, and several other publications.
Despite the seriousness of his disease and the physical limitations it put on his life, he never thought he would qualify for a service dog, because he always thought there were others more in need of one than himself. On a suggestion made by his brother-in-law, Clark finally applied for a service dog from Canine Companions for Independence, unaware that he had just begun the journey that would change his life as he knew it. After being accepted into the CCI training program, Clark and his family learned quickly that, in addition to an extensive vocabulary of a 125 words and 70 commands, Lex could also become Clark’s companion, life saver, and, most recently, his muse.
Lex became Clark’s hero one day when a hickory nut that was lodged between two flagstones of the driveway caused John’s wheelchair to go into an uncontrollable spin, sending him into a stucco wall, where he became wedged in with three of his four wheels off the ground. Lex came to Clark’s aid with no verbal prompting and began to inch the wheelchair by pushing the right then left sides of the back of the chair slowly back onto stable ground.
Clark, overjoyed at the dog’s heroic feat, wanted to thank his dog in an appropriate way and immediately decided that the dog’s actions went above and beyond that of an extra bone to chew. He began to write his rescue dog a 150-page book of sonnets, inspired not just by the disaster from which Lex saved Clark, but also by the everyday “rescues” as well.
The sonnets are about everything Lex can do, according to Clark. “The work that he does picking up my mouth stick if I drop it, turning on lights, that sort of thing. It also shows that he’s got a sense of humor. It shows his marvelous personality.”
The Joy of Lex: Life with a Service Dog boasts an introduction from critically acclaimed author, Dean Koontz, and was published on Clark’s independent label, Black Lab Books (www.blacklabbooks.com), where you can find other work by Clark as well.
Clark’s message to others who are disabled is the hope that they will not wait, as he had, to apply for a service dog to enrich their lives, as Lex has enriched his own.
Source: http://bronxville.patch.com/articles/a-dog-a-wheelchair-and-a-story-of-dedication-and-redemption
Agor Enterprises provides and designs vehicle and in home mobility solutions making the world accessible for people with disabilities. Agor Enterprises is a member of NMEDA and is QAP certified. Agor Enterprises is committed to providing the highest standard of safety and service in the industry. Built on the principal that dedication, service to the customer, and quality are paramount in running a successful business, Agor Enterprises continues to be a leader in customized solutions for the physically challenged. Agor Enterprises has also equipped golf carts, lawn mowers, tractors, and houses with various adaptive devices. We continue to welcome challenges to provide solutions that enable independence.
When shopping for a mobility equipped van, consumers can become quickly overwhelmed by the barrage of "junk" that they will find on the Internet. While it's easy to tell when some wheelchair vans for sale are a scam or in bad shape, sometimes what seems like a good deal is actually a disaster waiting to happen.
Let's say you're on Twitter and you see a Tweet that looks like this:
You're then taken to a car guide, which lists the van for sale with what seems like an incredible price. The seller may even have listed some enthusiastic customer reviews on their profile. Seems like a good deal right?
Be careful. What they don't tell you is the following:
- They don't have any record of what adaptations of been done to the vehicle
- No certified service facility in your area will work on this van if it breaks, due to liability issues
- Uncertified welders have worked on this vehicle
- For every good customer review, there are 10 other customers who have been stranded on the side of the road from dangerous equipment breakdowns and malfunctions
Obviously, this is not the case for every vehicle that is independently listed on-line. But if you are going to make a serious financial investment, and that investment means the difference between you being able to live your daily life or being stuck at home or stranded somewhere, why take an unnecessary risk?
You can take the risk out of the wheelchair van buying process, simply by deciding to only buy from a QAP Certified Dealer. QAP (Quality Assurance Program) is the only nationally recognized accreditation program for the Adaptive Mobility Equipment Industry. The designation as a QAP Certified Mobility Dealer indicates that the dealership is compliant with the highest possible standards for safety and quality control. Here is what you are guaranteed by buying from a QAP certified dealer:
- The mobility dealer maintains Product and Completed Operations and Garage Keepers insurance for liability purposes.
- The mobility dealer has certified welders if they perform structural modifications to vehicles.
- The mobility dealer has technicians certified for the equipment they sell, install and service.
- The mobility dealer maintains records of all adaptive work.
- The mobility dealer undergoes an inspection/audit process at least annually by an independent auditing firm to ensure compliance to the NMEDA Guidelines, certain aspects of the Americans with Disabilities Act, the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration's (NHTSA) Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standards (FMVSS) and "Make Inoperative" mandates.
- The mobility dealer abides by the Mediation Committee's decisions when a complaint is lodged by a consumer, a Dealer, or any other person or entity.
- The mobility dealer provides 24 hour service to their customers.
- The mobility dealer meets shop facility and equipment requirements.
- The mobility dealer has four-corner scales.
Don't put your safety or the safety of a loved one in the hands of a non-QAP certified wheelchair van seller. If you need assistance finding handicapped vans that comply with all mobility and safety standards, visit our wheelchair accessible vehicles page to view our entire inventory.
For more information about the QAP (Quality Assurance Program) feel free to contact us, and we'll be happy to talk to you about what the program means to you as a mobility consumer.
Agor Enterprises provides and designs vehicle and in home mobility solutions making the world accessible for people with disabilities. Agor Enterprises is a member of NMEDA and is QAP certified. Agor Enterprises is committed to providing the highest standard of safety and service in the industry. Built on the principal that dedication, service to the customer, and quality are paramount in running a successful business, Agor Enterprises continues to be a leader in customized solutions for the physically challenged. Agor Enterprises has also equipped golf carts, lawn mowers, tractors, and houses with various adaptive devices. We continue to welcome challenges to provide solutions that enable independence.
With the determination and drive of a superhero, Barry West and his 18 person team of assistants reached the summit of Ben Nevis, the highest peak in Britain on Sunday, April 10, 2011. In a total climb of 18 hours to ascend and descend, Barry and the volunteer assistants, aptly named Westy’s Warriors, took a 20 minute victory celebration at the peak of Ben Nevis after pushing, pulling, and carrying Barry in a self-made snow ready wheelchair prototype.
West and his Warriors are thought to be the first wheelchair user and team with a crew member having the level of disability Barry has to conquer the mountain in the snow. Barry refuses to stop there and already has his sights set on even greater accomplishments. Next on his list is to complete is the Three Peaks Challenge consisting of a climb of Snowdon, Wales, and Scafell. Ben Nevis in Britain was a warm up to the biggest challenge of Kilimanjaro, a 19,340 peak in South Africa next year.
Barry was paralyzed from the neck down in a car accident when he was just 19. Through assistance from organizations like the Back Up Trust which assists people with spinal cord injuries by helping them come to terms with their new life, West has accomplished skiing trips, repelling expeditions, scuba diving, and sky diving. West truly knows no limits.
West has turned his paralysis into a career by working as an instructor for multiple activities for power wheelchair users as part of the Back Up Trust organization that helped him reclaim his active life after the accident. In addition, Barry designs both business cards and T-Shirts using a computer controlled by a mouth stick.
Barry has been training with his Warriors that act almost like a team of huskies for an Alaskan sled team. For the past two years, he and his team have been exploring the safest way to get Barry up and down a mountain safely. Ben Nevis was only the first of many explorations for the active West.
Source: http://news.scotsman.com/scotland/Wheelchairbound-Barry-and-his-amazing.6750114.jp?articlepage=1
Agor Enterprises provides and designs vehicle and in home mobility solutions making the world accessible for people with disabilities. Agor Enterprises is a member of NMEDA and is QAP certified. Agor Enterprises is committed to providing the highest standard of safety and service in the industry. Built on the principal that dedication, service to the customer, and quality are paramount in running a successful business, Agor Enterprises continues to be a leader in customized solutions for the physically challenged. Agor Enterprises has also equipped golf carts, lawn mowers, tractors, and houses with various adaptive devices. We continue to welcome challenges to provide solutions that enable independence.
University of Michigan researchers have found 52 accidents over the last three years that involved vehicles transporting people in wheelchairs. Those injuries were blamed on the improper use of wheelchair vehicle restraints. The study found that simply strapping a wheelchair to the floor of a bus or minivan was not enough protection.
Even though in most of these accidents the wheelchairs were secured, in most cases they were not secured properly.
"By and large, many of these injuries are preventable if the restraints had been used, or used properly," said Gina Bertocci, a professor who works in wheelchair transportation safety at the University of Louisville in KY.
According to a 2007 survey, 1 in 7 wheelchair users who rode on public transportation never used restraints, simply because they did not know how or the driver did not take the time to use the wheelchair securements and lap belts. Under the American Disabilities Acts (ADA), wheelchair users are only required to use restraints on public transportation if every other passenger in the vehicle is also required to use restraints.
"If we're not going to require the general public to wear seat belts on buses, we shouldn't require people with disabilities," said Lex Frieden, a former head of the National Council on Disability who helped draft the ADA in the mid-1980s. "Clearly, one could argue we need to look after the well-being of the people using these vehicles, but that leads us to a patronizing approach."
Ethical issues on equality aside, it's difficult to argue that wheelchair users using wheelchair seat belts and wheelchair tie downs is not important for safety. The Rehabilitation Engineering Research Center (RERC) on Wheelchair Transportation Safety has done extensive research into wheelchair transportation safety. Here is a demonstration of what can happen if you are not using wheelchair tie downs and seat belts properly:
Whether you are riding in passenger vehicles like wheelchair vans, or you are using public transportation, for your own safety please use the restraints and wheelchair securement systems properly. If you need training to show you how to properly secure your wheelchair, our mobility specialists will be happy to demonstrate for you using the same type of restraints used on most public transportation vehicles, like those from Q Straint and EZ Lock.
Agor Enterprises provides and designs vehicle and in home mobility solutions making the world accessible for people with disabilities. Agor Enterprises is a member of NMEDA and is QAP certified. Agor Enterprises is committed to providing the highest standard of safety and service in the industry. Built on the principal that dedication, service to the customer, and quality are paramount in running a successful business, Agor Enterprises continues to be a leader in customized solutions for the physically challenged. Agor Enterprises has also equipped golf carts, lawn mowers, tractors, and houses with various adaptive devices. We continue to welcome challenges to provide solutions that enable independence.