Mobility Advice

Accessible Parking Tips

It’s understandable that many drivers don’t know the differences about accessible parking spaces. But if you use them yourself, it pays to know the difference! A standard accessible space is marked with white wheelchair logo over a blue background, as everyone knows. These are for standard vehicles, and should feature at least a 60” access aisle next to spot, for wheelchairs. Access aisles are marked with diagonal lines, or hash stripes. These spots are made for sedans and SUVs, but not vans.

At least 1 out of 6 accessible parking spaces in a lot should be reserved as “van accessible.” These spots are 3’ wider in general and also feature at least a 60” access aisle, usually on the passenger side. Park your vehicle in a manner that allows you to use that extra 3’ of space to lower your ramp or lift, so you can then access the designated aisle.

Some parking spaces feature dual access aisles, one on either side. This can make life easier, especially if you have have a lift or ramp on the driver’s side and don’t like backing into the spot.

In some lots, you’ll see a shared common access aisle, with a standard spot on one side and a van accessible spot on the other side. However, for angled parking spaces, there should be a dedicated aisle for each spot. For more information about accessible parking, check out the U.S. Access Boards’ website!

Last note: Vantage Mobility recommends that drivers parking beside a curb should off switch off the kneel feature on their ramp if the ramp will land at curb height, and to park far enough away to allow to ramp to open.

Working with a Certified Driver Rehabilitation Specialist

Certified Driver Rehabilitation Specialists (CDRS) are, as their title implies, trained in help drivers find new ways to address their transportation needs. This often involves aiding drivers who are older and/or who have mobility or other physical limitations. Obviously the priority for working with such drivers is to ensure they are capable of safely operating a motor vehicle.

Many people drive when they perhaps shouldn’t; others don’t realize that they’re capable of driving with the right modifications or training. The Association for Driver Rehabilitation Specialists (ADED) recognizes this important of helping drivers receive the individualized attention they need in order to make such decisions. That’s why they created a CDRS course to training specialists who can serve the ever-increasing number of drivers who need such assistance.

To obtain a CDRS credential, students must complete 30 hours of driver education and maintain currency by renewing their credential regularly. There are other training programs out there, but ADED considers CDRS to be the “gold-standard” because of the training’s strict compliance with ADED’s Best Practice Guidelines and Code of Ethics.  

As helpful as driver rehabilitation specialists are, it’s unfortunate that the supply of training workers isn’t keeping pace with demand. For example, it’s predicted that by 2030, up to 60 million senior drivers over the age of 70 will be the road. This is one segment of the population which can greatly benefit from training with a CDRS. But ADED reports there are under 400 trained CDRS workers in America and Canada combined! The American Occupational Therapy Association features a searchable database of trainers in your area.

The National Mobility Equipment Dealers Association (NMEDA) also works with drivers to find Mobility Dealers who are accredited with the Quality Assurance Program and who employ qualified CDRSs in-house.

Winter Is Coming! Winter Driving Tips for Disabled Drivers

All drivers need to prepare their vehicles for winter conditions. But this can be even more critical for those with mobility issues, who could be in serious jeopardy if their vehicle gets stuck in the snow. Below are a few general tips to get ready for the cold!

Hydraulic wheelchair lifts: wheelchair lifts can be affected by cold temperatures making fluid thicker and harder to circulate. If you have an option to park indoors, whether at home or when you are parking at a shopping area, it can help keep those fluids warmer and more mobile.

Tune-ups and check-ups: often we put off those oil changes or other vehicle maintenance, but winter isn’t the time to risk a problem. If your vehicle is due, overdue, or coming due for oil or antifreeze changes, new brakes, or anything else during the winter, go ahead and get it in the shop. If needed, have your lift service performed, as well as all other adaptive or accessible equipment.

Brakes: brush up on your vehicle’s manual to learn more about your brake system and how to best use them in emergency conditions. Many people slam on their brakes and wind up in a skid, instead of applying them correctly so they can maintain safe control of the vehicle.

Battery: old batteries are susceptible to failure during extreme cold snaps. If you think you’re may be read for a replacement, get a battery tester or take your vehicle in and have the battery tested by a professional. They can best advise you if you need a new one, and perhaps an upgraded one with higher cold cranking amps!

Climate controls: make sure your vehicle’s heater, defroster, and thermostat are all fully functioning. You should also check out those sturdy wiper blades and consider adding deicing fluid to your windshield wiper fluid reservoir.

Tires and chains: if you drive in a snowy area, make certain your tires are properly inflated and rated to tackle the snow, sludge, and mud. You may want to have a tire rotation done. Many shops offer this service free if you bought your tires from them. Also, it's a good idea to keep a jack and snow chains in the vehicle. Even if you are not able to put the chains on yourself, it’s usually possible to find someone who can help with that.

Fuel: don’t let your tank get too low on fuel. You don’t want to take the risk of running out during a freezing cold day, plus a fuller tank reduces internal condensation.

Cruise control: not recommended if driving on slippery roads.

Speed: every winter vehicles veer out of control when drivers don’t factor in road conditions. Just because the speed limit says 55 mph doesn’t mean it’s always safe to drive at that speed. If the roads are bad, slow down. Many times “black ice” forms a clear glaze on paved roads, and may make them look like they are merely wet when in fact they are extremely slippery. If the weather is freezing outside, it’s probably ice, not water, on those roads. It takes longer to safely stop on ice, so increase the distance between your vehicle and those in front of you.

Visibility: all too often people get inside their vehicles before they’ve cleared their windows and lights off. Keep gloves and an ice scraper/snow brush handy so you can get as much snow and ice off as possible. This includes the roof, because snow can melt down and slide over the windshield while you’re on the road.

Hills: vans, hills, and ice don’t always mix well. If possible, taking an alternate route can be safer. But if it is safe to do so, slightly increase speed as you approach a hill so you can get some forward inertia. It may not help to speed up once you are actively driving up the hill; in fact, you may just spin your wheels. But once you’re going up, you don’t want to slow down or stop or you could start sliding back.

Other tips: keep plenty of emergency cold weather gear in your vehicle in the unfortunate event that you do get stuck and have to wait for roadside assistance. Blankets, food, water, flashlights , medications, etc. It’s also wise to keep a phone charger, so your phone doesn’t run out of juice. You might want to have a portable charger, versus an adapter that plugs into your vehicle, just in case the vehicle battery dies.

Adaptive technologies give disabled drivers the mobility freedom they need, but these solutions can be very expensive. At Handcontrols.com, we want to ensure our valued readers are aware of the financial and informational resources available to you! In our advice section, we cover Veterans Affairs Vehicle Grants, Mobility Assistance Rebate Programs, and tons of other money-saving Mobility Resources!

Veteran Affairs Vehicle Grants

 US military Veterans and service members—if you suffer from a service-connected disability which requires you to use special adaptive technology in order to drive, you might qualify for a grant from Veterans Affairs (VA). 

Read more…Veteran Affairs Vehicle Grants

Mobility Assistance Rebate Programs

 Nearly all major automobile manufacturers offer a rebate program for mobility-assisted drivers. We’ve put together a list of the best ones out there! 

Read more… Automobility Rebate Programs 

Other Mobility Resources

NHTSA Adapted Vehicles Overview

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration’s website features a comprehensive overview of adapted vehicles, with articles covering cost-savings tips, individual needs evaluation, how to select the right vehicle, training, and good maintenance practices. Their site also offers a searchable database of licensed automotive modifiers.

Vantage Mobility International

VMI is one of the largest wheelchair van conversion manufacturers in the industry. From side entry SUV’s, side and rear entry minivans, and platform lifts, the Arizona-based company features a host of products as well as useful resources on their website...including a section dedicated to government programs.

Brandl Mobility Financing

Brandl assists drivers in need of financing and funding opportunities. They feature online applications, competitive rates, and options for most credit ratings. They even have a very useful page dedicated to state-specific mobility vehicle grant and loan programs.

BraunAbility

BraunAbility  is one of the forerunners in the mobility industry. Ralph Braun built the first motorized wheelchair in 1962, and paved the way for the wheelchair lift. Their site is rich in both history and the latest news on innovations. The popular (and free) Abilities Expos offer classes and product demonstrations which “lead to an easier and more enriching life.” They’ve also got a handy National Funding & Wheelchair Van Grants for Accessible Vehicles resource page!

NMEDA

 The National Mobility Equipment Dealers Association mission is to promote “awareness of adaptive transportation solutions available to persons with disabilities, their families and their caregivers.” Their site is a treasure trove of valuable posts about all things related to automotive mobility solutions.