Tips on Choosing the Right Adaptive Vehicle Repair Shop

When your accessible vehicle needs repairing, where do you take it? After checking the warranty, take it to the place where you bought it. But if you are out of town, have moved or it’s after hours, what do you do? You should know that answer before you need a repair or auto body shop.

Call the company that sold it to you. If they don’t make repairs, they can find a service center near you that works with conversion vehicles.

Check with your insurance company as they often make recommendations or have preferred shops. Get the list and research the shops.

Contact shops and ask if they have quality assurance program training, are members of national organizations such as ASA, I-CAR, are ASE certified and/or are members of NMEDA?

  • NMEDA is a non-profit trade association of mobility equipment manufacturers, dealers, driver rehabilitation specialists, and other professionals dedicated to improving the lives of people with disabilities and assisting with driving independence using wheelchair accessible vehicles.
  • The non-profit National Institute for Automotive Service Excellence (ASE) conducts a national certification program for automotive technicians. Call 800-ASA-SHOP to see if the shop is a member and if they have any complaints against them.
  • I-CAR is a not-for-profit international training organization dedicated to improving the quality, safety, and efficiency of auto collision repair. Visit i-car.com.
  • ASA (Automotive Service Association) has a database of repair facility members nationwide. Visit asashop.org or call 800-272-7467.
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How to Find Wheelchair Access Around the World

For those with disabilities, traveling around the world is a little more difficult if not downright daunting. To find an accessible local business or service is difficult enough, but in a foreign country it is almost impossible – or at least it used to be.

That is until Raul Krauthausen of Germany, a wheelchair user himself, developed a free iPhone app just for that. Called Wheelmap, the app shows wheelchair access places around the world and rates them on their accessibility.

Red, yellow or green tags indicate the level of wheelchair access of each location. Red has no wheelchair access, yellow has partial wheelchair access and green is totally accessible for wheelchair use. Gray locations mean that place has yet to be rated.

That’s where users can help. Since the app is also linked to the Wheelmap website, gallivanting travelers from around the globe can rate locations on their accessibility and even share tips.  While most of the cities are in Germany right now, you can rate anyplace you’ve been – buildings in your local town or those you have traveled to in your state, the USA or Canada. Major cities like London and New York are growing in ratings, but you can put your own city on the map!

This interactive feature has proved popular and expanded the list of accessible buildings. The app is quickly being used worldwide.

You can rate locations without registering, but must log in to add specific comments and share tips. It is still a work in progress, but you can help it grow!

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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Lonestar State Open House Follow Up

United Access had their first annual open house at our new Dallas, TX location.  Although we are new to the area the word must of gotten out because we had over 160 people show up during the two day open house.  Thank you to Tom Wright and Patriot Paws for your presentations and to all our manufacturers for coming out to help.

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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Amusement Parks are Making it Easier for Those with Disabilities

In the rush of everyday life, we have to make time for fun – and what better place than an amusement park. In the last few years, they have become more friendly to those with disabilities. One in particular was specially built for children with disabilities, although it’s open to everyone.

Morgans Wonderland, a 25-acre park which opened in 2010 in San Antonio, Texas, is the “World’s First Ultra Accessible Family Fun Park.” Every attraction is completely accessible by those in wheelchairs or with cognitive disorders.

Those with special needs get in free. Those accompanying special needs individuals pay a $10 admittance, and general admission is $15. Parking is complimentary.

The park’s opening and closing times vary throughout the year depending on the season. In 2011, it opened March 4.

To help keep the crowds more manageable and provide a level of comfort to children with special needs who may be anxious in crowds, reservations are suggested and may be made online at http://www.morganswonderland.com/ or by phone 1-210-637-3434.

United Access, a NMEDA member is giving away a trip for 4 to San Antonio, TX which includes a visit to Morgan’s Wonderland, as well as other great San Antonio attractions. Flight, hotel, accessible van rental, admission to Morgan’s Wonderland, Riverwalk and the Alamo, and spending money for food and drink are included. The contest runs until April 30, 2011. To enter, click HERE.

Other “semi-accessible” amusement parks include:

Universal Orlando’s Wizarding World of Harry Potter has great information for guests with disabilities on its website at http://www.universalorlando.com/Images/RidersGuideUpdateFlyer_tcm13-10940.pdf.

You might also want to visit  www.universalorlando.com or http://www.universalorlando.com/harrypotter/.

Disney Parks has a guide book for guests with disabilities at http://adisneyland.disney.go.com/media/dlr_v0200/en_US/help/disabil_gdebk_3_08.pdf or you can call (714) 781-4565.

To find out which rides are accessible, visit http://disneyland.disney.go.com/plan/guest-services/mobility-disabilities/.

In Canada: LaRonde, a Six Flags-owned amusement park at www.laronde.com and Canada’s Wonderland at www.canadaswonderland.com.

Google your favorite park to see how accessible it is.

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 and accessibility equipment expert!

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Funding Resources for Accessible Vehicles & Adaptive Equipment

Wheelchair accessible vehicles and adaptive equipment prices can run from $5,000 to $60,000+. Thankfully there are ways to help pare that down to an affordable figure. Disability grants and loans, government assistance and other help is available. You can even use multiple sources.

State Agencies – Every state has a Vocational Rehabilitation Dept. Some provide funding for vehicle modifications. Phone numbers for state, federal and county agencies are in your local phone book or Google (your state) (+) “vocational rehabilitation” or “human services,” etc.

County – Social service or human services programs may assist in financing.

Veterans Administration – The VA funds adaptive equipment for qualifying veterans. Visit www.va.gov/about_va/ or call 202-273-7124.

Charitable Organizations/Churches – Philanthropy organizations are extensive, from MS Society to Easter Seals to Elks, Lions, Kiwanis, Rotary and more. Check with your local organizations.

Mobility Rebate Programs – Many leading vehicle manufacturers offer rebates for those that require modifications for disabilities. Ask your NMEDA dealership or search online.

Bank Financing – More and more banks and financing companies will work with you and the dealer to finance the vehicle with no down payment and up to 10 years to pay off the loan.

Your insurance or workman’s compensation policies may pay for vehicle adaptation.

Medicare will pay for adaptive equipment in certain instances. Call 1-800-MEDICARE.

To look for used (previously enjoyed) vehicles or equipment, check the classified ads. But also call or visit local nursing or assisted-living homes, Hospice, etc. and ask if they are planning on selling any of their accessible vehicles or equipment.

A doctor’s prescription may exempt your purchase from sales tax. You may also qualify for income tax credits at income tax time.

Need more info? Google: handicapped funding.

All tolled, your research could have a significant impact on the final cost of your accessible vehicle and equipment. No matter how you secure funding, it is always a good practice to work with a NMEDA dealer for a new or used vehicle that is customized to fit your particular needs.

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Visit With a Mobility Consultant From Wright Way to Find Your Best Wheelchair Van

Surfing for your mobility van is an thrilling experience. Access wheelchair vehicles from Wright Way in Dallas, Texas can extend you an astounding amount of freedom. One of the best perks of having one is the power to no longer rely on someone else. With the use of a hand control, you can take the wheel and be totally self-sufficing.

At the Dallas Texas branch of Wright Way you will be able to browse the different vehicles that are acquirable and find something that fits with your sensuous sensibilities and individual needs. With tons of different van conversions and models acquirable, you should be able to find a vehicle that is just right for you.

The first step you need to take is to meet a Wright Way certified mobility consultant to guarantee that shopping is done with as little stress as possible. Mobility consultants can make sure you are conscious of the different types of conversions and add-on that match your particular requirements.

Check out the Dallas Wright Way online inventory of handicap lift vans whenever you like.

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Used Mobility Van From Wright Way: The Affordable Choice

More often than not,, a physically challenged individual has to rely on family and friends to drive them to work or to any other place and their loved ones gladly provide help. However, a mobility adapted van from Wright Way of Dallas, Texas adds convenience in moving a person in a wheelchair and there are types that can driven by a wheelchair user, giving them a sense of independence.

Accessible wheelchair vans from Wright Way in Dallas, TX supplies a disabled person to become self-sufficing when it comes to transportation.

Yet, a wheelchair accessible van from Wright Way is high-priced. Even shifting a vehicle to accommodate a wheelchair can be big-ticket. Thankfully, there are used accessible minivans that make it feasible for a disabled person to afford this vehicle.

To start inquiring for used accessible minivans, you can assert with car dealers in your area and surf the Internet.  If it is a challenge to look for used wheelchair vans in your local area, look for dealers that allow delivery services. If you are fortunate to find a used handicapped mobility van locally, inquire a friend or a family member to test-drive the vehicle.

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Getting a Great Wheelchair Accessible Van From Wright Way

Buying a wheelchair accessible caravan might seem like a overwhelming thing to do because there really aren’t too many people who have mobility vans.  Any vehicle, new or used from Wright Way in Dallas, Texas exemplifies a major financial investment, one that’s going to start depreciating in value as soon as you start driving it.  This means that it’s essential to put some actual thought into what you’re going to get when you’re opting a wheelchair access vehicle for yourself or a loved one.

The first step is to search all your options. After you know what you’d like, make sure you research your budget. Look at the insurance rates and find out what type of loan you can get. This will provide some focal point as you’re shopping around and trying to figure out which wheelchair minivan to get.

Visit the Dallas Wright Way online inventory 24 hours a day.

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