For wheelchair users, getting around can be more of a challenge due to the many obstacles that make wheelchair use difficult. Uneven pavements, a lack of ramps, and an absence of handrails can all make the world feel like an unwelcoming place for a person who uses a wheelchair. Fortunately, however, there are ways that technology has made everyday tasks much simpler, which in turn has benefited the disabled community in a variety of ways.
One of the most impactful changes has been the manufacture of vehicles that have space and features designed specifically to make wheelchair transport safer and easier. There is more than one way that a vehicle can be accessible for wheelchair users.
Since disabilities manifest in a whole variety of ways and can affect bodies differently, not all wheelchair users have the same additional mobility needs. For example, some wheelchair users may be able to drive, and so the main accessibility point is how easily they can store their wheelchair in their vehicle.
For others, they may be able to drive with adapted controls and enough room for their chair, too. Some wheelchair users cannot drive, and so the accessibility requirements involve safely loading and unloading the wheelchair and passenger into the vehicle together. All these features (and more) have an impact on the vehicle’s size, shape, affordability, and practicality.
Here are three different types of wheelchair accessible vehicle and a brief explanation of how these can benefit the lives of wheelchair users.
Cars
Wheelchair accessible cars are the smallest and usually the most affordable vehicle for wheelchair users. With adapted doors to allow for large wheelchairs, these cars can come with ramps or elevators to make it smoother for the wheelchair user to get in and out safely. Cars such as the ones found at alliedmobility.com are ideal for adding independence to a wheelchair user’s daily routine. They are the best option for people who want their own mode of transport that doesn’t take up too much room in their garage or on the street.
Minibuses
If transporting more than one wheelchair at a time, specially designed minibuses can be more practical than wheelchair accessible cars. For example, schools with students who use wheelchairs can benefit from having their own accessible minibus that has enough room to accommodate more students as well as each of their wheelchairs. These are not generally used by individuals in a domestic setting due to their size and the additional license that is often required to drive them.
Buses
If you use a wheelchair and don’t want to buy your own wheelchair accessible vehicle, most public transport is now required to be more inclusive by offering ramps and larger spaces for the secure positioning of wheelchairs. Many buses are designed to provide enough space for a wheelchair user to board and secure themselves in position for the duration of the journey, although the safety measures don’t compare to specifically designed cars or minibuses, which are nearly always the superior choice for comfort and security.
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