Ask people with disabilities—when purchasing a handicap or accessible van—size matters. The full-sized van is a good option for those with a large family, those who travel often, those with additional equipment and accessories, those who need to tow large loads, or big or tall passengers or drivers.

Most minivans do not have roof modifications so you don’t have as much interior space.  Roomy full-size vans gain space by raising the roof, lowering the floor or both, and also have the advantage of more power and load carrying capacity.

Full-sized van:

• Its weight-carrying capacity is significantly more than a minivan’s. It can hold the weight of a power wheelchair and even accommodate two individuals in wheelchairs.
• It offers a lowered floor for the center, passenger or driver position; raised roof, raised doors; lifts and adaptive driving aids.
• A raised roof makes it easy for someone to enter the van seated in a wheelchair or for a caretaker to tend to them or walk in and out of the entrance.
• Doors are raised in conjunction with a roof to enable a person in a wheelchair to enter without having to bend over or have a caretaker tilt the wheelchair back.
• Larger wheelchairs or motorized wheelchairs require floor-lowering or roof-raising modifications that a full-size van allows.

Plan for tomorrow: If your condition may worsen over time, purchase or lease a full-size van for today’s needs and those of your future.

Deal with experienced mobility professionals that understand your situation, preferably a dealership with NMEDA membership and QAP – Quality Assurance Program accreditation.

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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A mobility equipment dealer can modify your new or used RV with whatever you require. The most common type of customization involves installing a wheelchair lift and widening the vehicle’s entrance and interior aisles to accommodate the wheelchair’s width.

Other common adaptations might include lowering the bed and toilet, installing hand control systems, wheelchair tie downs and handrails in strategic positions or modifying the shower and/or tub.

RVs carry their own water and waste management system. All you need is an electrical hookup at an RV campsite, state or national park or, if necessary, a generator.

Google “accessible RV parks”  or “accessible RV campgrounds” for locations along your route. Access varies with each camping location, so check out the website or call beforehand. Be sure it has hard-surface cement or asphalt sites, not gravel or sand.

Think about it, you wouldn’t have to stay in a hotel or motel again, as RVs are totally self-contained living quarters on wheels. They have open floor plans with kitchens; barrier-free, roll-in showers with grab bars; extra-wide interior doors; and whatever bells and whistles you desire.

For a list of accessible RV parks in the U.S., visit HandicappedTravelClub.com.

If you don’t travel often enough to justify purchasing an RV, search for a place that rents accessible RVs. Start looking well in advance of your trip.

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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Through April 2012, the DSUSA Winter Series will include more than 100 events hosted by 43 DSUSA chapters and affiliates in 21 states.

Events include beginner to elite ski races, race training, learn-to-ski or snowboard, Nordic ski programs, sled hockey, biathlon and adaptive instructor training.

Programs for the wounded warriors are part of DSUSA’s Warfighter Sports program, which offers sports rehabilitation programs free of cost to severely wounded warriors.

The schedule also includes the Diana Golden Level I Race Series for youth with physical disabilities.

SkiTour will again be supported by U.S. Paralympics, a division of the U.S. Olympic Committee, through funding provided U.S. Dept. of Veterans Affairs.

DSUSA chapters hosting SkiTour events are highlighted below by state. To view the SkiTour calendar of events, visit www.dsusa.org.

Alabama:  Lakeshore Foundation
California:  Disabled Sports Eastern Sierra; Disabled Sports USA Far West; San Diego Adaptive Sports Foundation; US Adaptive Recreation Center
Colorado:  Adaptive Sports Association; Adaptive Sports Center; Breckenridge Outdoor Education Center; Challenge Aspen; Ignite Adaptive Sports; National Sports Center for the Disabled; Steamboat STARS; Telluride Adaptive Sports Program
Idaho:  Sun Valley Adaptive Sports
Illinois:  Adaptive Adventures; Great Lakes Adaptive Sports Association
Maine:  Central Maine Adaptive Sports; Maine Handicapped Skiing
Maryland:  Blue Ridge Adaptive Snow Sports
Minnesota:  Courage Center Duluth
Montana:  Eagle Mount- Bozeman; Eagle Mount- Great Falls
New Hampshire:  Ability Plus; Bretton Woods Adaptive; New England Disabled Sports
New Mexico:  Adaptive Ski Program
New York:  Adaptive Sports Foundation; Greek Peek Adaptive Snowsports; STRIDE Adaptive Sports
North Carolina:  SUDS Diving, Inc.
Pennsylvania:  Pennsylvania Center for Adapted Sports; Three Rivers Adaptive Sports; Two Top Mountain Adaptive Sports Foundation
North Carolina:  DSUSA Chattanooga (SPARC)
Texas:  Operation Comfort
Utah:  Common Ground Outdoor Adventures; National Ability Center
Vermont:  Bart J. Ruggiere Adaptive Sports Center; Vermont Adaptive Ski and Sports
Virginia:  Wintergreen Adaptive Sports
Washington:  Adaptive Action Sports; Outdoors for All
West Virginia:  Challenged Athletes of West Virginia

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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Registration for the largest annual wheelchair sports competition in the world, the National Veterans Wheelchair Games, is now open through April 15, 2012. Scheduled for June 25-30 in Richmond, Virginia, this event offers sports to veterans with disabilities who use wheelchairs due to spinal cord injuries, amputations and neurological diseases.

There’s still time to get in shape. Competitive sports include air guns, archery, basketball, bowling, field, handcycling, a motorized wheelchair rally, nine-ball, power soccer, quad rugby, slalom, softball, swimming, table tennis, track, trapshooting and weightlifting.

• A variety of exhibition or demonstration sports which vary each year will be featured.
• The games provide opportunities for newly disabled veterans to gain sports skills and be exposed to other wheelchair athletes.
• Athletes compete in all events against others with similar athletic ability, competitive experience or age.
• Typically one-quarter of the competitors have never before participated in any type of organized wheelchair sports competition.
• While many of the athletes were injured in service to their country, many were injured as civilians. Common non-military causes include motor vehicle accidents, diving accidents, falls, or through disease or illness.

There are no entrance or registration fees. Registration information is available on the Paralyzed Veterans of America Web site, on the Sports and Recreation page: http://www.pva.org/. You can also contact your nearest VA medical facility (Recreation Therapy or Rehabilitation Medicine Services) or Paralyzed Veterans of America chapter (sports department) for more information.

Completed registration packets must be submitted by April 15 to:

National Veterans Wheelchair Games Registration, Paralyzed Veterans of America, 801 Eighteenth Street, NW, Washington, DC 20006-3517.

For more information, call Alison Faulk, Local Host Coordinator, at (804) 675-5265 or Mary Hobbs, Veterans of America Sports and Recreation Program, at 800-424-8200 or 202-416-7752.

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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In 2012, the Abilities Expo has scheduled 6 exhibitions across the country for people with disabilities. The first will be in Atlanta Feb. 17-19.

This unique exhibition displays the latest accessible products and services to people with physical disabilities, their families, seniors, caregivers, healthcare professionals, people with vision and hearing impairments and those with developmental disabilities.

It features cutting-edge technology cars, vans, conversions and accessories. It’s a great way to see a variety of wheelchair accessible vehicles and accessories in one location. You can spend hours asking questions and comparing products and services from different companies.

The Expo also highlights wheelchairs, adaptive home furnishings, daily living aids, assistive technology fitness gear, travel services and more.

Admission is free! Wander around and see everything or visit the website beforehand at (www.abilitiesexpo.com) for a list of participating exhibitors and plan your day(s). With onsite discounts, many offerings are discounted exclusively for Abilities Expo attendees.

Don’t Miss:

• Free workshops: Learn about purchasing the best accessible vehicle and mobility devices; get tips on accessible living, dating, financial planning, fitness, travel, canine companions and more.
• Events and activities: Adaptive sports, dance performances, gravity-defying stunts, technology showcases, canine assistance demos and much more. You can get involved or just enjoy.
• The Assistive Technology Pavilion features the latest AT products with wide ranges of physical, sensory and intellectual disabilities.

• Test your skills at adaptive sports, watch canine assistance demos and more.

• It’s for kids, too, with products and services created with children in mind, kid-focused activities, sports, crafts, games and more.

Exhibitors include many leading companies. Check them out at www.abilitiesexpo.com. Click on the city you desire, then “The Expo,” then “Exhibitor List.”

The first 2012 Abilities Expo is in Atlanta Feb. 17-19, followed by Los Angeles March 30-Apr 1, then New York May 4-6, Chicago June 29-July1, Houston Aug. 3-5, San Jose Nov. 16-18.

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 vehicle please consider one of our mobility equipment dealers.

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Wheelchair accessible vans are not just for people with disabilities. An accessible vehicle can ease the pain of driving if you suffer from arthritis or other joint diseases. It’s the little things about your car that can be excruciating—like getting into it, fastening your seat belt, turning the key to start the engine, steering, reversing, etc.

When purchasing a new or used vehicle, start with a mobility specialist at a mobility equipment dealership. They can help you weed out features for anyone with difficulties and choose modifications and adaptations to suit your particular driving problems.

Consider the following for ease when driving:

Getting in and out

• When getting into or out of a car, your hips and knees must be able to move at least 90 degrees. If yours don’t, a swivel seat might be the answer.
• If that’s still painful, ask about a turning seat; it automatically gets you from the seat to the ground and vice versa.

Seating

• Firm seats are best for those with arthritis, and a bench seat is easier than a bucket seat. Leather seats or a beaded seat cover help make sliding easier.
• Best of all is an electric adjustable 6-way transfer driver seat.

Doors and trunks

• Open and close the doors. If they are too heavy, consider another model.
• Look for trunks that open and close automatically.

Keyless, adjustable, automatic!

• Keyless entry and ignition lessen the stress on aching finger joints.
• Hand controls make it easier to control all aspects of the car.
• An adjustable steering wheel takes the ache out of your back and shoulders.

Check with a mobility equipment dealer for these and other features that will help keep you in the driver’s seat. Consider purchasing from a Quality Assurance Program (QAP) dealer who offers in-person evaluations and 24-hour emergency 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 vehicle please consider one of our mobility equipment dealers.

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Effective March 15, 2012, any gas pump with reach heights of operable parts over 54 inches above the driving surface will be in violation of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), putting the station owner at risk of fines or lawsuits. On newly constructed pumps or alterations to existing pump islands, everything has to be below 48 inches.

Operable parts include the credit card reader, the fuel grade selection button and any buttons that request help.

This updates ADA’s 1990 rule which required self-serve gas stations to provide equal access to their customers with disabilities. The 1990 rule is in effect until March 15, and states gas stations must:

• Provide refueling assistance upon the request of an individual with a disability. A service station or convenience store is not required to provide such service at any time that it is operating on a remote control basis with a single employee, but is encouraged to do so, if feasible.
• Let patrons know (e.g., through appropriate signs) that customers with disabilities can obtain refueling assistance by using a call button, honking or otherwise signaling an employee.
• Provide the refueling assistance without any charge beyond the self-serve price.

The ADA also requires an effective communication method between the convenient store operator and the pump. Some stations have implemented new button systems that are easier for drivers to alert staff they need assistance.

But ADA feels that drivers with disabilities—someone in a wheelchair or an elderly person—should be able to pump their own fuel, thus the new rules.

According top the Dept. of Justice, station owners in violation could be fined more than $50,000 for a first offense.

The Dept. of Justice is putting more emphasis on compliance, but enforcement will likely be complaint driven. For more information, call the Dept. of Justice’s ADA Information Line at (800) 514-0301 (voice) or (800) 514-0383 (TDD).

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 2012 North American International Auto Show (NAIAS) opens to the public on Jan. 14 in Detroit featuring the Mobility Center, a new exhibit aimed at showing off products that help people with disabilities.

The Mobility Center will showcase a variety of vehicles, accessories, vehicle conversions, and adaptive devices that address special transportation needs, as well as innovations in mobility.

Vehicles that have been modified to accommodate disabled drivers and accessories that allow standard vehicles to be adapted—all designed to help improve quality of life—will be on display.

The Cobo Center show is Jan. 14 through 22 with more than 500 new cars and trucks on display for the general public and separately, the Mobility Center devoted to those with disabilities.

• Hours are 9 a.m. to 10 p.m. on Saturdays and 9 a.m. to 7 p.m. on Sundays.
• Early access for handicapped individuals is at 8 a.m. with entry at the Oakland Hall Entrance.
• Tickets are $12 per person; seniors (65 and older) $6; children $6 (7-12 years); kids 6 and under are free with a parent or guardian.

• Purchase eTickets online at www.naias.com.
• Tickets may be purchased the day of the show at ticket booths located in the Cobo Center concourse (cash only).
• There will be a number of ticket kiosks set up in the concourse for credit card purchasing.

Handicapped parking is available. However, if all parking lots are full or if special parking assistance is required, contact 248.643.2450.

Cobo Center also rents motorized scooters on a first-come, first-served basis for people with disabilities. Advance reservations are accepted by Cobo Hospitality at 313.877.8290.

For more information, call 248.283.5173 go online at www.naias.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.

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You might want to drive your accessible vehicle rather than fly. After recent news, the Transportation Security Administration (TSA) has issued more intensive search procedures—like pat-downs. Some of the more likely people to get pat-downs are people with disabilities.

TSA rules state that anyone unable to be properly screened via its Advanced Imaging Technology methods must undergo a pat-down. That includes those who:

• Cannot stand with their arms raised at shoulder level for the 5-7 second duration of the scan
• Cannot walk without the aid of a cane, crutch, walker, etc.
• Use service animals
• Carry or use oxygen
• Accompany the above individuals

You may request a private area for your personal screening. The TSA is bowing to pressure for more respectful treatment of people with disabilities by launching TSA Cares, a helpline number to assist travelers with disabilities and medical conditions. Call 1-855-787-2227 prior to traveling with questions about screening policies, procedures and what to expect at the security checkpoint.

The hotline is specifically for passengers with disabilities or medical conditions or their loved ones who want to prepare for the screening process before flying.

Helpline hours are Monday through Friday 9 am to 9 pm EST, excluding federal holidays. Travelers who are deaf or hard of hearing can use a relay service to contact TSA Cares or e-mail TSA-ContactCenter@dhs.gov.

All travelers can contact TSA using Talk To TSA, a web-based tool that allows passengers to reach out to an airport Customer Service Manager directly; or the TSA Contact Center at 1-866-289-9673; or visit TSA-ContactCenter@dhs.gov, where travelers can ask questions, provide suggestions and file complaints.

All travelers may ask to speak to a TSA supervisor if questions about screening procedures arise while at the security checkpoint.

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 vehicle, please consider one of our mobility equipment dealers.

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Among people with disabilities, especially wheelchair users, one of the most talked about subjects is the price of a wheelchair accessible vehicle. A shiny new van can be out of range for many consumers on fixed incomes. But a used wheelchair van could be a possibility.

Let’s take a look at some concerns people may have:

Used vehicles have too much mileage on them.

Many used vehicles don’t have much mileage and the mobility equipment may be hardly used.

How much does a used accessible van with a ramp or lift cost?

A wheelchair accessible van less than 3 years old could start at $20,000—or thousands less. A gently used, older wheelchair van can be converted to save even more.

An older vehicle won’t last much longer.

A vehicle properly taken care of can last for decades. For added peace of mind, contact a mobility dealer who sells used wheelchair accessible vehicles and is a member of the National Mobility Equipment Dealers Association (NMEDA). Part of its Quality Assurance Program (QAP) guarantees 24-hour service to its customers.

A used vehicle probably won’t have the equipment I want.

You want an in-floor ramp but you can only find fold-outs. If the price is right, you may be able to have the desired equipment installed after the sale. Do your research up front.

How can I qualify for a vehicle loan?

• Talk to a NMEDA mobility dealer—they know the organizations, non-profits, state and federal agencies and charities that will help in financing in your area.
• If you are a Veteran, you may be eligible for a $18,000 credit towards a wheelchair accessible vehicle. For more information go to http://www.vba.va.gov/VBA/benefits/factsheets/ – Automobile and Special Equipment Adaptive Grants or call 1-800-827-1000.
• Start saving! If you get an income tax refund, put it in a special savings account.
• Ask your family and friends to forgo gifts and donate towards your vehicle fund.

Above all, contact a mobility expert—a member of NMEDA. They will work hand-in-hand with you on areas like what is right for you, financing options, rates, terms, manufacturer offers, incentives and benefits.

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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