Maintaining Mobility Through Time
Mobility Makeover Magic
RENOVATED ROOM: Garage
OWNER: Joan Linney
DIAGNOSIS: Polio as a child; diagnosed with multiple sclerosis as an adult
MOBILITY DEALER: Accessible Vans and Mobility (AVM), Bethlehem, Pa.; www.accessvansandmobility.com
THE CHALLENGE: "Joan has had MS for 22 years," says Heather Roche, marketing manager for Accessible Vans and Mobility. "Over time, she has purchased different equipment — from scooters to manual chairs — as her needs have changed. Joan did work with a driver rehabilitation specialist to determine her driving abilities and what vehicle modifications would be more appropriate for her. Joan's driver rehabilitation specialist then worked with AVM to provide us with a detailed 'prescription' of what she needed to have done to her vehicle."
MAKEOVER: A 2002 Chrysler Town & Country accessible van with a Braun Entervan conversion, power fold-out ramp, lowered floor, zero-effort steering and hand controls. Linney purchased the van; the Office of Vocational Rehabilitation funded the conversion equipment.
THE REVEAL: Says Roche, "With the aid of her mobility equipment, Joan, who is fiercely independent, has been able to remain employed and to maintain a social lifestyle — shopping, time out with friends and family." The extensive range of equipment, Roche adds, "should continue to provide her with mobile independence, even if her condition were to change. From this case, I learned the importance of educating customers to be aware of the need for changes in their mobility equipment as both the years pass and their disability advances."
Open the Garage Door to Find Products That Work
Open the Garage Door to Find Products That Work
The AR208 Reach Hatch from Harmar Mobility can efficiently load a power wheelchair or scooter into the back of a vehicle. The lift installs easily onto a vehicle's hitch, mounts on a Class I, II or III trailer hitch, and features a 700-lb. capacity. A non-skid metal surface offers improved traction and reduced wear; (866) 351-2776, www.harmar.com
With a unique construction, the Portable Multifold Bariatric Ramps, from Prairie View Industries, feature an anti-slip and high traction surface that is easy to set up. Available lengths include 5, 6, 7 and 8 feet, each 36 inches wide with 2-inch side curbing. Need added safety? A closure strap locks the ramp panels together and a safety guide let's users know if the ramp is on a safe slope; (800) 554-7267, www.pviramps.com
The Hitch Mount Ramp from EZ-Access attaches to the back of any vehicle equipped with a Class II or Class III hitch receiver, providing a rattle-free ride. A spring-assisted design allows the ramp to easily unfold with minimum lifting strength; (800) 451-1903, www.ezaccess.com
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This article originally appeared in the July 2006 issue of Mobility Management.