Acquiring Information
Acquiring the correct information to answer these questions will require the assistance of professional persons. Of course, your doctor and physical therapist will have input, but the assistance of an adaptive driving evaluator is recommended. A driving evaluator can be contacted through a rehabilitation center near you, or by calling Presidential Conversions (PCI) for several evaluators in the area, such as:
- Fort Smith Arkansas – Health South Rehabilitation Hospital - (479) 785-3300 (Karen Bogel or Fritzy Suggs)
- Little Rock Arkansas – Baptist Health - (501) 202-3300 (John Johnston)
- Hot Springs Arkansas – Hot Springs Rehabilitation Center - (501) 624-4411 (Ervin Culbeth)
Many major rehabilitation centers conduct complete driver evaluation programs which are certified by their state's department of motor vehicles. This includes a pre-driver evaluation, behind-the-wheel lessons and assistance in licensing. Pre-driver evaluation includes testing eyesight, motor control, judgment and reaction time.
Most driver evaluation programs utilize vehicles with hand controls and steering devices to instruct their clients. Some cars have a Chair Topper® mounted on the roof which mechanically loads and stores the wheelchair for the driver or passenger. Most programs also operate a fully-modified van for people who drive from their wheelchair. The van may have a raised top as well as a lowered floor. It may also have a Lift-A-Way® or Vangater II ® wheelchair lift with power doors on the side cargo door and a remote control entry device. Some driving programs are including the lowered floor minivan conversion, such as the Braun Entervan®. You may also try out the Bruno Turny Power Seat Base. This device extends the passenger seat from the side of your vehicle and gently raises you into the passenger compartment.
After entering the vehicle, the evaluator can determine if you will drive from your wheelchair or from a power seat. The power seat base moves electrically into position next to you so that your transfer may be comfortable and safe. Generally, if you can transfer, you should drive from the van seat which is bolted to the floor. If you cannot transfer, an electric wheelchair tie-down can be added along with special stabilizing belts to secure you and your wheelchair behind the steering wheel.
There are many different types of driving controls and assistive driving devices. These include hand controls for throttle and brake, extended steering columns to position the wheel at the proper height, lower effort steering and braking, and modified vehicle switches. In a driver training vehicle, it may take a few sessions to fit this equipment to you. Once you have an evaluation from an instructor, you can begin to shop for a vehicle.
Finding a Vehicle To Adapt
Most driver education programs have a list of adaptive vehicle suppliers and/or modifiers in your area. Too often, people go to the local auto dealership and buy whatever car or van the auto salesperson recommends, without consideration whether or not it can be modified for their needs. The auto salesperson may think he has the best vehicle on the market, but he usually does not understand a disabled person's special needs or the adaptive equipment distributor’s requirements.
Due to the cost of conversion, the time spent doing your homework will ultimately pay off in savings. Extras, such as middle captain's chairs and front overhead consoles in vans, may go to waste if you purchase them from an auto dealer and then learn that they must be removed to adapt the vehicle.
PCI knows that the vehicle you purchase must have a suspension that is heavy enough to accommodate the weight of conversion, yet light enough to give a good ride. A heavy-duty electrical system, heavy-duty service options and factory-installed power accessories are all important features to purchase on your van. Visit PCI before making a vehicle purchase. In addition to knowing which vehicles are most easily modified, they often purchase many vehicles from dealers and know where to shop for the best buys. PCI has program vans and pre-owned vehicles that can be suited to your needs with little modification. These vehicles are noticeably the best value in the whole United States!
Driving From Your Wheelchair
Both full-size and minivans come in many shapes and sizes. If you will be driving from your wheelchair, additional questions will arise. You need to decide if you want a lowered floor, a power pan or a raised top and doors for entry. Because these options may involve removal of the auxiliary gas tank and increasing the overall height of the vehicle, it is best to consult PCI before making any decisions.
Do I Want a Full-size or a Minivan?
In recent years the lowered floor minivan conversion has become available to disabled motorists. The lowered floor allows a wheelchair user access to both the driver and front passenger area. This vehicle may employ a system that lowers it within inches of the ground and then unfolds a ramp for entry and exit. Lowered floor minivans, like the Braun Entervan®, let you sit in the front and see out of the van's windows. These minivans will fit into standard height garages, but they still require approximately eight feet of access - the same as a full-size van with a platform lift. A discussion of the pros and cons of each vehicle with PCI can be helpful.
Side-door Mounted Lift Options
The side-mounted lift in a van is the most practical use of space, especially if you are a driver. The rear bench seat may be retained as well as the front passenger seat. The platform style lifts require eight feet of access space at the side of the van. As an option, you may choose a side entry feature which allows you to board the platform in tighter parking situations.
The Rotary Swing lift utilizes a more limited access area of four feet, because you board the lift parallel to the van. When the rotary platform is stored, the side door is clear of any mechanism for easy entrance and exit by ambulatory persons. A rear-post rotary lift allows the front passenger seat to have full adjustment because the lift is mounted at the rear of the cargo door.
Other options include the single-arm wheelchair lifts. These unique lifts feature a folding platform, which allows ambulatory access to the side door. Also, the front passenger seat can be fully reclined in most installations.
Rear-door Mounted Lift Options
The rear-mounted lift also requires eight feet of space to access the vehicle. If you are riding in the rear of the van, the middle seat can be left in place for an ambulatory passenger.
Rotary or single-arm lifts cannot be placed in the rear doors of any van, but the platform lift can be used and equipped with power door operators and a remote control.
Under Vehicle Lift Options
The Under Vehicle Lift mounts on the outside of a full size van and the platform is stowed underneath the vehicle. This provides a completely unobstructed doorway with a full window view and greater interior space. Normal passenger seating with a full range of seat adjustment is allowed. Eight feet of access space is needed at the side of the van to board the platform. You may want to consider this type of lift if you need free doorway access and more interior room for ambulatory and wheelchair passengers.
What To Tell PCI
You should know how tall you sit in your powerchair or wheelchair. So, measure from the ground to the top of your head while sitting in your wheelchair. You should also know the overall length and width of your chair at its widest and longest points. Use the chair you intend to travel in when taking these measurements and when visiting PCI for a consultation.
These dimensions will help your dealer determine the modifications you need. For example, the door height of a standard full size van is about 48 inches, a minivan is about 44 inches. Knowing these heights and your height will tell the dealer whether or not you need a lowered floor, raised roof, and/or a raised door kit.
Don't be afraid to ask a lot of questions. Remember, it is easier to change at this stage than after the vehicle is built. When you visit PCI, there will be some vehicles for you to try out. This is an ever-changing industry, and new products are being introduced every day. PCI is knowledgeable about today's products. Ask if they have any customers with a vehicle that is similar to the one you are planning to purchase.
This is a big investment, and the best way to make an informed decision is to be an educated customer. Read about these products and, if possible, attend trade shows in your area.
Paying For Your Conversion
A new or used vehicle, including modifications for your needs, can be an investment of $7,000 to $50,000. In some cases, you may be eligible for assistance. If you are a veteran, contact the VA. Your state's Department of Vocational Rehabilitation, Spinal Cord Commission or Division of Developmental Services may also provide financial assistance. If you have private insurance, and health or workman's compensation, please check, or have us check, your eligibility with the insurance carrier. PCI can help arrange financing on the mobility package along with your vehicle, and provide you with a monthly payment plan at competitive interest rates through several banks. PCI has several finance sources.
A doctor’s prescription is accepted in most states to exempt the purchase of your adaptive equipment from sales tax. Consult a qualified tax accountant regarding any income tax credits. Major vehicle manufacturers have rebate programs that help pay for modifications.
After you have evaluated all of your options, you are ready for the purchase. A van must be custom-fitted to you, just like your wheelchair. With professional guidance, good evaluation of your personal needs and research of the adaptive equipment that is available, your van purchase will be an experience which will lead you to an even more independent and productive lifestyle.
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