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

Overseas Travel Tips for People with Disabilities

Traveling overseas can be exciting and sometimes a bit daunting for any traveler with currency exchanges, time changes and getting used to the “newness” of foreign places. But if you are a person with disabilities or traveling with someone who needs special accommodations, you can make your overseas trip a lot easier and safer by following these basic State Department travel tips:

• Register with the State Dept.: Register your travel plans through a free online service at https://travelregistration.state.gov. This will help contact you during a family emergency in the U.S., or if there is a crisis where you are traveling. (Information on your welfare and whereabouts will not be released to others without your express authorization.)
• Passport and emergency information: Make sure you have a signed, valid passport and a visa, if required, and fill in the emergency information page of your passport.
• Leave copies: Leave copies of your itinerary, passport data page and visas with family or friends, so you can be contacted in case of an emergency.
• Overseas medical insurance coverage: Ask your insurance company if your policy applies overseas, and if it covers emergency expenses such as medical evacuation. If it does not, consider supplemental insurance.
• Local conditions and laws: You are subject to the laws of any foreign country you visit. Visit The State Department web site at http://travel.state.gov/travel/cis_pa_tw/cis/cis_1765.html for useful safety tips and useful information about the laws and customs of the countries you will visit.
• Crime: Do not wear eye-catching clothing or flashy jewelry while on your trip. Do not carry excessive amounts of money. Do not leave unattended luggage in public areas and do not accept packages from strangers.
• Emergencies: Personnel at U.S. Embassies and Consulates abroad and in the U.S. are available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, to provide emergency assistance to U.S. citizens. Find contact information at the Bureau of Consular Affairs website at http://travel.state.gov. In an emergency, call 1-888-407-4747, if calling from the U.S. or Canada, or 202-501-4444, if calling from overseas.
• Plan: If you require special equipment that you must take with you on your trip, be sure it is in good working order before you leave.
• Travel Smart: Be sure to allow enough time for your body to adjust to the additional physical activity and changes in diet and climate during your trip. You’ll enjoy your trip more if you are well-rested.
• Accommodations and Access: Learn about planned stops and ask questions about accessibility and available assistance at the airport, your hotel, on public transportation and at all travel destinations prior to departing for your trip. Re-confirm your needs shortly before leaving to be sure that your needs are clearly understood by those who will assist you.

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!

When is a Good Time to Rent a Wheelchair Accessible Van?

Three times are ideal to rent a wheelchair accessible van.

If you’re a first-time purchaser of a wheelchair accessible vehicle, you may want to rent one first to see what it’s like, if it’s for you, and if you feel comfortable driving it.

If your present vehicle is in the repair shop, you’ll need to rent a replacement.

Perhaps you’re going on a vacation or long trip. Your present accessible vehicle may not be as comfortable as you’d like for a lengthy journey or you have a minivan and need a larger van for your vacation. (An accessible minivan accommodates 4 passengers plus 1 wheelchair or 2 passengers plus 2 wheelchairs, depending on the size of the wheelchairs.)

Actually, anytime is ideal to rent a wheelchair van sporting more luxurious or newer features. Pamper yourself!

Whatever your needs, from automatic ramps and lifts, luxury interiors, and the latest wheelchair securement systems, now is the time to try out an accessible van – rent it!

Whether you rent new or used, a quality company maintains its vehicles in optimum condition, plus you can decide on side or rear ramp access, lift options, remote features, swivel or turning seat, and all the other gadgets and necessities you’ve been dreaming of.

Delivery and pick-up are normally available on rentals that last for a week or longer. Delivery includes at your home, work, the airport, etc. (You may have to pick-up and return a daily rental.)

First things first: Which van?

Mileage. Ask about the gas mileage of different models. Better mileage will save you a bundle over the span of a long trip. Renting a new van over a used one may be the smarter move if the gas mileage is considerably better.

Help! Ask the company if it has a 24-hour hotline,  emergency towing or other service.

Make a reservation. When you find a van rental company that has the bells and whistles you want, make a reservation to ensure it’s available when you’re ready to go.

What you’ll need:

• You must be 25 and have a valid drivers license.
• Call your insurance company. You’ll need proof of full coverage insurance to cover a rental vehicle (comprehensive, collision, and liability). Many rental companies do not provide insurance. Check their requirements.
• Major credit card.

• If more than one person plans to drive, they must also be 25 or older.
• All drivers must sign the rental contract, show insurance and drivers licenses.

• A clean driving history.

Many rental companies also offer scooter rentals, power wheelchair rentals, booster seats, car seats, GPS rentals and other goodies for your travel needs.

Rent a wheelchair accessible vehicle and travel in style! We always recommend an in-person evaluation before you rent or purchase an adaptive vehicle for safety purposes. Many NMEDA dealers rent accessible vans/vehicles and can be found at www.nmeda.org.

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!

For Those with Disabilities: Tips on Holiday Traveling

Going to see the family for the holidays? If you’re flying or renting a vehicle, here are a few helpful hints.

Vehicle rental

Car rental companies are required to install hand controls on vehicles at your request, but you must give them 48-hours notice.

Your own portable hand-controls can be installed quickly in almost any automatic vehicle, and leave no marks or holes. Get approval from the rental company first (in writing), as insurance may be voided if you don’t.

If you need a lift-equipped van, contact a travel agent who specializes in accessible travel or contact a specialty van rental firm.

Call a cab! Larger cities usually have taxis equipped with lifts. Call the destination taxi authority.

Airlines

Tell the airlines your specific needs ahead of time, whether it’s a wheelchair, oxygen tank or other accommodations. Ask about fees for using their assistive devices. If they can’t meet your needs or charge too much, you have time to call another airline or make other arrangements.

Confirm the reservation and other accommodations at least 48 hours before your trip.

Let the airlines know if you have a power or manual wheelchair, as rules vary as to where it will be stowed (or even allowed).

Find out the latest security regulations – like what’s allowed on the plane. To avoid Home Security hassles, check the Federal website www.tsa.gov for current updates before you start packing.

Transportation Security Administration (TSA) has travel tips like “3-1-1” to speed screening:

• Ensure all of your liquids or gels are in 3 ounce or smaller containers. (More than 3 ounces are permitted in checked baggage.)
• Place those containers in a 1 quart-size, clear plastic, zip-top bag.
• Place 1 bag only per traveler in the security bin for screening.

For more information on airline travel for those with disabilities, visit the U.S. Dept. of Transportation at http://www.dotcr.ost.dot.gov/asp/airacc.asp.

Have a great holiday!

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!

Be Safe With Wheelchair Tie-Downs

It’s the law to wear your seat belt. But a seat belt alone is not enough if you’re sitting in the back of a van in a chair on wheels. Any quick or sudden movement – hard braking, accelerating, or a sharp turn – can send you careening. That’s why wheelchair tie-downs are vital to the safety and sense of security of a person with disabilities.

Tie-downs feature heavy straps or harnesses mounted to the floor in a four-point restraining system. Fasteners attach to the wheelchair, holding it securely in place and giving the greatest amount of front-to-back and side-to-side stability.

Additionally, a personal belt system adds up to maximum protection for the passenger. The belt system is a lap and shoulder belt secured to the vehicle or to the wheelchair tie- downs. Be sure it is a crash-tested safety belt – and don’t take it off!

Together, this two-prong approach allows the wall and floor of the vehicle to absorb any bumps or jolts.

Popular types of tie-downs

• Self-tensioning tie-downs: The spool of the tie-down takes up the slack in the belts if the wheelchair moves (in case the strap was not properly tightened). This system provides strong anchorage in case of an accident and prevents sideways movement of both wheelchair and passenger.

• Retractable tie-downs: These tie-downs retract onto a spool. Properly used, the strap cannot loosen until a manual release is pressed. Because the straps are in the spool, they are not in the way or lying on the floor.

There are more types and not all tie-down systems work for every type of wheelchair. Check with a professional before purchasing one for your vehicle. A certified mobility specialist can demonstrate the different types of tie-down systems.

For more safety information on wheelchair-seated motor vehicle occupants, visit the Rehabilitation Engineering Research Center on Wheelchair Transportation Safety at www.rercwts.org.

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!

Vehicle Turning Seats Add Maneuverability

Seniors who are physically challenged and those with disabilities who have difficulty entering and exiting a vehicle can appreciate the maneuverability of a swivel or turning seat. Such devices are commonly recommended by rehabilitation experts because they move the seat back, forward, up, down and sideways.
They are especially valued in higher vehicles or motor homes because they eliminate the climbing and twisting of getting in and out.
An electronically-controlled turning seat allows the vehicle seat to swivel out and lower to wheelchair seat height. You transfer from the wheelchair or scooter to the vehicle seat and the turning seat lifts you up and into the vehicle. For smaller vehicles, the seat simply rotates in and out over the door sill.
If you’re in a wheelchair in the middle part of a van, an electronically controlled swivel seat can slide backward and forward to transfer you into the driver’s position. Up and down controls help in the process, if needed.
• Turning seats are installed by mobility equipment dealers and installers who specialize in vehicle modifications for those with disabilities.
• There are no structural modifications to the vehicle – plus you can have it taken out and installed in your next vehicle.
• Such devices can be installed in new or used vehicles, and mobility reimbursement programs may pay up to $1,000.
If a turning seat is more than you need:
• If you just need a little extra maneuverability, a simple grab bar installed on the inside or outside may be all you require.
• If you need more than a grab bar, look into a manual swivel. Pull a simple lever and the seat swivels through approximately 90 degrees. You can then easily stand up or do a sliding transfer onto your wheelchair or scooter. You may have a grab handle or assist strap installed for ease of transfer.
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!

Airlines Must Meet Travel Requirements for People with Disabilities

Nervous about flying with your disability? By law, U.S. air carriers must comply with highly detailed regulations that affect people with disabilities. (These do not cover foreign carriers serving the United States.) You should know the following:

When a person with a disability requests assistance, the airline is obliged to provide access to the aircraft door, an aisle wheelchair, and a seat with removable armrests. (Aircraft with less than 30 seats are generally exempt.)

Airline personnel are not required to transfer passengers from wheelchair to wheelchair, wheelchair to aircraft seat, or wheelchair to lavatory seat. Passengers with disabilities who cannot transfer themselves should travel with a companion or attendant.

Only wide-body aircraft with two aisles are required to have fully accessible lavatories, although any aircraft with more than 60 seats must have an on-board wheelchair and personnel must assist with movement of the wheelchair from the seat to the area outside the lavatory.

Airline personnel are not obliged to assist with feeding, visiting the lavatory, or dispensing medication to travelers.

Airlines may not require advance notice that a person with a disability is traveling; however, they may require up to 48-hours advance notice and 1-hour advance check-in for certain accommodations that require preparation time, such as oxygen, incubators, respirators, electric wheelchairs, wheelchair batteries, etc. It would be wise to call ahead.

Knowledge gives confidence. Now go confidently into the blue horizon!

Source: CDC.gov

This mobility update has been brought to you by NMEDA – the National Mobility Equipment Dealers Association. Need some information on how to make your car, wheelchair or scooter 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!

Transportation Solution: Rent a Wheelchair Accessible Van

Don’t have a wheelchair accessible van when you need to transport a loved one with a disability home from the hospital, or to and from the doctor’sonce a month?

Want to visit the family in another state and ride in true comfort?

Rent a wheelchair accessible van!

If you’re going on a short or lengthy road trip, everyone can enjoy a top-of-the-line wheelchair-accessible, late model beauty. Plus, you’re not adding mileage to the family’s main form of transportation. Van rentals are usually available by the day, week, month, or even longer.

Look for a van that has been modified according to the recommendations and guidelines of The Rehabilitation Engineering and Assistive Technology Society of North America (RESNA) and The National Mobility Equipment Dealers Association (NMEDA). The staff at the rental place will demonstrate how to use all the adaptive features you select. (How about that GPS system!) You can choose from raised roofs, lowered floors and automatic ramps or lifts – whatever your needs call for. They assist in evaluating mobility needs based on your specific situation.

Most places also offer free delivery and pick-up, so what are you waiting for? Drive in safety and reliable comfort by renting a wheelchair accessible van. Who knows, you may even decide to buy that van once you see how amazing they are! (Plus, many manufacturers offer rebate assistance when you purchase mobility equipment.)

First things first. Find a rental solution near you at http://www.nmeda.org.

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!