Opinion and Discussion

So often in life, there are no easy answers to problems we face. The only way to solve them is to gather as much information as possible and let everyone contribute to the conversation. That’s why we have a special category reserved to provide a forum for opinions and discussion about various subjects. When we keep an open mind and welcome the ideas and experiences of others, we sometimes learn something that may change our point of view. Everyone is encouraged to participate. You may change someone’s mind today!

4 Futuristic Wheelchair Models You Simply Must See

Up until the present day, the typical design of the wheelchair models used by persons with disabilities has generally followed a somewhat dedicated commitment to function over form. From the introduction of the first lightweight, steel, folding, portable wheelchair in 1933 — a model known as the ‘X-brace’ — advances in the design and technology of newer machines have come periodically.

Factors in the advancement of wheelchair models — including propulsion method, control mechanism, and technology — are generally influenced by purpose and price. Newer wheelchair model categories include manual self-propelled, single-arm drive, reclining, standing, sports, and all-terrain designs that serve to enhance mobility freedom for their users.

As the focus on improving the mobility and lifestyles of persons with disabilities continue to garner attention, newer technologies and evolved creativity are responsible for four truly unique wheelchair models. Our post today highlights some remarkable wheelchairs — and how these designs enhance the mobility freedom of the people who use them. Continue reading →

Adapt and Overcome! 5 Successful People With Physical Disabilities

Sometimes the most powerful way to find the motivation you need to get over life’s hurdles is to learn about others who have overcome incredible odds to find success. It doesn’t even have to be someone in your profession or someone with the same goals that you have. Because in the end, we all face the same variety of challenges in one form or another — presence of fear, lack of opportunity, physical or mental health limitations, financial setbacks — and we’re all trying to find a way to beat the odds.

So, today’s post is designed to give you that motivation — no matter what your goal in life is and no matter what your personal challenges might be — by learning more about those who have succeeded in the face of remarkable odds. You can learn a lot from these 5 stories of people with physical disabilities who rose to the top of their chosen professions by adapting to their environment and never giving up. Consider their stories, apply them to your own life, and perhaps you can turn your difficulties into a story of success. Continue reading →

New Research Methods Empower Persons with Physical Disabilities

If you haven’t been keeping up with the latest advances in research for solutions to enhance the lives of those with physical disabilities, you might be surprised at what’s become possible. From improvements in prosthetic options to advancements in employment psychology, let’s run down the list of how science is working to enhance the lives of this unique community.

With the recent spotlight on physical disabilities — both from legal and functional standpoints — a great deal of progress has been made in improving capabilities and enhancing lives. The combination of science and technology has brought about advancements in both quality of life and the ability of persons with physical disabilities to contribute in the workplace. Continue reading →

What Makes a Handicap Wheelchair Van ADA-Compliant?

In 1990, Congress signed into a law an historic piece of legislation designed to protect individuals with disabilities. The American with Disabilities Act changed the disabled community forever — particularly with respect to employment, government services, public accommodations, commercial facilities, and transportation. And, later, 42 U.S.C. § 12101 changed the way this country made the handicap wheelchair van…

Which is precisely what we’re going to discuss in today’s post. A set of revised, enforceable accessibility standards called the 2010 ADA Standards for Accessible Design outlined specific characteristics for wheelchair vans. These standards improved significantly the safety and security for passengers of adaptable mobility vehicles. Although they are not required in every vehicle, buying a handicap wheelchair van for the ADA-compliant label is an assurance of quality and safety. Continue reading →

Want to Learn Internet Tricks to Shop for Wheelchair Access Vans?

There are few things as physically exhausting and mentally draining as shopping for wheelchair access vans. Driving long distances to car lots with a decent inventory. Moving across massive campuses — often under the glare of an afternoon sun. Dealing with pushy salespeople. Trying to keep track of what you’ve seen.

But imagine if you could shop for wheelchair access vans without ever leaving your home. Sitting in your pajamas having a second cup of coffee. Telling your computer exactly what kind of vehicles you wish to browse — right down to your favorite color. No blinding sun or aggravating rain. And no pushy salesperson trying to get you to buy the one wheelchair van he happens to have on the lot. Welcome to the future of car buying. Continue reading →

5 Used Wheelchair Van Shopping Mistakes You Can Avoid

For most customers, shopping for a used wheelchair van reveals a range of emotions that run from stressed to exhilarated. One on hand, you’re thrilled at the thought of finally achieving true mobility freedom. But there’s always that fear of buying the wrong vehicle and paying too much for it.

At AMS Vans, we’re ready to keep that from happening to you. The best way to enjoy your shopping experience is to have an idea of what you want, have a plan to get it, and make sure to avoid the most common vehicle shopping mistakes. Here are five you can master fairly quickly. Continue reading →

6 Wheelchair Accessible Van Summer Car Care Tips

Glaring sun. Blinding rain. Stop-and-go driving on congested roadways. The summer months can be a destructive time for your wheelchair accessible van. And because an ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure, these summer car care tips are just what the mobility expert ordered.

The ideal summer car care process combines a handful of DIY activities that you or a caregiver can take care of at home. Those chores should be followed by quarterly visit to a mechanic for the more complicated procedures. Some tasks will require basic, affordable parts that can be found at any commercial auto store in your area. Continue reading →

6 Unusual Handicap Equipment Devices to Enhance Your Life

Adaptable living for disabled individuals is experiencing a renaissance. A community of companies — both established and start-ups — are pushing independence. At the intersection of technology and adaptability is a new generation of handicap equipment that help people live extraordinary lives.

The inspiration for the handicap equipment featured in this article comes from the basic activities most people take for granted. However, the assisting mechanism completes these ‘mundane’ tasks in rather extraordinary ways. So, if you love the phenomenon of advanced technology leveling the playing field — and helping to turn the ‘difficult, if not impossible’ into everyday victories — this blog post is for you. Continue reading →

Do You Trust Your Life to Your Wheelchair Tie Downs?

When you consider the implications of an accident in an adaptable mobility vehicle, safety features take on a whole new importance. Major vehicle manufacturers spend millions each year in research and development to improve the safety of their vehicles. Wheelchair tie downs are a primary focus of these efforts.

Your life literally depends on the vehicular safety gear that keeps your wheelchair locked into place. And while there are a variety of gadgets and contraptions that assist in this effort, your wheelchair tie downs are arguably the most important. Let’s take a closer look at wheelchair tie downs — and more specifically, how they work, brand and model options, and what to look for in choosing the very best models. Continue reading →

Stars Who Buy Handicap Vans and Cool Gifts for Disabled Fans

“You have not lived today until you have done something for someone who can never repay you.”
― John Bunyan, English author

Anyone who has ever shopped for handicap vans discover one basic truth very early in their search: Handicap vehicles are expensive. (As are most automobiles in general.) For those who aren’t fortunate enough to qualify for grants or dealer financing, the idea of mobility freedom remains nothing more than a dream — a vision of what could be ‘if only’.

Which is why we love to hear stories of famous stars — athletes, entertainers, artists, musicians — generously purchasing handicap vans, wheelchairs, or other mobility equipment for their disabled fans in need. And it doesn’t have to be handicap vehicles. It might be cool gifts for special people that have a huge impact. Continue reading →