Seniors Breeze Through Airport Lines—Sort Of

Going on an accessible vacation? You should know that in March, the Transportation Security Administration posted a sign in four airports notifying passengers age 75 and older that they can leave light jackets on and don’t have to remove their shoes while going through certain lanes at security.

If the pilot program is successful, it will be expanded, but those age 75 and older must still go through the scanning machines and possible patdowns.

The TSA is working on its image; last fall, it began allowing children 12 and younger to pass through security with a similar senior policy. But it still fails in other areas.

Recently, three women—one 89 years old—complained they were forced to disrobe during a secondary screening.

And in April, The Dept. of Transportation (DOT) assessed a civil penalty of $50,000 against a airline for violating rules protecting air travelers with disabilities.

DOT also said the airline failed to provide the same passenger with adequate assistance in pre-boarding and getting on and off the plane, despite receiving advance notices that the individual had a disability and needed assistance prior to the flight.

The Dept. received a total of 38 disability-related complaints in February 2012.

• DOT requires airlines to provide assistance to passengers with disabilities while boarding and deplaning aircraft, including the use of wheelchairs, ramps, mechanical lifts and service personnel where needed.
• DOT operates a toll-free hotline to assist air travelers with disabilities. The hotline provides general information to consumers about the rights of air travelers with disabilities and responds to requests for printed consumer information. It also assists air travelers with time-sensitive disability-related issues that need to be addressed in “real time.”

• Air travelers who experience disability-related air travel service problems should call the hotline at 1-800-778-4838 (voice) or 1-800-455-9880 (TTY) to obtain assistance.

The National Mobility Equipment Dealers Association (NMEDA) is an advocate for mobility and accessibility for drivers with disabilities. If you need help with converting or buying a handicap accessible car, truck or van, please consider one of our mobility equipment dealers.

Photo Credit: flickr.com/photos/khawkins04

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If you have recently become a person with disabilities in a wheelchair or a senior with reduced strength that makes driving difficult, the jargon of the mobility industry is probably confusing. Terms like “accessible van” and “side entry wheelchair ramp” are self explanatory, but words like “adaptive,” “conversion” and others may be a little blurry to newcomers.

• Adaptive means something that has been changed or modified to suit a new or different purpose. If a vehicle is adapted for wheelchair use, the floor may be raised, a lift or ramp installed, doors widened and more.
• Hand controls are adaptive equipment and devices that allow seniors and a person with limited or no lower body or leg movement to drive using the hands only. These may include steering devices, accelerator, brakes and other functions that have been altered for use by one’s hand. Vehicles can have hand control levers (and foot pedal operation) so they can be used in a standard manner.
• Conversion is what they do to a van or other vehicle to make it accessible and driveable to those with disabilities. A vehicle rolls off the assembly line at a manufacturing plant as a passenger van without ramps or lifts or other wheelchair or accessible equipment. The van is modified by a separate company that installs accessible and adaptive devices. It is then called a conversion van for someone with disabilities.
• Kneeling refers to the van which actually “kneels” by lowering itself closer to the ground for easy ramp loading and unloading. (Air suspension puts the magic in kneeling.) It makes it easier to get a wheelchair into and out of the vehicle.

An adapted or converted vehicle often has other special controls and more unfamiliar terms, but these basics will get you started on the road to freedom – purchasing your own full-size van, minivan, SUV or truck.

The National Mobility Equipment Dealers Association (NMEDA) is an advocate for mobility and accessibility for drivers with disabilities. If you need help with converting or buying a handicap accessible car, truck or van, please consider one of our mobility equipment dealers.

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The upcoming New York Metro Abilities Expo in Edison, New Jersey on May 4-6 will be bigger and better than ever. With internationally known organizations and companies like—including NMEDA—you’ll find tons to wow about. But for people with disabilities and seniors, Abilities Expos offer much more.

Each Expo is a place where all your options are presented, including ones you’ve never dreamed of. They always have fascinating and helpful booths and demos—like the assistive technology pavilion; adaptive sports demos; and low-cost, every-day gadgets to make lives easier.

But don’t overlook the free workshops! No need to register—just show up. A few are highlighted below:

Comprehensive Automotive Mobility Solutions – Presented by Bussani Mobility. (Geared to therapists and qualifies for 0.1AOTA CEU, but all attendees are welcome.) Automotive mobility solutions to assist health care practitioners in understanding and advocating for individuals seeking vehicle modification solutions. Also teaches the unique process in evaluating, selecting and purchasing appropriate options.

Be Independent!  Be Empowered!  Be Employed! – Presenters will discuss career-planning, places to search for a job, job interviews and job training. Includes resumé review and an interactive mock interview session.

Accessible Travel Workshops: With the Paralympics coming up in London in June, these should give you great tips.

Friendships beyond Facebook: Discusses online “friending” on such sites as Facebook, including basic social media etiquette. Learn to optimize your social media experience and get tips for moving beyond the computer to build meaningful, healthy connections in real life.

Plus, Abilities Expos are fabulous places for networking and making lasting connections with people like you from across the country.

This Expo is at the New Jersey Convention & Expo Center. Visit abilitiesexpo.com to pre-register or for more info. Also find them on Facebook. The remaining Expos for 2012 are June 29-July 1 in Chicago, Aug. 3-5 in Houston, Nov.2-4 in Singapore, Nov. 16-18 in San Jose.

The National Mobility Equipment Dealers Association (NMEDA) is an advocate for mobility and accessibility for drivers with disabilities. If you need help with converting or buying a handicap accessible car, truck or van, please consider one of our mobility equipment dealers.

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Military service veterans who use wheelchairs don’t just watch sports – they’re part of the action! They enjoy competitive events like air guns, archery, basketball, bowling, field events, handcycling, motorized wheelchair rallys, nine-ball, power soccer, quad rugby, slalom, softball, swimming, table tennis, track, trapshooting and weightlifting.

Those are the sports offered at the largest annual wheelchair sports event in the world to be held in Richmond, VA, June 25-30, 2012 – the National Veterans Wheelchair Games.

It is a multi-event sports and rehabilitation program for military service veterans who use wheelchairs due to spinal cord injuries, amputations or certain neurological problems.

The event, which attracts more than 500 athletes each year, is presented annually by the Dept. of Veterans Affairs (VA) and Paralyzed Veterans of America.

While past Games have produced national and world-class champions, the Games also provide opportunities for newly-disabled veterans to gain new skills and be exposed to other wheelchair athletes.

• Typically, one quarter of the competitors have never before participated in any type of organized wheelchair sports competition.
• Athletes compete against others with similar athletic ability, competitive experience or age.
• Don’t miss the mobility dealers’ Disabled Sports, Recreation & Fitness Exposition to see the latest and greatest mobility products and services.
• Admission is free to the public.

For more information or to check for schedules, updates and videos, visit www.pva.org/Games or www.wheelchairgames.va.gov.

No matter your age or athletic ability, there is an adaptive sport for you. If you aren’t sure which one is suitable for your disability, visit the Sports Club Finder at va.gov/adaptivesports. It connects you with community-based programs, including Paralympic Sports Clubs, developed to provide sports programming and physical activity opportunities for disabled Veterans along with youth and adults with disabilities, regardless of skill level. All programs and activities at these organizations are based in the community and run by the local organization.

The National Mobility Equipment Dealers Association (NMEDA) is a sponsor of the National Wheelchair Games and is an advocate for mobility and accessibility for drivers with disabilities. If you need help with converting or buying a handicap accessible car, truck or van, please consider one of our mobility equipment dealers.

Photo Credit: Apparelyzed.com

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After visiting NMEDA’s National Mobility Awareness Month website, you can’t help but be moved by the Local Heroes’ inspiring stories and videos. They put a face on those nominated – and you realize they could be neighbors, co-workers or the nice lady at the grocery store.

They also give more meaning to the National Mobility Awareness Month‘s tag line – “Life Moving Forward.” You see how people with disabilities truly make life move forward – and it makes you want to vote for everyone.

Celebrating Local Heroes also has deep-felt meaning to the National Mobility Equipment Dealers Association and its members across the U.S. and Canada. That’s why they will give away three wheelchair accessible vehicles to encourage seniors, veterans and people with disabilities to enjoy an active, mobile lifestyle by making more people aware of the many automotive mobility solutions provided by NMEDA members.

In support of the awareness month, sponsors such as Toyota, SanTan Honda Superstore, and Chrysler will provide vehicles to be customized by NMEDA members BraunAbility, Vantage Mobility International and Bruno Independent Living Aids.

To nominate yourself or someone else, go to http://www.NMEDA.com and click on “Dealer Locator” to find a dealer near you. If you contact the dealer, you can get that dealer’s promotional code that earns your nominee 5 points when you submit the nomination at National Mobility Awareness Month‘s website. This step isn’t mandatory, but it gives you 5 votes when you submit the story or video – and 5 votes could make a difference in whether you get in the top 10% of winners.

If you want to vote for someone, you can vote once every 24 hours per IP address (that means per household if everyone shares the same internet connection), but the optional dealer code can only be used one time throughout the duration of the contest by the same IP. You can however, share the dealer promo code with family and friends who can also use it one time per IP (or per household) to give the nominee 5 points too.

New Local Hero stories are accepted through May 13, which is also the last day for voting. Some entries have no votes yet and some have thousands but with the contest running for over a month, there’s plenty of time to rally friends and family to get more votes.

If you haven’t read any yet or seen the videos, make time to visit and vote. See how people with disabilities truly make their lives move forward. And how you can make a difference.

The National Mobility Equipment Dealers Association (NMEDA) is an advocate for mobility and accessibility for drivers with disabilities. If you need help with converting or buying a handicap accessible car, truck or van, please consider one of our mobility equipment dealers..

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Looking for events of interest to people with disabilities and are accessible? Here’s a short list to check out and perhaps add to your calendar.

MAY 4-6: Abilities Expo-New York Metro at New Jersey Convention & Expo Center. Expo for people with disabilities, their families, seniors, vets, caregivers and healthcare professionals. It has product offerings, free workshops and free consumer workshops. Stop by the wheelchair van and adaptive equipment booths to see the best-known names in the industry. For full info, visit abilitiesexpo.com. The next one is in Chicago June 29-July 1.

MAY 31-JUNE 5: National Veterans Golden Age Games in St. Louis, Missouri. Military veterans age 55 or older who receive health care at any VA medical facility are eligible. It is the only national multi-event sports and recreational seniors’ competition program designed for all older veterans, including those with a wide range of abilities and disabilities. Visit veteransgoldenagegames.va.gov.

June 25-30: National Veterans Wheelchair Games in Richmond, VA. Each year more than 500 novice and experienced athletes meet for a week of archery, swimming, weightlifting, basketball, quad rugby and more. It’s the largest annual wheelchair sports competition of its kind in the world where veterans realize their abilities and potentials while enjoying the spirit of the healthy activity and fellowship. For additional information visit pva.org.

Aug. 24-25: United Spinal Association’s Independence Expo in Orlando at Marriott World Center. This expo offers consumer workshops, exhibits, interactive shows, resources and innovative products available to improve your independence—all under one roof. Visit independenceexpo.org.

Aug 29-Sept. 9: London 2012 Paralympic Games: World-class sporting action will take place in London and across the UK at the London 2012 Paralympic Games, which coincides with the Olympic games. This year there are 20 sports in the Paralympic program. Visit london2012.com.

The National Mobility Equipment Dealers Association (NMEDA) is an advocate for mobility and accessibility for drivers with disabilities. If you need help with converting or buying a handicap accessible car, truck or van, please consider one of our mobility equipment dealers.

Photo Credit: Abilities Expo

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Every vehicle needs maintenance on a periodic basis, and a wheelchair-accessible vehicle is no exception. Do you take your van to a regular mechanic occasionally for oil changes and tune-ups and then a mobility dealer for the adaptive equipment check-up every six months?

Going to two different places when you don’t need to is poor time management. For smooth operation of your time, handicap van and adaptive equipment, skip the mechanic and take it to a mobility dealer – many can do both in just one trip.

Be sure your conversion and equipment is serviced by a mobility technician accredited by the National Mobility Equipment Dealers Association (NMEDA). They will have the training and experience needed to maintain and repair complicated, high-tech systems and controls installed in a modern handicap van. NMEDA dealers have expertise in dozens of features that a regular mechanic is not trained to repair. A small sample of the list includes:

• Inspect and operate each mobility feature to recognize any problems and do necessary lubrication and repair
• Inspect and test transfer or jump-seat operation
• Inspect the ramp drive arm
• Clean and lube all conversion hinges
• Lubricate the entire kneel system
• Inspect wheel chair tie-downs (belts, floor track, tie down bolts, etc.)
• Check platform and platform attachment points
• Check hydraulic system and power unit

Ask if the dealer offers a service package that provides maintenance for the vehicle (engine, transmission, etc.) and also inspects, troubleshoots and performs full maintenance and service on the conversion and its systems (lift or ramp, hand controls, tie-downs, power seats, etc.)

To find a certified dealer near you, visit NMEDA.com, a non-profit association that helps you find and select quality dealers (NMEDA members) who sell and maintain quality products. Click on the “Dealer Locator” icon on the home page. NMEDA’s Quality Assurance Program (QAP) ensures that you get the best equipment you need with the best customer service.

The National Mobility Equipment Dealers Association (NMEDA) is an advocate for mobility and accessibility for drivers with disabilities. If you need help with converting or buying a handicap accessible car, truck or van, please consider one of our mobility equipment dealers.

Image Credit: FreeDigitalPhotos.net

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Want to participate in a fast action sport? Try sledge hockey (also called sled hockey) – an exciting ice skating experience for people with disabilities. It’s growing in popularity with Americans with disabilities. In fact, every state has a sled team; and both the U.S. and Canada have national sled hockey teams that compete in international tournaments as well as the Paralympics.

A competitive version of ice hockey, it is played on regulation ice by people with lower limb mobility impairments, like spina bifida or cerebral palsy. The beauty is that to play, you don’t need skating experience. Just strap on an aluminum sled and propel yourself over the ice with short sticks with spikes on one end and a shooting blade on the other.

Sleds have double runners on the bottom with blades for maneuvering and propulsion. They can be spread out for easier balance; advanced players push them close together to make it easier and faster to turn.

Two sticks with a narrow curve are used to propel you around the ice. Each stick has picks on the bottom to grip the ice. The top end includes a blade to hit the puck. The sticks are shorter and the action is closer to the ice.

A number of hockey rinks have been built around the country that are sled-accessible, meaning they have slides running from the doors of the bench area to the actual bench area.

Do an online search for “disabled hockey” to find a rink or sled hockey association near you. A sled hockey association has rental sleds. And ladies, don’t worry about finding enough other females to play – sled hockey has both genders on the same team.

Watch sledge hockey at this summer’s Paralympics in London, which always runs parallel to the Olympics in the same host city.

The National Mobility Equipment Dealers Association (NMEDA) is an advocate for mobility and accessibility for drivers with disabilities. If you need help with converting or buying a handicap accessible car, truck or van, please consider one of our mobility equipment dealers.

Photo Credit: Tech. Sgt. Cecilio Ricardo

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Spring has sprung and the greens are lush. It’s time to play golf! Don’t be left behind. Whether you want to learn the game or hone your skills, there is a golf program for those in a wheelchair, disabled veterans, amputees, those with a stroke, MS, cerebral palsy, vision impairments or any class of people with disabilities or mobility issues.

Many solutions exist for whatever stops you from enjoying the game of golf, from carts to clubs to accessories and specialty devices.

• Adaptive golf carts now have swivel and extending seats and armrests to play while seated as well as elevating lifts that allow paraplegics and others with limited leg strength to play from a standing position.

• Adaptive golf clubs can have special grips for those with missing fingers, deformed hands, osteoarthritis or loss of strength.. Some are specialized for seated or standing golfers. Some club shafts are bent for seated individuals.
• Gloves and grip aids include prosthetic golf grip devices, elastic gripping devices and more.
• Accessories include tee setters and ball retrieval systems to reduce bending. One device even stabilizes your balance.

Search for a golf program for those with disabilities in your area to get tailored instruction from golf instructors certified to teach. For more information, Google “adaptive golf.” Also check out national associations like the National Alliance for Accessible Golf (accessgolf.org), Disabled Sports USA (dsusa.org), United States Golf Assoc. (USGA.org) or Royal Canadian Golf Assoc. (RCGA.org).

The Adaptive Golf Foundation of America (agfofamerica.com) has scrambles, classics, opens, championships and tournaments across the country throughout the year.

Get on the course and share your story on the 19th hole.

The National Mobility Equipment Dealers Association (NMEDA) is an advocate for mobility and accessibility for drivers with disabilities. If you need help with converting or buying a handicap accessible car, truck or van, please consider one of our mobility equipment dealers.

Image Credits: European Disabled Golf Association

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Have you heard? National Mobility Awareness Month in May, will end with a free wheelchair accessible vehicle for three “Local Heroes?” And you could be a winner.

The awareness campaign is one way the National Mobility Equipment Dealers Association will help show folks that seniors and people with disabilities can live an active, mobile lifestyle with the help of an accessible or handicap van and/or accessories.

Supported by national spokesperson Mike Savicki, a wheelchair athlete, and utilizing NMEDA’s network of members, the goal of National Mobility Awareness Month is to educate the public that:

• People with disabilities constitute the second largest minority in the United States.
• More than 18,000,000 people in the U.S. and Canada have mobility issues.
• 6,000,000 of those are veterans.

Help is available:

• Automotive mobility solutions are available for people with disabilities enabling them to enjoy active, mobile lifestyles.
• Mobility equipment manufacturers, dealers, driver rehabilitation specialists and other professionals in your community are dedicated to improving the lives of seniors and people with disabilities.

NMEDA and its members are holding an online Local Heroes contest, which opened March 18. Seniors and those with disabilities can share stories of dealing with or overcoming mobility challenges. Three Local Heroes will win custom wheelchair-accessible vehicles.

Either written or videotaped stories can be submitted from people living in the U.S. and Canada and be showcased by national and local media throughout the month. Visit MobilityAwarenessMonth.com for all the details.

Visitors to MobilityAwarenessMonth.com will vote for their favorites. Voting begins April 1 and ends May 13. Encourage your family and friends to vote for you.

Toyota Motor Sales, USA, Inc. is donating a 2012 Sienna Minivan; SanTan Honda Superstore is donating a Honda Odyssey; Chrysler LLC is giving away a 2012 Town & Country Minivan; and van conversions companies Braun Corporation, Vantage Mobility International, and Bruno Independent Living Aids are providing the conversions. Other NMEDA members have also donated mobility equipment so that the vehicle may be customize to fit individual needs.

The National Mobility Equipment Dealers Association (NMEDA) is an advocate for mobility and accessibility for drivers with disabilities. If you need help with converting or buying a handicap accessible car, truck or van, please consider one of our mobility equipment dealers.

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