Wheelchair Accessible Vans, Handicap Accessible Vans, Mobility Impairment

For those with mobility disabilities and an adventurer spirit, the outdoors are no longer off the table thanks to the introduction of off road wheelchairs. Designed for extreme use in natural environments, all terrain wheelchairs allow their users to access places a regular wheelchair couldn’t, helping them overcome many obstacles and limitations by proving that adventure really is suited for everyone.

Off road wheelchair design is made so that users can go through any kind of rough terrain, from dirt and gravel paths to rocky surfaces, snow and all kinds of natural trails, opening up roads that were previously inaccessible to those with mobility issues.

The variety of all terrain wheelchairs is growing more and more everyday, with electric wheelchairs adding knobby tires, better suspension, more power and larger, fatter front casters to their characteristics in order to be able to offer their users greater freedom and independence. Join us as we go through some of the most interesting models currently on the market. 

Mountain Trike All Terrain Wheelchairs

The lightweight aluminium frames and high end mountain bike technology of the Mountain Trike range allow their users to easily move through all kinds of terrain: From sandy beaches to everyday walks and all kinds of extreme adventures through snow and hiking trails.

The Mountain Trike has no issue with mud and the great outdoors, allowing their users greater independence thanks to its all terrain ability and self propel levers that can be used with only one hand, giving the upper body a gentle or more extreme workout depending on the terrain.

On the other hand, models like the MT EVO are adapted for riders with limited hand function while the MT PUSH is the brand’s buddy chair, providing inclusive access and the ability to push over all types of terrain.

The Ripchair 3.0:

For the more extreme, the Ripchair 3.0 represents the pinnacle of off road tracked chairs. More of a high powered vehicle than an actual wheelchair this tracked chair allows the rider to use their own wheelchair during operation.

By simply backing and locking in, the user can move around in this easy to control platform that features right or left handed controls, lighting packages and all sorts of add-ons like fishing pole holders or rifle rests.

Terrain Hopper’s Overlander Models: 

It’s been called a “mini Land Rover” thanks to its looks and capability to go through all kinds of paths. The Overlander models are electrically powered all terrain wheelchairs and scooters whose unique independent suspension system make sure to offer their users the highest comfort and security, helping them not be thrown all over the place while cruising over sand, inclines and even fallen trees.

The Trekinetic K2: 

For those who prefer a manual instead of an electric off-road wheelchair, the Trekinetic K2 is a great option. These come with a lightweight carbon fibre Monocoque seat and larger wheels on the front, while a single rear wheel on the back allows for greater balance and more power in the front of the chair, making it possible for it to be used on more uneven surfaces and steep hills.

The braking on the front wheels and a lever system that dynamically slows the chair while making it change direction works perfectly for downhill descent, while a state-of-the-art adjustable shock absorber assures a smooth ride and gives the user the option to angle the seat to change their weight distribution.

The Magic Mobility Extreme X8: 

This 4 Wheel Drive powerchair is custom made to suit the user’s individual positioning and requirements, while being able to go through any environment and gain a top speed of 10kph.

The X8 is fully customizable with seat tilt, seat lift, backrest recline and elevating footrests, having being built with the support of customers and therapists to continuously improve their characteristics and take their users to places they’d never been before.

These are just a few examples of the great variety of off-road wheelchairs currently out there. These sorts of vehicles are becoming increasingl accessible, making the outdoors a place that is truly for everyone no matter what their abilities may be.

BraunAbility has relaunched its “Save My Spot” campaign to raise awareness about the inappropriate use of parking spaces reserved for people with disabilities.

“Save My Spot” is aimed directly at educating the general population about the correct use of striped spaces next to handicap parking spots, meant to allow people with mobility aids to safely enter and exit their side-entry vehicles without having to deal with the traffic of the parking lot.

According to a poll conducted by the wheelchair accessible vehicles manufacturer, 57% of respondents don’t know what the striped spaces next to a handicap parking spot stand for. Taking this into consideration Braunability has relaunched this campaign as part of the National Mobility Awareness Month.

The goal then is to protect these areas through the distribution of free Save My Spot kits containing parking “tickets” explaining an abuser’s infraction, stickers for user’s vehicle doors remarking why the extra space is needed and other BraunAbility gear, available at the company’s dealership locations throughout the month of may.

For further information and updates follow BraunAbility’s social media and blog.

There is more than one way to celebrate your father this father’s day. The following are some handicap-accessible, wheelchair-friendly ideas to try around North Carolina.

For more information about handicap accessible vehicles, contact Van Products today!

#1 – Take Dad Somewhere Fun to Eat.

There are TONS of great, handicap accessible restaurants right here in the Triangle. Whether you’re in the mood for Mediterranean food or American – Southern comfort food or dessert, this list has you covered!

#2 – Hit the Trails.

Just because you’re wheelchair bound doesn’t mean that you can’t enjoy the outdoors just like everyone else. North Carolina is filled with beautiful nature trails, walkways, paths, and more.

Find an easy, short wheelchair accessible trail or challenge yourself with a longer trail. No matter what sort of challenge you're up for, this site gives you plenty of information on wheelchair accessible trail descriptions, maps, photos and reviews.

#3 – Hit the Slopes.

Did you know that North Carolina offers adaptive ski clinics and programs for people with physical disabilities?

Some offer adaptive ski clinics and programs include: Beech Mountain Ski Resort in Banner Elk and Appalachian Ski Mountain in Blowing Rock.

#4 – Go Horseback Riding.

Get on a horse and enjoy the outdoors! The Professional Association of Therapeutic Horsemanship International (PATH Intl.) promotes therapies for individuals with special needs. Simply visit www.pathintl.org to find the nearest horseback riding center to where you live.

#5 – Take Dad Hunting/Fishing.

North Carolina is known for its outdoors! This Father’s Day, take Dad hunting or fishing. N.C. Accessible Outdoors offers great opportunities for people with disabilities, includes assisting access to favorable game and fish areas and allowing the use of equipment designed for specific disabilities. Find out more by visiting www.ncwildlife.org.

In this blog post, we share some helpful tips and information for wheelchair users who plan to travel by vehicle this Memorial Day.

#1 - Consider Wheelchair Van Rental.

Thinking of heading out of town for a Memorial Day weekend trip with the family or friends? Consider renting a wheelchair van instead of driving your own. Renting a wheelchair van can save you from putting additional wear and tear on your own personal vehicle, plus it can be a nice way to enjoy some newer, upgraded features that you may have not yet seen in newer makes/models of wheelchair vans.

Learn more about wheelchair van rental from Van Products.

#2 - Know Where Accessible Pick-up/Drop-Off Locations Are.

Especially if you’re traveling to a new place for the first time by wheelchair van – it’s helpful to know where all of the accessible pick-up and drop-off locations are. Be sure to research this information ahead of time, and call ahead if you are unsure or have questions.

You’ll want to make sure that the handicap accessible pick-up and drop-off locations are able to accept different types of wheelchair vans, such as rear-entry wheelchair vans as well as side-entry wheelchair vans.

Learn more about rear entry wheelchair vans and side entry wheelchair vans.

#3 - Put Your Name On Wheelchair & Related Mobility Items.

The same way you would label your luggage before flying or traveling somewhere – so should you do the same with your wheelchair, scooter or other separate mobility equipment.

It may also be helpful to take inventory of the mobility equipment and accessories that you’ll need to bring with you prior to leaving on your Memorial Day trip.

#4 - Bring Extra Gear/Equipment with You.

There’s a popular saying that “you can never be too prepared”. It’s true! Within reason, bring any extra mobility gear or equipment that you think you may need. The last thing you want to have happen is for something to break, get lost or stolen and not have an easily accessible backup close at hand.

#5 - Research & Plan Ahead of Time.

It's always helpful to do your research and planning ahead of time, including researching places to get your wheelchair (or other mobility equipment) repaired if you're out and about in another city/state.

In the event that something happens to your wheelchair, wheelchair van or other mobility equipment, you can save yourself precious vacation time doing research and more time seeing the sights.

It's always better to be safe than sorry!

If you have a workshop on wheels, then you know how important automotive lighting is. From utility companies to tree removal services to roofing repair work, plumbing and construction  - work is unpredictable, and you could be faced with a work emergency that calls you out during the day or night.

This is why it's important to have reliable automotive lighting that you can count on. At Van Products, we offer one of the largest inventories in the area for commercial vehicle upfits, including automotive lighting accessories and more. Contact Van Products today to speak with one of our commercial upfit specialists about outfitting your commercial vehicle or vehicle fleet with lights that make you work smarter - not harder!

Benefits of Automotive Lighting

When you have bulky, expensive equipment, tools, or accessories, it's important to make sure your commercial vehicle is outfitted with the right equipment. Depending on the industry you're in and the type of work you're engage with, our specialists can help you select the best type of automotive lighting for your commercial vehicle or vehicle fleet. Below are just some of the benefits of selecting quality automotive lighting:

1. Better visibility
2. Ease of use
3. Safety
4. Utility
5. Style/Aesthetics
6. Value

At Van Products, we only offer our customers the best that the industry has to offer. Take a look at the following video for Golight, and see how this automotive lighting is helping utility workers work smarter and safer.

Work Smarter; Work Safer

When you choose high quality automotive lighting for your commercial vehicle, you are also choosing to work safer and smarter. Automotive lighting can help you avoid making costly mistakes in your work, and it can also protect you and others around you by improving what you can see as well as who can see you.

From emergency responder vehicles to utility vehicles, we're here to help. Speak to one of our team members today about a customized commercial vehicle upfit for automotive lighting!

Van Products serves physically disabled customers throughout the state of Georgia. Our team of professionals know what it is like to go through buying a new vehicle - especially one that is outfitted for a wheelchair or scooter.

As one of the leaders in buying or purchasing a handicap wheelchair van in Georgia, we are equally proud to offer additional resources for physically disabled persons and their families. Read below.

Resources in Georgia for Physically Disabled Persons

Below, we've compiled a list of information related to physical disabilities and getting around the area. For additional information on handicap vans in Georgia or to

Georgia Department of Community Health’s (DCH) Division of Medical Assistance’s Service Options Using Resources in a Community Environment (SOURCE)

What They Do:

• a State Plan enhanced primary care case management program serving beneficiaries with chronic health conditions, including people with disabilities and frail elderly, to improve their health outcomes by linking primary medical care with home and community-based services.

Contact Info:

2 Peachtree Street, NW Atlanta, GA 30303 (404) 657-7211 website

Georgia Department of Human Services’ Division of Aging Services (DAS)

What They Do:

• Administers a statewide system of services for senior citizens, their families and caregivers through the Area Agencies on Aging.
• Services include: care coordination, chore services, emergency response system, friendly visiting, alternative living services, home modification and repair & more.

Contact Info:

Two Peachtree Street, NW Suite 9385 Atlanta, GA 30303-3142 (404) 657-5258 Toll-free: 1-866-55-AGING or 1-866-552-4464 website

Georgia Department of Labor’s Rehabilitation Services

What They Do:

• Strives to help people with disabilities become productive members of society by achieving independence and meaningful employment.

Contact Info:

Suite 510 Sussex Place 148 Andrew Young International Boulevard, NE Atlanta, GA 30303-1751 (404) 232-3910 website

FOCUS

What They Do:

• Offers comfort, hope, and fun to families with children who are medically fragile or have significant developmental or physical disabilities through a variety of programs.

Contact Info:

website

BlazeSports America (U.S. Disabled Athletes Fund)

What They Do:

• Provides all children and adults with physical disabilities the chance to play sports and live healthy, active lives.

Contact Info:

280 Interstate North Circle Suite 450 Atlanta, Georgia 30339 Phone 1: 770-850-8199 Fax: 770-850-8179 Email: blazesports@blazesports.com website

Fun Facts About Georgia

Finally, we're including some fun and interesting facts about Georgia.

DID YOU KNOW?

• Georgia is the largest state east of the Mississippi River.
• Georgia has 159 counties, more than any other state east of the Mississippi.
• Georgia is known as the Peach State, but it's also the country's top producer of pecans, peanuts, and vidalia onions.
• The Georgia Colony was the last of the 13 original colonies to be established.
• The Georgia Colony was named after King George II of England.
• Wesleyan College in Macon was the first college in the world chartered to grant degrees to women.

Contact Van Products Today!

For additional information about buying or purchasing a wheelchair van in Georgia, contact Van Products at:

(800) 209-6133 (919) 238-4597

According to the Federal Highway Administration (FHWA), 70% of the nation’s roads are located in snowy regions, areas that receive an average of five inches or more of snowfall each year.

Below, we’re offering our disabled drivers several helpful tips to get their handicap accessible vehicles ready for the pending winter weather.

Tips to Prep Your Wheelchair Van for Winter

#1 - Maintain Regular Service Appointments.

Don’t wait until the first major snow fall. Contact Van Products to make a service appointment to ensure that all of your mobility equipment is up to date and working as it should.

You’ll also want to make sure you make an appointment with your local auto shop for any oil changes, tire services and fluid top offs.

#2 - Take It Slow.

Keep in mind that many wheelchair accessible vehicles have lowered floors, meaning that you have less ground clearance than other vehicles.

If there is snow or ice on the ground, you’ll want to drive even slower than usual to be on the safe side.

#3 - Scrape Your Vehicle & De-Ice Before Driving in Snow.

All drivers alike should take care to scrape off their car and de-ice before taking the wheel in snowy weather. This is especially important if you are a wheelchair user as you’ll want to have full visibility while driving.

There are many affordable de-icer sprays available on the market that can save you a significant amount of time and hassle - especially if you have a physical disability or other type of mobility challenge.

#4 - Pay Attention to Your Tires.

Part of prepping your handicapped van for the winter weather ahead includes considering whether or not it may be necessary to swap out your tires for snow tires.

Unlike all-season tires, snow “winter” tires are typically characterized by a deeper tread and are made of special rubber compounds that stay pliable in cold weather, allowing them to have a better grip on cold surfaces. This improves your ability to brake in extremely cold conditions.

*A Word About 4-Wheel-Drive (4WD) & All Wheel Drive (AWD)

Never assume that just because you have a 4-wheel-drive vehicle that you’re safe to drive on wintery roads. WRONG. Remember that 4WD and AWD improves traction by distributing power to all four of your wheels when you accelerate (versus two wheels).

Once you go to apply your brakes, however, all bets are off. Your tires are what matter, which is why it makes a difference the type of tires you have on your vehicle.

So, how do you know whether you should install snow/winter tires on your handicapped van? A large part of this decision will depend on two main factors:

1. Where you live
2. How much you drive

For example, someone who owns a wheelchair van in Florida during the winter will likely never have to worry about putting snow tires on their vehicle. Meanwhile, someone who lives in Minnesota might have to switch out their tires seasonally.

#5 - Keep Ramps Clear.

One of the biggest afterthoughts in winterizing handicap accessible vehicles is ensuring that the ramps are kept clear of any debris.

During the winter, it’s not uncommon to experience difficulties with handicap ramps getting jammed or stuck due to frozen weather.

While you may not always be able to prevent ramp jams, you can still do your part to ensure that your vehicle’s ramp is clear of debris, such as leaves, dirt, snow, or ice.

#6 - Have An Emergency Kit Handy.

Regardless of the season, it is always a smart idea to have an emergency kit in your vehicle.

One option is to swap out emergency kits by season. A winter emergency kit may have items, such as: hand/feet warmers, extra socks/shoes, an ice scraper, shovel, kitty litter/sand (in case you get stuck in snow), etc.

Contact Van Products

For additional about mobility products and accessories, new or used handicap vans - contact Van Products today!

(800) 209-6133 (919) 238-4597

The ADA is the most comprehensive federal civil rights statute protecting the rights of people with disabilities.

While ADA guidelines do not extend to private, residential homes, these guidelines are still helpful and good to keep in mind - especially when you are trying to make your home wheelchair accessible.

Below, we’ve put together a brief checklist, based on ADA guidelines. For additional information on making your home more wheelchair accessible, we encourage you to contact our mobility specialists.

KITCHEN

• Doorway width of at least 32"
• Counters no more than 34" in height, or a pull out board of that height
• Lever hardware and faucet controls
• Refrigerator/freezer of side-by-side style
• Range controls in front or side

BATHROOMS

• Sink should have at least 29" of clearance under the front edge to allow wheelchair user to pull under the sink and use the faucet.
• Toilet seat should be between 17" and 19" inches above the floor.
• Should be enough room for a wheelchair user to turn around (either in a 60" diameter circle or in a T-shaped turn).

HALLWAYS/DOORS

• Is the doorway leading to accessible spaces at least 32" wide?
• Be sure hallways are free of steps or abrupt vertical changes over 1/4".
• Be sure that at least one door to each accessible space has door hardware (levers, pulls, panic bars, etc.) usable with one hand.

BEDROOMS

• Allow at least a 36"-wide route on each side of the bed and at the foot of the bed to allow people who use wheelchairs to transfer onto the bed from either side.
• Make sure all bedroom doors have security latches or bolts mounted no higher than 48" above the floor so it is within the reach of people who use wheelchairs.

DID YOU KNOW?

• According to the American National Standards Institute (ANSI), the average adult wheelchair, can be up to 50 inches long and up to 32 inches wide.
• There are different types of wheelchairs for different uses. Wheelchairs made for sport have a slightly lower seat and are wider than the average wheelchair.
• The adult wheelchair requires 60 inches of space to make a 360-degree turn.

When it comes to purchasing a wheelchair accessible van, Van Products knows that there is more to it than just selling a handicap van. Instead, our team of mobility specialists also strives to educate each of our customers, letting them know what their options are and providing the resources and support they need before, during, and after the sale.

Partnering with a Dealership That Puts You First

Our customers are at the forefront of everything that we do - from offering in-home demonstrations to scheduling appointments to offering personalized mobility options and more. Therefore, when it's time to make the decision to purchase a wheelchair accessible vehicle, we want you to feel comfortable partnering with a wheelchair van dealership that will be with you long after that initial transaction has taken place.

At Van Products, Inc. we have an experienced and knowledgeable staff that is always available to answer any questions you may have in order to help you make the best choice to suit your specific mobility needs.

A Reputation for Quality & Safety

Van Products offers 24-hour emergency service, along with our guarantee that you will never be left alone in the event of an emergency. Our experienced service department has all the tools and resources necessary to get you back on the road in no time.

As your trusted BraunAbility dealer, we understand that there isn’t a one-size-fits-all solution when it comes to mobility. Our team will work side-by-side with you to find the an accessible vehicle for you and your family that best suits your unique mobility needs. Perhaps most importantly, we provide the service support that you need should anything come up. For more information, about being a BraunAbility dealer, view the video below.

Interested in speaking with one of our mobility specialists or stopping by one of our showrooms? Contact us here.

Recently, Aleksandra Chichikova, from Belarus, was announced as the winner of the Miss Wheelchair World.

The increasingly popular wheelchair beauty pageant was held on October 8, 2017 in Warsaw, Poland.

Other notable winners included:

• I Vice Miss Wheelchair World 2017 – Lebohang Monyatsi (the Republic of South Africa)
• II Vice Miss Wheelchair World 2017 – Adrianna Zawadzińska (Poland)
• Miss Individuality 2017 – Oksana Kononets (Ukraine)
• Miss Smile 2017 – Nadjet Meskine (France)
• Miss Activity 2017 – María Díaz (Chile)
• Miss Charm 2017 – Adrianna Zawadzińska (Poland)
• Miss Miss Kindness 2017 – Vahen King (Canada)
• Miss Lifestyle Designers 2017 – María Díaz (Chile)
• Miss Foto 2017 – Adrianna Zawadzińska (Poland)
• Miss Popularity 2017 – Rajalakshmi Shankar Janardhana Murthy (India)

About Miss Wheelchair World

Miss Wheelchair World is a project that was created with the goal of changing the image of disabled women throughout the world. It was organized by The Only One Foundation with a second purpose of showing that beautiful women who are wheelchair bound live throughout the world.

The competition is a reminder not only that beauty comes in many different forms - but also that being wheelchair bound doesn't mean that you have to be constrained.

Every  woman [in] a wheelchair has [a] right to be whoever she wants and to feel beautiful.

About The Only One Foundation

The Only One Foundation was founded by two disabled mothers who wanted to direct attention to the matters of women with disabilities.

It is a project aimed at the integration of mothers with disabilities, creating pathways among moms who have disabilities to be able to communicate and share information as well as their experiences.

As part of The Only One Foundation, there was an exhibition entitled, "Which One? The Only One!" showing disabled mothers together with their children to prove that their physical limitations weren't a barrier.

Read more about The Only One Foundation here.

Other Links to Miss Wheelchair World

You can also view more information about the Miss Wheelchair World pageant below:

• Facebook page
• YouTube
• Twitter

Congratulations to all of the winners!