Technology

Technology has been improving our lives for decades—especially in the realm of disabilities. AMS Vans stays up to speed on innovation, and we bring that progress to you in articles that reveal how designers and engineers push the envelope to improve wheelchairs and mobility scooters. Advances in technology have enabled AMS Vans to provide you with an easy-to-operate wheelchair accessible van that gets you where you need to go. In our Technology section, we give you the scoop on disability and accessibility technologies—emerging technologies, mobility equipment, adaptive equipment for auto and home, and medical tools that help people with disabilities live and work independently. We also provide information about organizations and assistance programs that may help you pay for this technology. Definitely a good read!

Last-Minute Gift Ideas for Father’s Day

father and daughter hugging outdoors

Father’s Day is just around the corner and if you’re still searching for the perfect gift, you’ve come to the right place! We’ve curated a list of top gifts for Dad’s who roll (and also for those who don’t).

Here’s our list of six great gifts for Dad this Father’s Day.

Apple Watch

An Apple Watch is a great gift for Dads looking to track their fitness levels. But did you know that they have special features built in to accommodate wheelchair users? The Watch’s activity app can record its’ users rolls, exercise, and movement goals. It has specially designed sensors built in to consider various surfaces or inclines. Plus, with Siri’s voice recognition (and more coming soon) technology, users can begin playlists or workouts without even clicking a button.

Image: Apple

An #AppleWatch is a versatile gift that's a great option for Dad's of varying abilities. Whether he's tracking workouts, listening to music during a roll or feeling his child's heartbeat from afar, it's a gift he'll sure to love. Click To Tweet

Water Bottle

While on the go, it can be easy to get thirsty or even dehydrated – and that concern can be heightened for people with paralysis. That’s why a water bottle is a fantastic gift idea for Dads too busy to stop for a drink. YETI offers a variety of insulated water bottles that will keep drinks cool (or warm if the weather’s frosty). You could also opt for a hands-free water bottle that’s slightly more convenient.

Drink Holder

If your Dad is in a wheelchair, you may want to give him a place to stash his awesome new water bottle. Why not grab him a bottle water holder that can attach directly to his chair? This drink holder from Sheer Living can do just that.

Audible Streaming Service Gift Card

Audiobooks have surged in popularity in recent years, and they pair great with the gifts mentioned previously on this list. What better way to get through a daily roll than to listen to some of your favorite audiobooks?

Audiobooks are a great alternative to listening to music – it enables your Dad to listen to his favorite books while working out, traveling, or doing just about anything. If he has a morning or afternoon commute, an audiobook can make it that much more riveting.

Audible offers a variety of gift options for membership plans, including: books with headphones

1 month for $15
3 months for $45
6 months for $90
One year for $150

For the voracious listening Dad in your life, the one-year subscription is the best value. It saves you $30 off the standard monthly rate. Each month your Dad will get a new book, with the option to purchase more if he chooses.

Think about that: 12 books for $150, which averages out to about $12.50 a book. That beats the rates at any bookstore. This option is highly recommended for any readers who want a new and innovative way to experience reading.

Apparel and Accessories from Zappos Adaptive

If your Dad gets around on wheels, consider getting him some disability-friendly shoes, apparel, or other accessories from Zappos Adaptive. They have options such as:

Slip-on shoes
Sensory friendly clothing
Orthotic shoes
Adaptive jeans
Post-surgical wear
Pull-on pants

Plus many more options available on their website. Functional fashion is an option for the guy in your life!!

Board Games

Great for a rainy day or just to keep Dad’s mind sharp, board games can be fun for you, your Dad, and the whole family. They come in a variety of styles and formats, so no matter how your Dad likes to compete, there’s something for him. Card games, strategy games, role-playing games and more are just a few of the options you’ll have when looking for the perfect game for Father’s Day.

family spelled in scrabble tiles

How About a New Mobility Vehicle for Dad?

If your Dad is in the market for a new wheelchair-accessible vehicle or adaptive driving aids, you’ll be happy to know we’ve got him covered at AMS Vans! We have a huge selection of new and used mobility vehicles available for purchase, lease and rent! We also offer nationwide delivery and service and unmatched customer service! Take advantage of our Summer Savings and view inventory here.

Lastly, don’t ever underestimate the value of a hug or a phone call and some good quality time! Here’s to a day full of dad jokes!

Aimee Copeland Is World’s First to Use State-of-the-Art Bionic Hands

Just over a year ago, Aimee Copeland captured the world’s attention after a zip-lining accident left her with a deep gash and a flesh-eating bacteria. To save her life, the University of West Georgia graduate student underwent multiple amputations to stop the infection. Now, thanks to the help of the latest technology in prosthetics, she can chop vegetables, pick up Skittles and fix her hair on her own.

The “i-limb ultra revolution” bionic hands are made by Touch Bionics, and run a hefty $120,000 each. The hands can be controlled remotely with an iPad application and a blue-tooth connection. According to a spokesperson for the company, the “bioism” software can be downloaded to an iPhone or iPod, as well.

Continue reading →

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 →

Top 8 Mobile Apps for Persons with Disabilities

When 12-year-old Alexander Knoll saw a man in a wheelchair struggle to get through a heavy door in his hometown of Post Falls, Idaho, he was struck with an ingenious idea. What if there were an app or website that could communicate to persons with disabilities which stores in the area had automatic doors? And from that simple consideration, an adaptable solution was born.

The young entrepreneur went to work, developing the Ability App — a free accessibility application akin to Yelp which helps people with disabilities navigate public spaces by providing information about wheelchair ramps, disabled parking, braille menus and more. One visit to the Ellen DeGeneres show and a check from Shutterfly for $25,000 later, Alex’s idea is on its way to completion.

In fact, mobile apps for Android and iOS smartphones are rapidly helping people with disabilities to find their way around the world much better — and helping to live better lives in the process. From travelling guidance to accessibility hacks — even personal dating — here are the top 8 mobile apps for persons with disabilities. Continue reading →