Wheelchair-Accessible Vans

rents of non-ambulatory children understand that the day will come when it is no longer practical or possible to use a car seat to transport your child and a wheelchair accessible vehicle may become necessary. Choosing the right vehicle may seem like a daunting task. Here are some tips and things to consider.

Any van outfitted to transport wheelchair bound passengers is called a "conversion van." They can be a full size van or a mini-van. When beginning your search, keep good notes that should include an ongoing list of needs. The number one concern has to be the safety of your child, not only in normal transport, but also in the event of an accident. Some of the things you will need to consider include head clearance, the type of lift or ramp, the age of the vehicle and the type of system used to anchor the wheelchair. Do you want to buy new or used? Do you want a pre-fitted vehicle or do you want to have it completely custom fitted to your needs. How much is all this going to cost?

As with anything, there are plenty of people available on the internet willing to share their opinions and experiences on the subject. This would be a good time to ask questions and listen.

First of all, just because the vehicle serves a unique function, doesn't mean you can't have an attractive, comfortable vehicle. Imagine what color and design you find most appealing. If that aesthetic needs to change down the line, you can cross that bridge when it comes. Also, as when in the market for a new car, gas mileage, efficiency and environment impact are also worthy of consideration.

Reliability is key. Breaking down on the open road can be far more problematic than if you weren't carrying a mobility-impaired passenger. When shopping for a used conversion van, use your instinct. If it's too worn out, it isn't worth it.

LIFTS - Wheelchairs can be loaded into a van either by lift or ramp. Lifts are installed at either a side door or the rear of the vehicle. In either case, seats will need to be removed and holes drilled into the floor of the van. Will the passenger be in the chair while being lifted or will they get into the chair after it's already in the vehicle? Two major manufacturers of lifts include: Crow River Folding Platform Lifts and Braun. When possible, examine a wheelchair with the type of lift you're considering. Have it demonstrated and practice operating it yourself. When the lift is in place, does it block access to that door or can you get in around it?

SEATS - Wheelchair-accessible vans usually have some or most of the rear seats removed. How many people, including ambulatory people, will you need to be able to transport at any given time?

ANCHORING THE CHAIR - The law requires the use of either wheelchair tie down straps or an electronic docking system to keep wheelchair users safe and secure while the van is in motion. Manual tie downs resemble seat belts and attach to four different points on the wheel chair and are anchored to the floor of the van. Attaching them usually requires crawling around the wheelchair once it's in the van. An electronic docking system locks the wheelchair into place automatically then releases it with a simple press of a button. Equally safe, the electronic docking system is understandably more expensive. Additionally, some feel that the tie-down variety requires too much strength to get the chair as snug and secure as it needs to be. Some of the leading manufacturers are EZ Lock, O'Straint QLK, Slide-n-Click and Sure-lok Dock-n-Lock. Their respective websites contain valuable information.

HEAD SPACE - How tall is your passenger when sitting in the chair? How much maneuvering around the chair will you need to do?

Parking lots are hectic places. Parking a wheelchair van requires a larger space than a regular van because you need the extra space to operate the lift or ramp. When choosing between a mini-van or full size van, keep