Tips on choosing automotive features for people with arthritis

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.

Avoid airport pat-downs: New TSA helpline for people with disabilities

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.

How to afford a used Wheelchair Accessible Van

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.

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Did you know? QAP became NMEDA requirement in 2011

If you are a person with disabilities and have, or are in the process of purchasing an accessible van, you probably know about the National Mobility Equipment Dealers Association’s Quality Assurance Program (QAP).

For people with disabilities: US Labor Dept sets Historic Hiring Goal

To get to a job, you typically need transportation. If you are a person with disabilities, especially one who requires a wheelchair, you need an accessible or wheelchair van. Without the job, you probably can’t afford to buy a vehicle with a lift or ramp. This challenge adds up to a current unemployment rate for people with disabilities of 13 percent, 1.5 times the rate of those without disabilities.

Handicap Minivan Ramps: Side entry vs Rear entry

When buying or renting a handicap accessible van, youʼll have to choose between a side-entry or rear-entry ramp. In the past, side-entry has been a top seller, however, rear-entry ramps are gaining in popularity.

High-Tech Convenience: The Smart Key

We all appreciate the remote that locks and unlocks our cars. It’s great for individuals with disabilities who use wheelchair accessible or handicap vans or seniors with arthritis. But now there are “smart keys” (fobs) that do even more—and the number of vehicles that offer them has quadrupled in the last five years.

Top ways to prevent handicap van theft

This time of year, your handicap van may not be much of a handicap to criminals, but a tempting target. Like Santa’s sleigh, it will be full of gifts. And if crooks see them, they and your van may “disappear” in the twinkle of an eye.

Rent a Wheelchair Van When...

With a lot of struggle, you can get a folding wheelchair and a person with mobility challenges into the family sedan, but a wheelchair van with a lift or ramp and a variety of other mobility equipment is much easier and safer. You may not need to purchase an accessible van right now, but one could come in handy occasionally.

Random (but important) Tips on your Accessible Van

An accessible van is your most important asset when you need to go somewhere. If your handicap van breaks down, you can’t borrow a friend’s van when you have a doctor’s appointment—most friends’ vans don’t have a lift or ramp.

Learn How to Snow Ski with Accessible Equipment

Adaptive skiing has become a popular sport for people with disabilities. Using adaptive equipment, adults, children and veterans with disabilities shush through the snow alongside family and friends. You can rent the special equipment at skiing facilities that are open to those with disabilities.

Tips on great gift giving for the Holidays

What gift can you give to someone with a disability? While grab bars and wheelchair bags make great stocking stuffers, if you want to give something more meaningful, give the gift of your time. For example, wash the car, or if a wheelchair accessible vehicle is in their future, take time to sit with them and do online research on minivans, full-size vans, cars, trucks, financing, rebates, etc.

Full-Size Handicap Vans get a Bad Rap

“Handicap” vans have gotten a bad rap. Traditionally viewed as humble wheelchair accessible vehicles for people with disabilities, they now have new attitude with sporty exteriors, spacious interiors and all the top-of-the-line features you could possibly want. They may not have the kitchen sink, but some of them have a refrigerated storage box.

Is it Time to Get an Accessible Vehicle?

Wrangling that wheelchair into the family sedan may not have been so difficult a year or two ago; but each year we put off switching to a handicapped or accessible van, we notice our strength decreases and our pain increases. Is it still practical to stick with the family car when our disabilities are progressing?

Recently Disabled? Where to Start if You Need an Accessible Vehicle

If you have recently become a person with a disability and want to get behind the wheel again and drive, where do you start? You may need specific equipment to get into and out of a vehicle, special equipment if you want to drive, and a luxury or two just because.

Which Accessible Vehicle Fits Your Particular Disability?

The selection of  vehicles for people with disabilities who also need wheelchair access may not be as varied as the selection for those who do not need a lift or ramp, but there are many makes and models to fit your unique needs.

Advanced Driving Controls May Put You in the Driver’s Seat

Those with a spinal cord injury, disabilities, limited dexterity or range of motion and other conditions may need more than low-tech or reduced effort hand controls to operate primary and secondary driving controls on an accessible or handicapped vehicle.

Problem When Flying? Call the Hotline

The holidays are just around the corner. You may be flying to a family celebration or vacation and hopefully, everything will go well. The majority of all airlines are now geared to serving fliers with disabilities; however, not all staff members who work in the aviation industry know the rights of those with disabilities.

Benefits of Buying an Accessible Vehicle from a NMEDA QAP Member

Buying a wheelchair accessible vehicle isn’t like buying a car off the lot. Cars on the lot—even accessible ones—probably don’t have the exact equipment your disabilities call for; the dealership usually doesn’t have a salesman who understands your particular difficulties or a service person certified to install or maintain adaptive equipment; and no one responds to your phone calls at 2 in the morning if anything goes wrong.

Tips to Help Overcome the Fear of Driving

Seniors, people with disabilities and those with other challenges can have not only physical problems to overcome, but mental or emotional ones when driving. We feel anxious, overwhelmed and terrified of getting lost, which can develop into a fear of driving. There are solutions to help with this.

Is Your Driving Normal or Severe? You’ll Be Surprised

Did you know there’s a “normal maintenance schedule” and a “severe schedule” for maintaining your vehicle? How you drive, where you drive and the climate all contribute to which schedule to follow to prevent expensive repairs to any vehicle—especially an accessible van.

Portable Wheelchair Ramps Useful in a Variety of Situations

For those with disabilities, many conversion vans and minivans offer either a ramp or lift to get the wheelchair into and out of a vehicle. The lift has its share of fans as they are automated, but the ramp is also popular due to its versatility and price. (Portable ramps start at under $100.)

5 Most Important Steps in Choosing an Accessible Vehicle

If you are a person with disabilities and don’t yet have an accessible vehicle, it’s difficult to know where to start. You’ve worked with your doctor and therapist, maybe even a certified driver rehabilitation specialist (CDRS), but they don’t know your budget, your preferred car or van, or where the nearest mobility dealer is.

Read more: 5 Most Important Steps in Choosing an Accessible Vehicle

Believe in Heroes and Wounded Warrior project put the Veteran back in Veteran's Day

Veterans with disabilities know the special significance of Nov. 11—Veterans Day, which honors veterans of all wars for their patriotism and willingness to serve in the military and sacrifice for our country. One organization in particular—the Wounded Warrior Project—is very involved in raising awareness of our veterans’ needs.

Read more: Believe in Heroes and Wounded Warrior project put the Veteran back in Veteran's Day

Types of Wheelchair Securement Systems: Safety Necessities

Securing a person with disabilies and their wheelchair inside a van is no fun, especially if you do it several times a day, but it can be a lifesaver in the event of an accident or sudden stop. “Wheelchair tie-downs,” “docking systems” and “tie-down straps” are systems used to secure your wheelchair when in motion.

Read more: Types of Wheelchair Securement Systems: Safety Necessities

Driving Tips for Folks with Arthritis

If you are arthritic or have reconstructed or artificial body parts, you have challenges that most people never think about. Such conditions make it painful to get into and out of the car, reach your safety belt or look over your shoulder when in reverse. But what is the alternative? Stop driving? No way – Here are arthritis-friendly solutions to help.

Read more: Driving Tips for Folks with Arthritis

For a Leisurely Vacation, Don't Rule out the Scenic Train

For those with disabilities, picture a vacation that is scenic, leisurely, affordable and comfortable, where there’s no waiting in long lines or delays. If you want a vacation that is all of those things, consider taking the train.

Read more: For a Leisurely Vacation, Don't Rule out the Scenic Train

Seniors: Is there a CarFit Event in your Area?

Older drivers are more likely to wear their seatbelts and less likely to speed or drink and drive, according to car-fit.org. However, according to a survey taken by the organization, at least 1 in 10 seniors are seated too close to the steering wheel, at least 4 do not have line of sight at least 3-inches over the steering wheel, and almost 3 have at least one critical safety issue that needs addressing. All are safety issues.

Helpful Caregiver Websites

When a loved one needs care due to a disability or age, you do the obvious tasks to help, but at some point you may become overwhelmed as a caregiver. You need a plan and you may need help. Most people do not mind helping, start with family, friends, local organizations and associations – but don’t forget the Web, which is available 24-7.

Don't try this at Home: Extreme Sports for those with Disabilities

Sports for people with disabilities like basketball, rugby and soccer may seem a little tame for those of us with more of a need for speed and heart-pounding exhilaration. Check out these extreme sports. Some require custom wheelchairs (some can be rented) and are not for the faint of heart, and some are downright dangerous, so be forewarned.

Don't give up on getting an Accessible Van

They can be pricey, but don’t give up on getting that accessible vehicle you need. Pre-owned vans are a very affordable option. If it is not already converted, most of them can be retrofitted with the adaptive equipment you need.

VA Offers Support, Financial Help to Veterans' Caregivers

As of May 2011, the Veterans Administration provides additional support for eligible post-9/11 veterans who receive care in a home setting from a primary caregiver, plus financial help to caregivers and respite and benefits payments. The stipends pay a monthly average of $1,600.

Tips on Choosing an Accessible Van for Children with Special Needs

Children with special needs often need to use wheelchairs for mobility. Vehicles with special features are available or vans can be converted to accommodate them. The most important step is to start with an appointment with a mobility specialist.

Mobility Solutions Help Arthritic Drivers and Others

Seniors with severe arthritis, people with Muscular Sclerosis, Muscular Dystrophy and others with disabilities can drive again with the help of a mobility equipment expert. To find the specific product solution for your driving challenges, consult with a Physical or Occupational Therapist, Driver Rehabilitation Specialist and a NMEDA Quality Assurance Program (QAP) dealer. Here are just a few adaptive mobility devices that they may recommend to keep you on the road.

Veterans Benefits: VA Helps Vets Get Back Behind the Wheel

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New OnStar FMV Offers Extensive Safety Features

OnStar, a GPS service that has been found only in General Motors vehicles, became available July 24 as an add-on rearview mirror compatible with 90 million older vehicles – and it is ideal for seniors and those with disabilities.

For Your Warranty's Sake: Don't Neglect Your Vehicle

All new vehicles have a manufacturer’s warranty, but you must maintain routine service to make sure that coverage remains in effect. New and used car warranties keep the cost of ownership down. Besides, you want to keep your accessible vehicle in great working order all the time.

Adapted Vehicle Steering Aids: From Reduced Effort to Foot Steering

There are many types of driving devices available that require minimum effort for steering or are designed especially for quadriplegics, those with prosthesis and those with limited grip strength. Some are customized according to individual needs.

Read more: Adapted Vehicle Steering Aids: From Reduced Effort to Foot Steering

Tips on Travel Insurance Inside or Outside the U.S.

Traveling can be unpredictable; even more so for two classes of travelers: seniors and those with a disability. Thankfully, there are insurance specialist providers that offer travel insurance or travel assistance for those with mobility issues or a history of disease. You might want one if you travel far from home frequently or when traveling outside the U.S.

Read more: Tips on Travel Insurance Inside or Outside the U.S.

Seniors: Are your Driving Skills as good as they should be?

As seniors, we may get a little bit uncomfortable when driving. Our eyesight could be deteriorating and we may have trouble reaching the foot pedals. We’ve gone through the options of larger mirrors and adjusting the seat, but sometimes that is not enough.

Read more: Seniors- Are your Driving Skills as good as they should be?

Basic Information on Low-Tech Hand Control Systems for Autos

For seniors and those with progressive muscle weakness, like MS, MD and others who have trouble driving, hand controls can compensate for decreasing strength and range of motion. Occupational therapists often recommend such devices.

Low-tech hand controls are less costly ($100s) than high-tech ones ($1,000s), although electronics can be used in conjunction with mechanical controls to customize systems.

Read more: Basic Information on Low-Tech Hand Control Systems for Autos

Check out these new Disney Lazy-Day Vactaion Spots

Planning your vacation and dreading those lines at theme parks when what you crave is quiet and stress-free? Humungous theme parks can be exhausting for some of us, but now we can have a Disney vacation without the long lines because Disney’s 2 latest creations are not theme parks but resort hotels.

Read more: Check out these new Disney Lazy-day Vacation Spots

What to look for in a Wheelchair Lift

A wheelchair lift for your accessible vehicle can run the gamut from mandatory safety features to options like whisper-quiet operation and remote controls, depending on what you need and what you can afford.

Read more: What to look for in a Wheelchair Lift

To Help get your Van or Adaptive Equipment Funded

We pay taxes, yet many of us find it difficult to ask for government help with our disabilities. We need to get over that mind set, especially if we want to get a job or go back to work. That’s why each state has a Vocational Rehabilitation Services (VRFS) Division or Division of Developmental Services. Such programs may help fund your adaptive equipment or van conversion for transportation to work.

Read more: To Help get your Van or Adaptive Equipment Funded

How to find the right price for Adaptive Equipment?

Finding the best price for an accessible van is not easy. Even if you want just one item – like a wheelchair ramp – it can be frustrating and time-consuming hunt.

Read more: How to find the right price for Adaptive Equipment?

Is it past time to have your Van's Lift or Ramp Serviced?

You have probably had your oil changed recently and the tires checked. And a tune-up is on the schedule. The wheelchair or scooter is ready to go. You are all set, right? But wait… when is the last time you had adaptive and/or accessible equipment serviced? You know, the ramp or lift, the power kneel, etc. Those need routine maintenance as well.

Read more: Is it past time to have your Van's Lift or Ramp Serviced?

EPA Unveils New Fuel Economy Labels

On June 1, 2011 new fuel economy labels were unveiled by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency which will simplify car and van shopping for those with disabilities – and everyone else. The new window stickers will help shoppers of 2013 vehicles to know which will save them money on fuel costs and leave the smallest footprint on the environment, according to an EPA spokesperson.

Read more: EPA Unveils New Fuel Economy Labels

What's on Your Bucket List?

In the movie “The Bucket List,” Jack Nicholson and Morgan Freeman go on a road trip to fulfill their “bucket list” of things they want to accomplish before they “kick the bucket.” Now people make bucket lists because they’re fun. Do you have a bucket list? Lippy has one, and Jane and Kit – and they are all people with disabilities.

Read more: What's on Your Bucket List?

How to Shave Costs when Renting a Vehicle

Did you know that if you rent a car or van at most airports, sales tax and airport charges can be higher than 25%? Rent one down the street or from your hotel and avoid that extra cost.

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Summer Driving Tips-Don't get stuck on the side of the road

Independence Day (July 4) is the busiest day of the year for emergency roadside assistance calls and a reminder to “weatherize” your car. Summer heat and unexpected breakdowns are hard on seniors and those with disabilities. High summer temperatures also take their toll on the engine. Follow the manufacturer’s recommended maintenance schedule in the owner’s manual and your car will hopefully make it through the summer in a breeze.

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Read more: Dead Battery? No need to open the hood!

How to Save Money on Car Maintenance

It is inconvenient and time consuming to schedule car maintenance, and we all tend to put it off. Don’t. Today’s vehicles can easily surpass 200,000 miles with regular maintenance. Taking good care of them will save money in the long run and avoid unexpected breakdowns.

Read more: How to Save Money on Car Maintenance