The wheelchair provides increased mobility to millions of individuals every day. But sooner or later, wheelchair users will want to travel in a vehicle. Those who do so face uncomfortable transfers from the wheelchair to the vehicle. They are also confronted with the difficult task of loading and unloading the wheelchair.
Wheelchair lift vans can restore the mobility, freedom, and independence that wheelchair users thought they had lost forever. The extra room provided by a van converted for wheelchair use makes it possible for families to travel together. Wheelchair users with active lifestyles and hobbies have what they need to continue their lifestyle even though their abilities have been changed. Seniors can continue their role in families and communities as helper and resource persons with a wheelchair lift van. Of course, the ease of entry and exit, plus the additional cargo space make wheelchair lift vans a boon for caregivers and assistants.
One type of wheelchair lift van available on the market today is the minivan conversion. Popular minivan models are modified to include a lowered floor which allows easier entry and increased headroom. Carpeting is extended below removable seats to provide complete coverage. Control switches are placed in multiple locations to provide alternate control points.
Full-size van conversions offer even more options for increased mobility. Converted full-size wheelchair lift vans typically include a lowered floor and a raised roof. Extra high doors allow easy entry and exit. Attached wheelchair lifts have a capacity of up to 600 pounds (or in some cases up to 800 pounds).
There are also several types of wheelchair lifts that can be fitted to your van without requiring a complete conversion. Some lift mechanisms are installed inside the van doorway. They are designed to hydraulically extend and lift the wheelchair user to the height of the van floor. Cassette wheelchair lifts mount under the doorway and extend to provide a ramp or lift.
If the wheelchair user is able to transfer from the wheelchair to standard vehicle seating, then additional options are available. The need in this situation is to provide a way to lift and transport the wheelchair to the next destination. A range of products are available to meed this need.
The lowest price option is to first determine if your current vehicle is compatible with a wheelchair lift. Your type of wheelchair may also have an impact on the type of lift that you can use.
If a van conversion seems to be the best option, then you should investigate possible funding opportunities. Each individual is unique, but there are programs that may partially or fully cover your expense. For example, veterans can take advantage of Veteran Administration programs. State agencies my help as well. Of course, your insurance may include disability coverage. Many vehicle manufacturers also offer rebates specifically for wheelchair users.
It may be possible to locate used wheelchair lift vans for sale in your area. Rental wheelchair lift vans are available as well. From time to time, these rental agencies offer their vehicles for sale.
If you have the desire to maintain an active lifestyle, then there's no reason why a wheelchair should get in your way.
Wheelchair lift vans allow wheelchair users to maintain active lifestyles