Adapted Vehicle Steering Aids: From Reduced Effort to Foot Steering

There are many types of driving devices available that require minimum effort for steering or are designed especially for quadriplegics, those with prosthesis and those with limited grip strength. Some are customized according to individual needs.

Steering Column Extension
Brings the steering wheel 2 -6″ closer to the wheelchair driver. It provides extra leg room and compensates for reduced range of movement.

Deep-Dish Steering Wheel
Brings the steering wheel rim approximately 4″ closer to the wheelchair driver and is normally used with a low-effort steering system. It improves wheelchair accessibility to the steering wheel and lessens the range of steering motion.

Foot Steering Control
Transfers hand control to foot operation. Auxiliary and secondary vehicle controls are also adapted to foot operation.

Horizontal Steering Column
A motorized, telescoping steering column customized for those who experience limited arm strength and range of motion and those who cannot use a conventional steering wheel.

Low Effort and Zero Effort Steering
Low effort reduces the effort to steer by approximately 40%. Zero effort reduces the effort by approximately 70%.

One Hand Drive Control System
Designed for people with limited or no use of lower extremities but good strength in one arm and hand. Its main component is a knob through which steering, brake, and throttle are activated.

Steering Spinners
For drivers who must steer with one hand. They come in a variety of configurations including an amputee ring, knob, “quad-steering cuff,” palm grip, tri-pin and v-grip.
Steering Fork
Supports people with reduced grip function. Thanks to the support of the back of the hand the hand stays safely in place and enables secure control of the vehicle.

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Helpful Gadgets Under $50

Our abilities change with age and disabilities. It can be near impossible to do some things. But help is here in the form of gadgets and gizmos. Google the ones you’re interested in. (Prices below are suggested retail and may vary.)

HandyBar $25. Helps you get in and out of the car easier. It is simple to use and no installation is required; simply insert it into the U-shaped striker plate on your vehicle door frame. Handybar also has a lifetime guarantee.

Car Caddie Door Strap $20. A portable handle that offers balancing support for those with limited mobility getting in and out of a vehicle. Easily installed, it attaches to the frame of most vehicle doors (not convertibles.)

Swivel Seat Cushion $16 -$40. Rotates to allow user to swivel in and out of car seats. 15″ diameter.

Easy Reach Seat Belt Handle $10. Easily snaps onto your safety belt, it offers an additional 6″ to grab on to, making it easier to pull your seat belt toward you.

Rigid Leg Lifter $14. Used to raise or lower legs. Ideal for hip replacement patients. Rod bends easily to accommodate any foot.

Universal Turner $25. Helps grasp and turn small knobs like gas caps and knobs around the home.

Telestik Reacher $30. Allows you to retrieve hard-to-reach items without requiring significant grip strength or dexterity. It features three tools that extend to 34” via stainless steel telescoping arms: a magnetic head, an adhesive pad, and a hook. To open, simply extend the arms like pulling up a radio antenna, or hook the end in a corner or drawer handle, and back away, pulling it open with very little strength or dexterity. Between the three tool heads, you can pick up virtually anything up to one pound. The magnetic head picks up metal objects; the adhesive pad picks up flat-surface items; and the hook picks up items like clothing, and operates light switches. Call 604-542-2982 or visit www.telestik.com.

To find out more about the mobility equipment, wheelchair vans and other solutions offered by United Access, visit http://www.UnitedAccess.com.  

About United Access: United Access has been providing the latest in adapted vehicles, driving systems and services for over 30 years. They are a member of the National Mobility Equipment Dealers Association and a nationally accredited Quality Assurance Program (QAP) dealer with nine locations across the Midwest and Mid-South. They are committed to giving back to the communities they serve through volunteer time, event sponsorships and donations.

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Safety tips: Why Anchor a Wheelchair in Accessible Vehicle?

To find out more about the mobility equipment, wheelchair vans and other solutions offered by United Access, visit http://www.UnitedAccess.com.  

Vehicles right off the line that have no accessible or adaptive equipment are designed with a safety bubble comprised of firmly anchored seats, seat belts and a belt restraint system to protect the upper and lower torso, and air bags to pillow you in the event of a crash. This “cone of protection” does not exist for those with disabilities riding in wheelchairs.

To get such protection in an accessible vehicle it has to be modified by a mobility equipment dealer. Mobility equipment dealers know that transferring to the vehicle seat offers the highest level of protection. Second best is a WC19 compliant wheelchair, which is designed for use as a seat in motor vehicles. (Regular wheelchair frames and seats are just not strong enough to withstand crash conditions.)

Below are some reasons to let the professionals handle the installation.

On a vehicle with no modifications:

  • It is difficult to find suitable places on the wheelchair frame to attach wheelchair tiedowns. Or it is likely that the places you find are not strong enough to hold up under a crash.
  • Tiedown straps may be attached to the most accessible places on the wheelchair, which are often the weakest. (Attaching to detachable footrests or armrests is a really bad idea.)
  • Belt restraints should fit over the pelvis and shoulders. However, most wheelchair designs make positioning vehicle-anchored restraints difficult.
  • Many times, wheelchair occupants are placed facing sideways in the vehicle, since this is easiest for getting a wheelchair in and out of the vehicle. But then occupants are in the least-safe orientation for a frontal crash. All occupied wheelchairs should face forward during transit.
  • The experts will tell you trays and tray-mounted accessories are rarely fixed to wheelchairs with safety in mind. They should be stowed elsewhere during transit or attached securely.

An accredited mobility dealer knows all this – and more – and works to make your ride the safest and most comfortable possible.

Source: Rehabilitation Engineering Research Center (RERC) on Wheelchair Transportation Safety (www.rercwts.org)

About United Access: United Access has been providing the latest in adapted vehicles, driving systems and services for over 30 years. They are a member of the National Mobility Equipment Dealers Association and a nationally accredited Quality Assurance Program (QAP) dealer with nine locations across the Midwest and Mid-South. They are committed to giving back to the communities they serve through volunteer time, event sponsorships and donations.

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Safety Tip: How Much Does Your SUV or Van Weigh?

How much weight can your accessible SUV or van bear when fully loaded? Because SUVs and vans have a higher center of gravity than sedans or minivans, they are more prone to rollover accidents. It is vital to know the weight load before stuffing your vehicle with a wheelchair, luggage, family or friends and vacation equipment (like a canoe or bicycles). Just because there is room for everything doesn’t mean it’s safe for everyone.  Braking hard to avoid a possible accident or carrying too much weight in a sharp turn can up the odds of an accident. Plus, an overloaded vehicle can adversely affect braking, steering and your ability to safely control the vehicle.  To find the maximum allowable weight of your vehicle when loaded, look for the label on the driver’s side doorjamb. It tells the allowable weight of the vehicle plus fuel, passengers and cargo. A large SUV can weigh 6,000 lbs. or more before the conversion. A smaller one will be in the 4,000-5,000 lb. range.

To figure out how much weight the vehicle will actually be carrying, get out the calculator. A power wheelchair can weigh about 200 lbs. Add 300 lbs. or more for the wheelchair lift and you’ve already added 500 lbs to the vehicle’s weight capacity. Add 150 lbs. for each passenger and the driver.
With all that weight, make sure the tires can handle the load. Inspect the tread and check the air pressure.  Slim down your odds of a rollover by slimming down the vehicle. No overloading! 

This mobility safety update has been brought to you by United Access. Need some information on how to make your vehicle wheelchair accesibile or upgraded with the latest and most convenient features? Contact United Acccess today!

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Love Fund for Children

United Access is proud to support the Fox 4 Love Fund for Children was established to improve the quality of life for children in need, ages 18 and under, in the Greater Kansas City metropolitan area, when funding from other sources is not available. Abuse counseling, durable medical equipment, eye exams & glasses, school uniforms, beds & cribs, personal hygiene items, clothes & shoes, …

Our organization works directly with professionals (i.e.social service agencies, teachers, school counselors, religious leaders, public assistance programs, doctors, etc.).  Funding for the Love Fund comes from special events and gifts from supporters in the Kansas City community. We invite you to participate in our fundraising events throughout the year. You may also consider being part of our volunteer team, The Love Fund League. There is something wonderfully rewarding in being a part of an effort that does make a difference in a child’s life.  Vist there website for details

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Visit United Access to Find Your Best Wheelchair Van Conversion in Lenexa, KS

Looking for your mobility van is an exciting experience. Access wheelchair vans from United Access in Lenexa, Kansas can offer you an incredible amount of freedom. One of the best perks of having one is the power to no longer rely on someone else and be completely independent.

At the Lenexa, Kansas branch of United Access you will search through the different vehicles that are available and find something that matches with your taste and needs. With dozens of different van conversions and models available, you should be able to find a vehicle that is just right for you.

The first step you need to take is to contact a United Access certified mobility consultant at the Lenexa, Kansas location to ensure that shopping is done with as little hassle as possible. Mobility consultants can make sure you are aware of the different types of conversions and accessories that fit your specific requirements.

Visit the Lenexa United Access online inventory of wheelchair vehicles any time you please.

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Used Mobility Van From United Access and Mobility in Lenexa: The Affordable Choice

Most often, a physically challenged person has to rely on family and friends to drive them to work or to any other location. An access handicapped vehicle from United Access in Lenexa, Kansas offers convenience in transporting a person in a wheelchair. The wheelchair bound person can also take the wheel themselves with the correct adaptive equipment.

Wheelchair platform lifts from United Access in Lenexa, Kansas allow a disabled person to become completely independent when it comes to transportation. The person can go to the movies, run errands for a family member, or pick their child up from school.

However, a accessible van transportation from United Access can be expensive. Even converting a vehicle to accommodate a wheelchair can be costly. Thankfully, there are used handicap minivans that make it possible for a disabled person to afford this vehicle.

To begin looking  for used wheelchair lift vans, you can check with car dealers in your area and surf the Internet. If you are fortunate to find an accessible mobility van locally, ask a friend or a family member to test-drive the vehicle.

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Getting a Great Wheelchair Accessible Van From United Access in Lenexa, Kansas

Buying a conversion mobility van from United Access in Lenexa, Kansas may, at first, seem like an intimidating process.  Any vehicle, whether new or used from United Access, represents a major financial investment.  And as with any vehicle purchase, the vehicle starts depreciating as soon as you start using it.  That is why it’s vital to put some real thought into what you’re going to get when you’re choosing a van for yourself or your loved one. Here are some tips on getting the best possible wheelchair-accessible van for your needs.

First, you want to research all your options. When many people think of accessible vehicles, they think of full size vans with wheelchair ramps or lifts. Today, though, many of the wheelchair-accessible vehicles are actually minivans. Minivans have some great advantages, such as taking up less space, getting better gas mileage, and being easier for the average driver to maneuver. A full size van is still a good option, though, especially if you need extra space or have a large family.

Besides considering the type of vehicle you want or need, there are also lots of custom details that vary from van to van. Options such as automatic wheelchair tie downs, hand controls or high-tech driving equipment may be added to fit your unique needs. You also want to check out different types of ramp and lift systems so that you find that one that’s best suited to both your wheelchair or scooter and your needs.

After you know what you like, make sure you know how much you can afford. Look at the insurance rates on the wheelchair accessible van or vans that you like. Also, find out what type of automobile loan you can get. This will help narrow your search for the proper vehicle for you. It’s important to take your time while shopping for this major purchase and not to make any snap decisions.  Talking to a Mobility Specialist at United Access can help you through the process of finding the perfect vehicle for you. 

Visit the Lenexa United Access online inventory of handicap lift vans 24 hours a day by clicking here.

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