Reminder: Wheelchair Safety While Driving or Riding

If you use a wheelchair, you probably know how to get into and out of a car safely. You’ve seen a certified driver rehabilitation specialist and know the rules. But it doesn’t hurt to go over them periodically, and perhaps correct some bad habits we’ve fallen into – and start the New Year off right.

The following guidelines increase safety for wheelchair-seated riders and drivers.

Where to sit

• If possible, transfer into the vehicle’s seat, which is crash designed for greatest protection.
• If you can’t, it is safest to have a WCl9-compliant, transit-ready wheelchair. Non-WCl9-compliant wheelchairs are generally not strong enough to withstand the impact forces that can result in a crash.
• WC19-compliant wheelchairs are designed for use as a motor-vehicle seat and have been crash-tested. Visit this website resource for more info on WC19-compliant wheelchairs.

Seat / safety belt

• Safety belts are the law in almost every state – and that applies to wheelchair users, so position the safety shoulder and lap belt correctly.
• To prevent a wheelchair-seated driver from hitting vehicle structures (windshield, dashboard, etc.) during a crash, it is important to use a safety belt system composed of a shoulder and lap belt that fit snugly across the pelvis, chest and shoulder – not the wheelchair belt.
• Wheelchair belts have not been crash-tested and some are designed to break away from the wheelchair when in a crash. Exceptions are WC19-compliant wheelchairs that come with crash-tested safety belts.

Feeling tied down is a good thing

• Always use a crash-tested securement system to safely anchor the wheelchair using a 4-point tie-down system to keep it stationary – whether you are sitting in the vehicle seat or in the wheelchair.
• An automatic lock-down system will also work to make the manual tie-down system easier. It connects to a bracket installed on the bottom of the wheelchair, allowing independent wheelchair securement.

This mobility safety update has been brought to you by NMEDA – the National Mobility Equipment Dealers Association. Need some information on how to make your vehicle wheelchair accessible or upgraded with the latest and most convenient features? Contact a NMEDA dealer in your local area. Your local NMEDA member is a mobility equipment and accessibility expert!

Flying Anywhere Soon? Do You Have Your Notification Card?

Traveling for anyone is somewhat of a hassle, but for those with disabilities, it can be a nightmare sometimes. Airport security screenings can be especially tough. However, approximately a third of people with disabilities fly at least once every two years, so the drawbacks don’t stop everyone. Now the Transportation Security Administration (TSA) has made it a tad bit easier.

TSA has created notification cards that travelers may use to inform Transportation Security Officers (TSO) about any disability, medical condition or medical device that could affect security screening. Although these cards do not exempt them from security screening, their use may improve communication and help travelers discreetly notify TSOs of their conditions.

TSA has distributed the cards directly to various disability groups. They are available for download at disability-related Web sites such as www.disability.gov by entering “Notification Cards” in the site’s search field.

Other tips to lower the stress level when traveling

• It is especially difficult for seniors and those with disabilities when airlines bump passengers. Get your seat assignment as early as possible, as they bump those with unassigned seats first.
• Remind the screener about your physical limitations and any internal or external medical implants before a pat-down procedure. Ask them to change their gloves to avoid germs.
• If you’re taking gifts, don’t go to the trouble of wrapping them. TSOs may unwrap them for security reasons.
• Your notification card, medications, money and tickets should be in a carry-on, not in luggage that has been checked.
• If you need a lot of personal care, travel with someone who is familiar with your needs.

This mobility safety update has been brought to you by NMEDA – the National Mobility Equipment Dealers Association. Need some information on how to make your vehicle wheelchair accessible or upgraded with the latest and most convenient features? Contact a NMEDA dealer in your local area. Your local NMEDA member is a mobility equipment and accessibility expert

Travel Safety Tips (and Gifts) for the Holidays

What do the five most frequently reported modifications to adapted vehicles (hand controls, wheelchair securement, steering control devices, lifts and automatic door openers) have in common? They all have to do with safety. But there are other items that are vital to your safety when driving – whether you are a senior or a person with disabilities.

• Cell phone: Always have it with you. Make sure you have a list of important phone numbers in the phone’s address book, including family, friends, physician, a neighbor, and work contacts, if applicable.

• GPS: Don’t get lost anymore! Anyone who needs to keep track of where he or she is, find their way to a specific location, or know what direction and how fast he or she is going will love a global positioning system.

• Grab Handles or Straps – Installing grab handles just inside the door of a vehicle makes it easier for seniors and those with disabilities to enter and exit a vehicle. Handles can also be installed on the exterior. Grab handles must be securely installed as outlined by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration.
• Remote start: If the vehicle battery is weak, activating equipment can drain it and you could be stuck inside (or outside). To prevent that disaster, a remote start uses the battery to start the engine first and then the engine powers access equipment.
• Remote control activation allows you to activate access equipment or other vehicle features from your house or even down the street – a real safety feature when you aren’t parked in the best areas. Also convenient if it’s cold outside or raining.
• Increased night vision headlights: Change your headlights to halogen lights, which are brighter and whiter than conventional headlights, and improve nighttime visibility. Better yet, xenon and other high intensity discharge headlamp systems extend range and visibility even more.

This mobility safety update has been brought to you by NMEDA – the National Mobility Equipment Dealers Association. Need some information on how to make your vehicle wheelchair accessible or upgraded with the latest and most convenient features? Contact a NMEDA dealer in your local area. Your local NMEDA member is a mobility equipment and accessibility expert!

Tips on Traveling with Service Animals

Service animals – whether they’re dogs, monkeys or parrots – make life easier for those with disabilities to do many things, including travel.

According to the ADA, “Service animals are animals that are individually trained to perform tasks for people with disabilities. Service animals are working animals, not pets.”

You and your service animal have many rights when traveling on airplanes.

• Airlines must provide animal relief areas for a service animal.
• If the flight is 8 hours or longer, you may have to provide documentation that the animal can fly without needing a relief area.
• Those flying with emotional support or psychiatric service animals must provide advance notice and check-in, plus a current letter from a licensed mental health professional.
• Foreign air carriers are not required to carry service animals other than dogs.
• Screening a passenger with a service animal usually takes more time, so inform a security officer that your furry companion is not a pet, but a service animal. (They will normally move you to the front of the screening line.)

Service dogs

Because service dogs usually wear a harness identifying them as a service dog, they do not need health certificates when traveling in the U.S., or certification, tags, or ID cards. For special rules for Hawaii, visit Hawaii Department of Agriculture, Animal Quarantine Station at http://hawaii.gov/hdoa/ai/aqs/info or call 808-483-7151.

Documentation may be required for an animal traveling to international destinations.

Cab companies cannot legally refuse to provide services to individuals with disabilities or their service animals. They also cannot charge more for transporting individuals with disabilities and their service animals than they charge others for equivalent services.

If you have questions about service animals or other requirements of the ADA, call the U.S. Department of Justice’s toll-free ADA Information Line at 800-514-0301 (voice) or 800-514-0383 (TDD).

This mobility safety update has been brought to you by NMEDA – the National Mobility Equipment Dealers Association. Need some information on how to make your vehicle wheelchair accessible or upgraded with the latest and most convenient features? Contact a NMEDA dealer in your local area. Your local NMEDA member is a mobility equipment and accessibility expert!

Tips on Buying a Used Accessible Van vs New

There are specialized, certified mobility dealers that have new and used vehicles available for individuals with disabilities. The MSRP on a brand-spanking new accessible van is a big chunk of change. Great if you can afford it. But if you can’t, there’s another option – a used accessible van. Comparing new versus used can help make your decision.

NEW VAN

• A new van has a better warranty, plus the option of an extended warranty that should include the accessible equipment.
• A new van also comes with more guarantees, which may cover basic maintenance and repairs.
• A new van will generally last longer than a used van.
• A new van gives you the options and customization that meet your specific needs.

USED VAN

• Think twice before buying a used vehicle from an individual over a dealership. Price aside, you have no idea how well it’s been taken care of, how long it will last and will need it custom fit to your individual needs.  It could break down tomorrow and it may be hard to find a mechanic to fix it.
• Authorized dealerships have generally inspected the vehicle thoroughly and made repairs for drivability, and usually offer warranties and guarantees.
• If the van doesn’t have all the features you need, you would have to buy the right equipment and pay to install it – and suddenly that used van doesn’t look like such a great deal.
• A used accessible van should be less than three years old – because repair places don’t stock older replacement parts and technicians may not be knowledgeable on older vans.

This mobility safety update has been brought to you by NMEDA – the National Mobility Equipment Dealers Association. Need some information on how to make your vehicle wheelchair accessible or upgraded with the latest and most convenient features? Contact a NMEDA dealer in your local area. Your local NMEDA member is a mobility equipment and accessibility expert!

In the Driver’s Seat: Buying a New or Used Vehicle

To lead the most active life you can, you probably want a vehicle. You can buy a new one with adaptive equipment customized to your needs, or you can have equipment added to the family car or van. Either way, you want to verify it is exactly what you want and need, so avoid Internet-only dealers.

The decision to buy new or used depends on your finances, but the family car or van can usually be retro-fitted with whatever you need.

NEW VEHICLE PURCHASE

People with disabilities or their families who purchase a new vehicle from Chrysler, General Motors, Saturn, Ford, Toyota, Lexus, Volkswagen, Honda, Volvo or Acura are eligible for rebates on the added equipment of up to $1,000. Plus, most states waive the sales tax for adaptive devices if you have a doctor’s prescription for their use.

USED VEHICLE PURCHASE

If you are buying a used vehicle, make sure it is customized to fit your needs. The former owner could be taller or shorter than you. An inch in height can make it difficult for you to use equipment properly or adequately see the road. To make sure it fits you, contact a NMEDA dealer at www.nmeda.org or a Driver Rehabilitation Specialist. A DRS performs comprehensive evaluations to identify adaptive equipment you require. Find one near you at www.driver-ed.org.

Please know that not all devices fit all vehicles. For example, some devices are built to wheelchair specifications and some to scooter specs. So be sure the assistive device you purchase will fit your particular vehicle. If you buy locally and have it installed by a qualified, licensed professional, you have no worries.

You may be eligible for savings on assistive devices when submitting your federal income tax return, so hang onto those receipts.

And enjoy the ride!

This mobility safety update has been brought to you by NMEDA – the National Mobility Equipment Dealers Association. Need some information on how to make your vehicle wheelchair accessible or upgraded with the latest and most convenient features? Contact a NMEDA dealer in your local area. Your local NMEDA member is a mobility equipment and accessibility expert!

Unique Mobility Vacations for Summer Fun

It’s summer time! We all want to go places and have fun. If you have a disability, sample a vacation from this list, and put dazzle in your destination!

Great outdoors

Think you can’t hike or camp? Wilderness Inquiry’s mission is to make adventure travel accessible to everyone, regardless of age, background or ability. It provides adapted equipment as needed for its North America and international destinations. Visit www.wildernessinquiry.org.

Also check out GORP (Great Outdoor Recreation Pages) at http://www.gorp.com and search “disabled” at the GORP site. It lists parks, campgrounds and activities across the country for the disabled. (Anyone with a permanent disability can get a Golden Access card free of charge at any National Park fee area, allowing free entrance to all 350 United States national parks.)

Got a wheelchair and want to explore the California coast? Read the fascinating free online guide, A Wheelchair Rider’s Guide – Los Angeles and Orange County Coast. Visit http://scc.ca.gov/publications/ and scroll to bottom.

SWIM WITH DOLPHINS

Whether your challenges are with mobility, vision, hearing, or psychological disorders, you can swim with the dolphins at Discovery Cove in Orlando (or San Antonio or San Diego), or at least have a one-on-one encounter in shallow water with hugs, kisses and rubdowns. If your disability allows, you can also have an exciting dorsal fin tow ride back to shore from deeper water. To search other places that offer a dolphin experience, search dolphins +swim +disabled.

DIALYSIS AT SEA

If your dream trip is a cruise, you and your family can enjoy the pleasures and pampering of an ocean voyage and still get your dialysis.

Each cruise at Dialysis at Sea is accompanied by a board eligible/certified nephrologist and one or more dialysis nurses, depending on the number of dialysis cruise patients. Visit www.dialysisatsea.com. For more unique trips, search “disabled +vacation.”

(Disclaimer: We do not endorse any of the vacations listed here, but gee they sound terrific!)

This mobility safety update has been brought to you by NMEDA – the National Mobility Equipment Dealers Association. Need some information on how to make your car wheelchair accessible or upgraded with the latest and most convenient features? Contact a NMEDA dealer in your local area. Your local NMEDA member is a mobility equipment and accessibility expert!

Mobility solution: adaptive equipment

Before nixing your ability to drive, a disabled prospective driver and/or the disabled caretaker should look into current, state-of-the-art adaptive vehicle equipment. We’ve come a long way, baby, since Henry Ford came out with the Model T. Adaptive aids for those with disabilities now make it possible for them to drive. They may compensate for your disability or inability to perform any driving function.

Common aids include:

• A left foot accelerator eliminates the need to cross your left leg over to the accelerator
• Turn signals to the right of the wheel eliminate that awkward right hand cross-over.
• Foot pedal extensions raise the height of brake and accelerator pedals.
• Hand controls operate the horn and wipers, and even the brake, parking brake and accelerator.
• The quad fork, palm grip, v-grip and triple pin are great for those with grip or tensor control problems, allowing them to stabilize the driving hand.
• One-handed driving control lets you steer using a spinner knob, and an amputee ring can be used by those with prosthetic hooks.
• One device prevents accidental acceleration due to leg spasms.
• If your seating is unbalanced or unstable, look to custom seating solutions.
• And there are, of course, lifts and ramps to help you into and out of the vehicle.

There’s more, but a qualified driver rehabilitation specialist will conduct a clinical evaluation to determine your physical, visual/perceptual, and cognitive capabilities and recommend any others. Actual driver training should use the adaptive aids determined necessary, allowing the future driver to get a driver’s license.

This mobility safety update has been brought to you by NMEDA – the National Mobility Equipment Dealers Association. Need some information on how to make your car wheelchair accessible or upgraded with the latest and most convenient features? Contact a NMEDA dealer in your local area at https://www.nmeda.org/. Your local NMEDA member is a mobility equipment and accessibility expert!

Wheelchair Carriers: What you need to know

Unlike your wallet or purse, your wheelchair doesn’t fit in your pocket or sit on the car seat next to you when you’re traveling. But like a wallet or purse, you need it with you at all times; and that’s not always easy. Or is it?

The answer is, of course, a wheelchair carrier. Whether you’re going to the store or on vacation, you want your mobility chair with you – on or inside the car, van, truck, or leased vehicle, and wheelchair carriers are available in the following styles to fit your lifestyle, your budget and your vehicle.

Automatic car-top wheelchair carriers

These roof-top carriers are equipped with an electric motor-driven hoist that lowers and picks up a manual wheelchair. As the carrier lifts the wheelchair, it folds, then places the chair inside the storage compartment and automatically closes and locks. The car roof must be able to accommodate both the carrier’s size and weight, of course.

Bumper-mounted wheelchair carriers

These are attached to the vehicle’s bumper. Most bumper-mounted carriers can be easily removed and re-attached to grant access to the trunk. Cars with molded bumpers may require a couple of drilled holes to install this one, but can be filled in if or when the carrier needs to be removed.

Hitch-mounted wheelchair carriers

The hitch-mounted carrier can easily be installed on a standard trailer hitch. To use, simply pull the release bar, tipping the rack to the ground. Roll the wheelchair onto the rack and tilt the release bar back into its upright position where it locks into place. Most hitch-mounted carriers include an anti-sway bar, and will support a maximum of 75 pounds.

Pick-up wheelchair carriers

For use with pickup trucks, you simply fold the wheelchair and the electric lift picks it up and places it inside the truck’s bed. All carrier models are designed to withstand inclement weather, though many sellers recommend covering your wheel chair to protect it from rain and snow.

For an “umbrella” that protects you and your wheelchair when out, look for a wheelchair cape or poncho. These are made of waterproof material and feature protected seals over the seams to keep you dry. According to mobility-advisor.com, they come in sizes to provide full coverage for you and your chair, and are designed with several options: no arms, arm slits or full sleeves. Slip-on and zippered styles are available with options that include a hood, thermal lining for warmth, or even patterned fabrics.

This mobility update is brought to you by NMEDA. Visit www.NMEDA.org for more news, tips and everything you need to know about mobility equipment or finding a mobility dealer near you.

5 Top Travel Destinations for Nature Lover Travelers with Disabilities

Traveling for those with a disability can be challenging, but it doesn’t have to be overly so with careful planning and preparation. Following are 5 fabulous travel destinations to consider for nature lovers with disabilities:

1. Hat Head National Park: Captain Cook’s Lookout, Australia

Captain Cook’s Lookout at Hat Head National Park has magnificent lookout has panoramic views throughout its vast expanse. It’s an ideal place for whale watching, sight-seeing, and relaxing in the sun. The picnic area has easy-access facilities and toilets. At the Hat Head National Park, there are picnic tables, gas/electric barbecues, and a non-flush toilet. Just don’t forget to bring your camera and maybe even an oxygen tank if you need it, views here have been known to take a person’s breath away!
 

  2. Acadia National Park: Echo Lake, Maine 

With a wheelchair accessible path to the water and no reservation necessary all your dreams of a stress-free trip on a more natural vacation can come true.
At Echo Lake you can fish, go boating, or canoe with less than 10 horsepower. All you have to do is obtain a Maine fishing license from the Municipal Building or from Bar Harbor’s Rite-Aid Drugstore or the Wal-Mart in Ellsworth. Within Echo Lake are brook trout, salmon, and perch. The best time to fish is between May and September and deep-water trolling is best by midsummer. Echo Lake is one of the most beautiful glacial mountain lakes; you can do almost anything from fishing to swimming to travelling along one of the many accessible trails including Beech Cliff, Canada Cliff, and Beech Mountain.

3. Yosemite National Park, California

Yosemite National Park is one of the world’s most striking, natural sights. There are nearly vertical, 3,000 ft. cliffs, plunging waterfalls, and peaks that form a jagged outline against the sky. On the ground, there are lush, vast prairies surrounded by several different types of tall trees and wildlife that can often be seen. You can visit at any time of year, even in the winter when trails are blocked by snow and waterfalls have iced over. Even with the many tourists that come year-round, Yosemite can still absorb its visitors without becoming overcrowded. In the summer visitors can also park at the day-visitor parking area and take a free shuttle that has wheelchair lifts and tie-downs, to the main visitor’s center.

4. Yellowstone National Park, Wyoming, Montana, Idaho

Yellowstone National Park is America’s first national park. Located in Wyoming, Montana and Idaho, Yellowstone is home to Old Faithful, Yellowstone’s Grand Canyon, and a startling group of geysers and hot springs. A large variety of wildlife also call Yellowstone home including grizzly bears, wolves, elk, and bison. Camping, hiking trails, fishing, exhibits, films, and attending Ranger-led programs are among some of the many ways to experience the glory and grandeur of Yellowstone. They even have Fee-Free Days!

5.  Hawaii: Kailua Beach, Waikiki

There are several hotels, lodges, and resorts and offer wheelchair accessible options to tourists. In fact, Waikiki, Hawaii is such an important spot for travellers with disabilities, that roll-away beach mats and wider-wheeled wheelchairs were practically invented for the purpose of visiting these beautiful beaches. One beauty in particular we would like to mention would have to be Kailua Beach, not just for its undeniable beauty, but also because you can go to concession for a beach access wheelchair, on-duty lifeguards, and its typically smaller waves.

This information is brought to you by NMEDA – the National Mobility Equipment Dealers Association. Need some information on how to make your car wheelchair accessible or upgraded with the latest and most convenient features? Contact a NMEDA dealer in your local area. Your local NMEDA member is a mobility equipment and accessibility expert!