Wheelchair Vans And Their Benefits (Simon Mcbride)

Disability vans or wheelchair vans are vehicles that are modified to accommodate disabled people in a wheelchair. These vans are highly adaptive, versatile and useful for the transportation of disabled people. They are designed especially for those who have difficulty moving due to certain disabilities. There are two types of modifications that vans usually undergo. One is where the person in the wheelchair is a driver and second, where the individual is a passenger. In both cases, the interior of these vans is enlarged inorder to provide easy access for a wheelchair to enter by the means of a powered lift or a ramp.

The vehicle has to undergo two types of modifications for the wheelchair to enter smoothly.

1) When the individual is a driver

* A portion of the floor is lowered and a means of external access is added which is normally a ramp, lift or a turning seat.



* The seats are normally bigger than the standard vans because of which the roof of the van has to be raised to about 10 inches.



* In cases where this option is not possible, the floor of the van is lowered.



* Wheelchair lifts which are manual and automated are very beneficial. Manual lifts are ideal as they fit into smaller vehicles. Automated lifts are great for those who have difficulty operating manual lifts.

2) When the disabled person is a passenger

* The floor of the van is reinforced and seats are added.



* A ramp or a hoist is installed.

Due to these modifications, the driver might take some time to get accustomed to the controls of the van.

Having a wheelchair van has many benefits. You don't need to manually lift the person and place them in the driver's or passenger's seat as ramps and lifts make this possible. You don't have to fret about having to leave a loved one behind while you go on a family trip or a small holiday. Wheelchair vans make it convenient for disabled people to travel along with you. Disabled access cars have a seating capacity of around 6 people. Wheelchair buses on the other hand have a larger seating capacity and can easily accommodate 15-20 people.

If you are thinking of buying a wheelchair van, there are a few things you might want to consider.

* Check what type of operation would the person in the wheelchair be comfortable with - manual or automated.



* Entry into the van can be from both its side and rear, so find out from the person which option would be more suitable.



* Also measure the height of the individual in the wheelchairto make sure they fit in comfortably in the van.



* Depending on the size of your family you would have to choose between a van or a bus.



* You can also choose which accessories you would like for your van. Wheelchair securement is the most important one as it is critical for the safety of the wheelchair.

Wheelchair vans are truly a blessing in disguise for disabled people for whom travelling is an issue. For them, having a wheelchair van is like having wings. You too can have a wheel chair van made as per your specifications by companies that offer custom made wheelchair vans.

via Artipot: Autos and Cars Articles http://www.artipot.com/articles/1656543/wheelchair-vans-and-their-benefits.htm