Ask a Questions About Accessible Wheelchair Vans, Cars, and Vehicles for the Physically Disabled, Paraplegics, and Quadriplegics

Started 3/30/2010 Submit a question on any topic related to accessible wheelchair vans, cars, and vehicles. The question will be posted below along with a reply typically within 2 days. Because many people might have the same question but for a variety of reasons don't ask, the questions and answers are posted below for public view. Don't include anything too personal or offensive, in your question. We reserve the right to edit the question to make it appropriate for posting.

Questions

Does the state require a driving evaluator for people who are in wheelchair or is that just recommended? No. I don't know of any state that requires a driving evaluator. It is recommended for reasons stated elsewhere on this website that I won't repeat but it's not an actual prerequisite to getting a driver's license. Driving evaluators are thought of by the DMV as driving instructors in that they may help some individuals pass the licensing exam but they are not required. You should call your state's DMV just to be sure because each state's requirements are unique. For many states, there is a DMV medical review department that handles cases where safe driving is questionable or where the driver requires reevaluation. A report from medical professionals will be required stating that you are clear to take the driving exam but a driving evaluation from a DRS won't be mandated. However, while not required, often a good report from a certified driver rehabilitation specialist will go a long way in making your case. You may be referred by the DMV to a driver evaluator for assistance in preparing for the exam but its not a requirement.
I have a Bruno wheelchair lift installed in my Honda minivan. My question is "what is the best way to secure and/or tiedown the wheelchair (Jazzy660) once it is lifted and positioned in the van?" Although I lock the chair wheels, it still moves around at times. You want to keep a little tension on the lifting strap. Not enough to lift the chair up but it shouldn't be slack either. You should also continue to set your chair's brakes. For cargo area lifts, the modifier can install an additional automotive type belt in the cargo area. When tightened (typically the chair will be sideways in the rear cargo area and the belt should come up and over the seat), that's enough to keep the chair from moving. I suppose any type of straps would work if properly installed but have always seen an automotive type belt used.

Can I drive someone who is a quadriplegic in my regular car? I would use a seatbelt and lap belt. If we're talking about the person transferring to a standard car seat then it depends. The person asking this may already know the following but because I do think it's a common misconception about disabilities (one that I admit I had), I'm going to first talk a little about quadriplegia. When someone is identified as quadriplegic that does not mean they have absolutely no control of their legs and arms. Some quadriplegic individuals can walk, use their hands and live a life as if they did not have a spinal cord injury, while others may use wheelchairs, they can still have function of their arms and mild finger movement, again, varying on the spinal cord damage. Furthermore, the deficit in the limbs may not be the same on both sides of the body; either left or right side may be more affected, depending on the location of the lesion on the spinal cord. So assuming the person can safely transfer then it can be reasonable and safe to transport the person in a regular car seat with lap and shoulder belt. That may not be the case for all individuals, so it depends on the person's abilities. So again assuming the person can safely transfer, how easy this is accomplished will depend in part on the individual's abilities (how much if any assistance they need), their size, and the vehicle. Trucks and full size vans for instance are higher up off the ground. Sedans are lower to the ground but offer less headroom. Another thing to consider is the strain that the transfer may put on the caregiver in physically assisting the person. It does no good to put the caregiver at risk to injury. There are lots of transfer seats on the market to assist the disabled person in getting safely into a car seat. Some popular choices are the Bruno Turny Orbit and Access Unlimited Glide 'n go. For some, running board and grab bars are all that is needed. For some clients, transferring is not safe and is not an option. If you need help with making that determination, please consult with the person's doctor, occupational therapist, or driving rehabilitation specialist.
What companies in Canada provide this service please? Actually largely the same companies as in the US. The top equipment and conversion van companies such Nor-Cal, Braun, Bruno, etc. all sell in Canada as well. Most are international companies that sell conversion vans and adaptive equipment in Europe as well. To find a dealer, you should either go to the particular company's website or find a NMEDA (NMEDA is a US/Canadian or Canadian/US organization depending on how you want to see it) dealer/modifier by going to the NMEDA website: http://www.nmeda.org/consumers/locate-a-dealer/default.aspx and search for the applicable Province.

BACK TO TOP

I want to thank BlueRobot for being nice enough to publicly offer the CSS formats that I used in creating this website.

Name
E-mail

Ask a Questions About Accessible Wheelchair Vans, Cars, and Vehicles for the Physically Disabled, Paraplegics, and Quadriplegics