September is National Spinal Cord Injury Awareness Month

 

WILL YOU STAND UP FOR THOSE WHO CAN'T?

Every 48 minutes someone in the U.S. is paralyzed from a spinal cord injury.  Millions worldwide are living with paralysis as a result and living with the knowledge that there is currently no cure for their injury.

In an effort to raise awareness about the critical need for better treatments and preventive measures, September has been designated National Spinal Cord Injury Awareness Month by the U.S. Senate, the result of a resolution co-sponsored by Sens. Marco Rubio (R-FL) and Bill Nelson (D-FL).  To bolster the resolution’s message, we are launching an awareness campaign lasting the entire month of September.

The goal of the campaign is to ask “Will You Stand Up For Those Who Can’t?”  The intent is to create a national conversation about the devastation of paralysis, and to bring this condition to the forefront of public awareness.

“Paralysis does not discriminate.  People need to realize that paralysis can happen to anyone at any time,” said Nick Buoniconti.  “But the reality of today’s statistics can’t be disputed.  Every 48 minutes another person in the U.S. will become paralyzed. That is simply unacceptable. Each of us must do what we can to make a difference.  I am personally asking you, will you stand up for those who can’t and do one or more of the following?”

We are asking our friends and supporters to:

Make a donation in honor of a loved one, caregiver, scientist or organization who is working to improve the life of those injured.  If you would like to host a small fundraising party at your house, please email bfinfo@med.miami.edu and we will send you more information.

“The inspiring work of The Miami Project to Cure Paralysis has touched the lives of millions of young athletes, accident victims and troops in harm’s way and I commend them for it,” said Sen. Rubio. “By designating September as National Spinal Cord Injury Awareness Month, I hope we can further educate the public about how crippling accidents can be prevented while promoting the important work being done to help victims walk again.”

ADA Design Guide 1 - Restriping Parking Lots

Accessible Parking Spaces

When a business, State or local government agency, or other covered entity restripes a parking lot, it must provide accessible parking spaces as required by the ADA Standards for Accessible Design. Failure to do so would violate the ADA. In addition, businesses or privately owned facilities that provide goods or services to the public have a continuing ADA obligation to remove barriers to access in existing parking lots when it is readily achievable to do so. Because restriping is relatively inexpensive, it is readily achievable in most cases. This ADA Design Guide provides key information about how to create accessible car and van spaces and how many spaces to provide when parking lots are restriped. (illustration showing a woman getting out of the driver's side of a car into a manual wheelchair)  

Accessible Parking Spaces for Cars

Accessible parking spaces for cars have at least a 60-inch-wide access aisle located adjacent to the designated parking space. The access aisle is just wide enough to permit a person using a wheelchair to enter or exit the car. These parking spaces are identified with a sign and located on level ground.  

Van-Accessible Parking Spaces

Van-accessible parking spaces are the same as accessible parking spaces for cars except for three features needed for vans:

a wider access aisle (96") to accommodate a wheelchair lift; vertical clearance to accommodate van height at the van parking space, the adjacent access aisle, and on the vehicular route to and from the van-accessible space, and an additional sign that identifies the parking spaces as "van accessible."

One of eight accessible parking spaces, but always at least one, must be van-accessible.  

(illustration showing a van with a side-mounted wheelchair lift lowered onto a marked access aisle at a van-accessible parking space. A person using a wheelchair is getting out of the van. A dashed line shows the route from the lift to the sidewalk.)

Features of Accessible Parking Spaces for Cars

(plan drawing showing an accessible parking space for cars with a 96 inch wide designated parking space, a 60 inch wide min. marked access aisle and the following notes)

Sign with the international symbol of accessibility mounted high enough so it can be seen while a vehicle is parked in the space. If the accessible route is located in front of the space, install wheelstops to keep vehicles from reducing width below 36 inches. Access aisle of at least 60-inch width must be level (1:50 maximum slope in all directions), be the same length as the adjacent parking space(s) it serves and must connect to an accessible route to the building. Ramps must not extend into the access aisle. Boundary of the access aisle must be marked. The end may be a squared or curved shape. Two parking spaces may share an access aisle.

 

Three Additional Features for Van-Accessible Parking Spaces

(plan drawing showing a van-accessible parking space with a 96 inch wide designated parking space, a 96 inch wide min. marked access aisle and the following notes)

Sign with "van accessible" and the international symbol of accessibility mounted high enough so the sign can be seen when a vehicle is parked in the space 96" min. width access aisle, level (max. slope 1:50 in all directions), located beside the van parking space Min. 98-inch-high clearance at van parking space, access aisle, and on vehicular route to and from van space

 

Location

Accessible parking spaces must be located on the shortest accessible route of travel to an accessible facility entrance. Where buildings have multiple accessible entrances with adjacent parking, the accessible parking spaces must be dispersed and located closest to the accessible entrances. When accessible parking spaces are added in an existing parking lot, locate the spaces on the most level ground close to the accessible entrance. An accessible route must always be provided from the accessible parking to the accessible entrance. An accessible route never has curbs or stairs, must be at least 3- feet wide, and has a firm, stable, slip-resistant surface. The slope along the accessible route should not be greater than 1:12 in the direction of travel. Accessible parking spaces may be clustered in one or more lots if equivalent or greater accessibility is provided in terms of distance from the accessible entrance, parking fees, and convenience. Van-accessible parking spaces located in parking garages may be clustered on one floor (to accommodate the 98-inch minimum vertical height requirement).  

Free Technical Assistance

Answers to technical and general questions about restriping parking lots or other ADA requirements are available by telephone on weekdays. You may also order the ADA Standards for Accessible Design and other ADA publications, including regulations for private businesses or State and local governments, at any time day or night. Information about ADA-related IRS tax credits and deductions is also available from the ADA Information Line. Department of Justice


ADA Information Line800-514-0301 (voice)
800-514-0383 (tty)

 

Internet

You may also review or download information on the Department's ADA Internet site at any time. The site provides access to ADA regulations, technical assistance materials, and general ADA information. It also provides links to other Federal agencies, and updates on new ADA requirements and enforcement efforts.

Internet address: www.usdoj.gov/crt/ada/index.html

Reference: ADA Standards for Accessible Design (28 CFR Part 36):
§ 4.1.6 Alterations;
§ 4.1.2 Accessible Sites and Exterior Facilities: New Construction, and
§ 4.1.6 Parking and Passenger Loading Zones.

wheelchair van: battery maintenance- some useful tips

BATTERY MAINTENANCE - SOME USEFUL TIPS.

 

BATTERY MAINTENANCE: SOME BASIC TIPS

There is nothing worse than getting inside your wheelchair van, turn the key (or pushing a few buttons), and hear "click, click, click, click..." Oh no, a dead battery!  Although this isn't a major mechanical issue, it's a major inconvenience, and could possibly leave you stranded in a parking lot or even unable to get in or out of your car or wheelchair van.  The good news is that it's very preventable.

It's important to consider all of the electrical devices, and the power demands required for todays wheelchair vans and other vehicles outfitted with mobility equipment. These devices could be factory systems like power door locks, power windows, power seats, anti-theft devices, keyless entry and even the vehicle's clock. These devises could also be aftermarket systems or mobility equipment like a remote starter, wheelchair lift, transfer seat, scooter lifter, or an electronic wheelchair securement system.  All these electronics require a source of reliable power, so read on, and we will explain some basic tips and information regarding non-sealed lead acid batteries typically used in wheelchair vans and mobility equipped vehicles.

First, here's a brief explanation on how your wheelchair van's battery works and how it's recharged:  A vehicle battery's main purpose is to provide a source of power or electricity to get the vehicle started. Its secondary purpose is to supply power or electricity to all of those other systems and devices mentioned above.  Once a car, truck or wheelchair accessible vehicle is started and the engine is running, the vehicle's charging system, namely the alternator, immediately goes to work recharging the battery back to 100% state of charge. This is due to the loss of battery power that was required to turn over the engine and start your vehicle. Additionally, the vehicles charging system provides all of the electricity that the automobile needs to be driven, like operate your lights, windshield wipers, heat and air conditioning systems, even play your favorite radio station.   Your wheelchair lift, scooter lifter, turnout seat or other electronic adaptive mobility equipment is connected directly to your battery, compounding its importance in keeping your vehicle reliable.  In simpler terms, your wheelchair van's battery is essentially like a gas tank. If you keep taking power out of it and your vehicle's charging system can't put anything back into it, or isn't given an opportunity to do so, you soon will have no power in reserve for when you need it most.

Driving habits, not defects in batteries, are often the cause of battery failure. Short and infrequent trips can rob a battery of its charge and not allow it to properly recharge.  In fact, a German manufacturer of luxury automobiles revealed that of 400 vehicles returned to dealerships under warranty for not starting or a dead battery, nearly 50% simply needed their batteries charged, not replaced, and had no other mechanical problems.  They simply didn't have enough of a charge, most likely due to the owner's driving habits.

Another common cause of battery failure is acid stratification. The electrolyte on a stratified battery concentrates on the bottom, causing the upper half of the cell to be acid poor. This effect is similar to a cup of coffee in which the sugar collects on the bottom when the waitress forgets to bring the stirring spoon. Batteries tend to stratify if kept at low charge (below 80%) and never have the opportunity to receive a full charge. Short distance driving while operating power doors, power ramps, power kneel systems, and HVAC electric blowers contributes to this. Acid stratification reduces the overall performance of the battery.

The more common reasons for a dead battery are:

• Forgetting the headlights are turned on after you park the van.
• Forgetting a reading light or courtesy light is turned on. This is easy to do since most cars have a feature that delays turning off the interior lights after you leave the van, so that you don't notice that you left a light turned on.
• A corroded or loose connection between the battery and the cables attached to it.
• A defective interior door switch or trunk lamp switch that leaves the bulb lit.
• A defective charging system that does not replenish the battery's charge.
• An old battery that has lost its ability to maintain a full charge.
• Repeated use of a platform wheelchair lift, scooter lifter, turnout seat or other mobility equipment without allowing the vehicle's battery to re-charge.

 

Batteries can have a life expectancy of 3 to 5 years, after which they should be replaced preventatively even if they are working well.  Batteries have to work much harder during winter months when it is cold out, and batteries often start to show signs of failure in sub-freezing temperatures. Maintenance is an important part of ensuring a battery's operating life. Simply driving the vehicle does not always adequately recharge the battery.

Here is some information that will help preserve battery life on your wheelchair van or vehicle with mobility equipment.

• Vehicles stored for more than 30 days should have the negative battery cable disconnected.
• In cold temperatures, a discharged battery can freeze and damage the plates. Batteries with damaged plates require replacement.
• In hot weather (80 degrees and above), if a battery discharges, it greatly affects the battery's long-term life.
• Do not leave any door open for an extended period. The OEM electronic system will not "sleep" right away. During this time, there could be up to a 200-milliamp draw from other devices and systems and mobility equipment in the vehicle, even if the dome lights are off.
  Very short drives reduce a battery's charge while long drives increase it.

Vehicles that are not driven on a daily basis may require the use of an On-Board Automatic Trickle Charger to keep the battery fully charged. When buying a new battery for your wheelchair van, we suggest you purchase and install a battery with the greatest Cold Cranking Amp (CCA) capacity possible. Of course the physical size, cable hook up, and terminal type must be a consideration.

 

Rhode Island Commercial Wheelchair Vans

According to the Center for Personal Assistance Services, about 155,000 individuals living in Rhode Island were considered to have a disability in 2005. Specifically, about 2.6% of the population of Rhode Island have difficulty with every day tasks such as taking a bath, getting dressed, moving about the house, and driving.

At the VMi New England Mobility Center, we offer specialized transportation products and services for private and commercial use. For more than 25 years we have been servicing the commercial and personal wheelchair vehicle needs of the state of Rhode Island including Providence and Newport, as well as Briston, Kent and Washington counties. If your business needs a new or used accessible van, bus, shuttle or other commercial vehicle in Rhode Island, look through our online inventory to find the vehicle that’s right for you. View our commercial accessible vehicles, used vans and buses, modifications and accessories or visit our commercial wheelchair van and bus inventory. We can help you evaluate how many passengers you need to carry, Rhode Island state regulatory requirements and other commercial considerations when buying a wheelchair van, replacement parts or accessories. After VMi New England Mobility Center helps you locate the perfect commercial wheelchair van, bus, shuttle, or ambulette, we deliver! We can deliver it right to your door. We will drive, tow or trailer your wheelchair accessible vehicle to New Hampshire, to your business. We often make deliveries to Providence and Newport, so contact us today for your commercial mobility needs, so contact us today. Learn more about delivery information for Rhode Island wheelchair vans and parts and our commercial warranty. We look forward to helping your business provide exceptional service to your wheelchair users, school students, group homes, and rehab centers in the great state of Rhode Island.

Trade In a Vehicle Towards a Wheelchair Van

cash paid for your wheelchair van

VMi New England Mobility Center accepts trade-in vehicles toward the purchase of an wheelchair accessible van. Get a trade-in quote with some of the best rates in the mobility industry. Update your current  wheelchair van, or trade in a car, truck, minivan, full-size van, sports car, or accessible vehicle towards a new or used handicap accessible ramp van. We use a variety of modern up to date appraisal tools, including Kelley Blue Book, NADA, and the Manheim Market Report. We will assess your vehicle's trade-in value and provide you with a great offer towards the purchase of new wheelchair van or a used handicap van with new or used conversion.

Trade In Vehicle Requirements

We will accept virtually all non-modified vehicles that are preferably under 10 years old with odometers at 100,000 miles or less. You can also trade in a converted mobility vehicle from Braun, VMI, Rollx, and, even a AMS converted handicap vans.

Submit Your Vehicle's Information 

The first step is to call or email us about your trade. The basic information you provide helps our mobility consultants create the best trade-in deal possible for you. Be sure you include the correct VIN and mileage, and submit photos of your vehicle.

Trade-in Inspection 

A mobility consultant will typically give a trade-in quote as soon as your vehicle is brought in for inspection. After a price is agreed upon, we will write you a check. For nationwide customers, we will pick up your trade-in at the time that we deliver your new or used handicap van.

All trade-in offers are based on a first hand inspection, and if a vehicle isn't represented accurately, we reserve the right to withdraw the offer once the vehicle is personally inspected by our evaluator.

Rear Entry Van Advantages

The Advantages of a Rear Entry Van Over a Side Entry Model

Rear Entry Wheelchair Vans

One of the biggest decisions that any van conversion customer will make is whether to place the vehicle's ramp in the rear or on the side of the vehicle. This decision has some pretty big implications, including how easy it is to maneuver inside the cabin, overall cost and consideration for additional passengers. When choosing between these two popular options for handicap accessible vans, consumers should keep in mind the unique and distinct benefits of choosing a rear entry van over one of our side-access models.

Greater Accessibility and Ease of Use

The benefits that come from a rear entry van are pretty big when it comes to both usability and accessibility. First and foremost, accessing the van from the rear actually allows for a wider ramp and a wider opening for access to the van, which is perfect for bulkier power chair models. In addition, rear access means that the actual access ramp itself can be longer, allowing an easier climb into the vehicle. And, because no side clearance is required, customers can park anywhere--even outside of the typical handicap parking space--without encountering maneuverability or space issues.

New and Used Handicap Vans with Rear Entry:

Less Conversion, Lower Cost

A rear entry van actually requires a less complex conversion process and is therefore much more affordable for customers to purchase. Unlike a side conversion, the process of installing a longer access ramp in the rear of the vehicle is relatively simple and straightforward, and the greater amount of space in the rear of the vehicle allows for a quicker and simpler conversion process overall. It's the kind of common-sense conversion process that saves customers money up-front, and ample amounts of time every time they use the vehicle on their own. It also means that the vehicle itself is closer to the original look and feel of its non-converted counterpart, which is a nice touch.

 

Increased Clearance with a Rear Entry Van

While side-entry used handicap vans only grant about three or four inches of ground clearance, purchasing a rear entry van conversion actually gives the vehicle seven to eight inches of clearance. That promotes enhanced usability and the vehicle's long-lasting integrity, which is key when buying a conversion in the first place. Making sure that the conversion is usable, and the vehicle is optimally designed, are the two most important things to consider when choosing a conversion overall.

 Call us at 508-697-6006 with your rear entry wheelchair van questions

Enhancing the Client Experience Wheelchair Vans in New England

VMi New England Mobility Center is always looking for ways to make the client experience more enjoyable – whether it’s coming in for service, purchasing a van or stopping buy to see which van fit the best. Below are some of things we’ve been working on to keep our clients satisfied and coming back. Getting your stamp of approval to recommend us to family and friends is a key ingredient to our success. We hope that your experience with us is always a good one.

Online

Our new website makes it easier for people to find a mobility solution that fits their needs and budget. We’ve added dozens of detailed pages on a variety of adaptive equipment options, such as scooter lifts and hand controls. We’ve recently updated our online van showroom to help visitors find the perfect handicap vans for there needs. We also have a large number of Face Book fans who follow our weekly blogs and postings. “Like Us” and see why more people are visiting every day already have!

In the Community

Our local staff at the VMi New England mobility center is active in various organizations and events around the country. Every week, there is an event going on where we want to participate: Fund raisers; trade shows; bike rides, motorcycle runs; walks; expos; in-service training; socials; and many other community events. Our blog is full of stories sharing event information and photos of clients and friends. If we can’t participate, we’ll help in other ways, like posting information on our sites including our Linkedin, FaceBook page and Twitter pages. If you would like us to come and speak or participate at an event near you, please let us know.

 

In the Showroom

VMi New England Mobility Center has built one of the best showrooms and reception areas in the north east this past year to make our visitors feel more at home. Others are in process or being planned for. Large flat-screen televisions have been put in place.

Fresh brewed coffee is always available for our morning arrivals and comfortable seating areas let people relax while reading a book or magazine. Wireless connectivity allow for working on a laptop or wireless device. When you come to our facility, you will meet friendly people who want to help. Our clients are like family.

Consulting

We’ve added more certified mobility consultants too our staff and continue to train others who want to work in this very fulfilling industry. Consultations to discuss and demonstrate all of our mobility products are always free of charge. For those clients who want to drive with the use of mobility equipment or driving aids, we can bring in a Certified Driver Rehabilitation Specialist (CDRS) to talk about evaluations and training – or put you in contact with one nearby. Selecting the right vehicle and other optional mobility equipment, such as a turning seat, is key to be happy customer. 

“Getting good advice from a consultant early in the process is critical to making the right decision. We pride ourselves on customer satisfaction – and that’s where the most important part of being happy with us and the vehicle begins.” Jim Sanders  

Client Satisfaction

We utilize an independent survey that follows up with each of our clients – applying satisfaction scores to numerous categories. These surveys are then reviewed by our senior management and store General Managers on a weekly basis. Whether you came in for service, purchased new or used wheelchair vans, or had new hand controls installed, we take your feedback seriously and immediately correct any issues that need attention. We are proud to say our satisfaction scores are very high compared to most industry studies. We will continue working hard to keep your business.

Wheelchair Vans & Lift Options

We have one of the largest network of mobility manufacturing partners in the industry. We represent nearly every major brand of wheelchair van conversions, specialty seating, securement, scooter lifts and wheelchair lifts available. Our goal is to inform you of every choice available and to consult on which ones meet your physical needs and chair or scooter requirements. We want to enhance your life with a solution that you’re going to be comfortable with for many years to come. Solutions that make it easier for you and your family to enjoy an active life. Additionally the company is run by one of the most experienced people in the country at building High-Tech driving equipment and vans for passengers and individuals who drive from a wheelchair. He offers unmatched practical and theoretical foundation in the application of vehicle modifications for individuals with disabilities. With over 27 years experience, he continues to spearhead new and exciting technological advancements in this growing and emerging market.

 

Service

We have put into place new scheduling procedures that allow for the Service Managers to get our clients in and out as quickly as possible. This allows for having the right service bays, parts and technicians ready to work on your vehicle (or lift) at the scheduled date and time you are to arrive. We’ve increased our training requirements and manufacturer communications to make sure the work is done properly with the latest instructions and components. If your van is under its original adaptive equipment warranty, or registered in our extended warranty program, we’ll identify and apply the appropriate coverage so that all costs are minimized.