Handicap Equipment

In USA

• To be eglible for a handicap parking permit in the USA a persons medical condition must meet the legal definition of a disability.
• To apply you will need to send in a application to the county tax offices.

In Canada

• For someone to be eglible for a handicap parking permit their condition must be recognized by an Accessible Parking Permit program recognized health practitioner.
• A application can be picked up at any Drivers and Vehicle Licence Issuing Offices.

In Australia

• For someone to be eglible for a handicap parking permit they need to be a person whose speed of movement is severely restricted because of that impairment, and who is unable to use public transport because of a permanent physical impairment.

• How much can you afford to spend on a handicap accessible van?
• Do you want to buy a new or a used vehicle?
• If you wont use it very often or only have a temporarily disability, have you thought about renting the van instead?
• Do you already own a van that you want to convert into a handicap accessible van or do you want a new conversion van?
• Have you thought about the pros and cons of a full size model vs a mini van?
• Will the van be easily accessible from your wheelchair?
• Does the van comply with the ADA (Americans with Disabilities Act) guidelines?
• Does it come with a key chain that can remote activate the system thus making it more accessible?
• Do you need a wheelchair ramp or a wheelchair lift?
• Does it have a foldable handicap scooter ramp?
• Do you want a wheelchair accessible van with a lowered floor?
• Does the supplier ship to your location?
• Will it provide a safe four way wheelchair tie down?
• What kind of warranty does the dealer offer you?
• How long will it take for the dealer to deliver the van to you?
• Have you taken a look at the many brands of handicap accessible vans that are for sale, Chrysler, Dodge, Ford, GMC (General Motors), Chevy, Toyota, VMI (Vantage Mobility), Braun (Braun Ability)?

• Do you need a electric handicap scooter or a electric wheelchair?
• Does it need to be light and portable?
• Should it have big thick wheels and a suspension for easy driving on rough surfaces?
• Can you take it for a test drive before deciding to purchase?
• What does the warranty cover?
• How much maintenance will it need?
• How long does the battery last and how long will it take to recharge?
• How much will a replacement battery cost and can you replace it yourself without going to a mechanic?
• Do you want a heavy duty handicap scooter or a lightweight easily transportable model?
• Do you want a 3 wheel or a 4 wheel model?
• How fast does it have to be able to go?
• What type of transmission system do you prefer, gear, chain, belt etc.?
• Does it have a cruise control feature?
• Do you want a new or used / second hand handicap scooter?
• Can the supplier offer you a discount?
• Have you read the reviews about the one your are thinking about purchasing?
• Which brand can offer the best combination of features for you, Merits, CTM, Shopride, Pride Mobility Scooters, DTP, Drive Medical, PaceSaver, Invacare, Golden Tech, Guardian, Zip’r Mobility etc.?

• Do you need a manual wheelchair or a electric model?
• Are you looking for a authorized dealer or a wheelchair rental company?
• Can you try it before deciding if the model suits your personal needs?
• Is there any advantages over choosing a new vs a used / refurbished manual wheelchair and what is the difference in price?
• What seat height, width and depth do you need for it to be comfortable for you?
• What type of footrest do you need?
• Have you asked the dealer about exactly what the warranty will cover?

• What type of handicap wheelchair lift do you need, electric, battery powered, hydraulic, vertical, residential, stair wheelchair lift, van-lift etc.?
• How much will it cost and what kind of warranty will the dealer offer you?
• If you buy a used one, will it still have a warranty from the manufacturer?

• Do you need a lightweight transport wheelchair or a heavier sturdy yet foldable model, or maybe even a transportable handicap scooter?
• They come with many seat widths, what size of chair do you need?
• Will you need a extra cushion for the seat?
• Is the transport wheelchair easy to fold?
• Are the wheels sturdy enough for the surface you tend to use it on?
• Will you be able to try it before you decide to buy it?
• Have you read the reviews or talked to anyone who already own the model you are thinking about?

• Is the handicap toilet ADA (Americans with Disabilities Act) compliant?
• Is the raised toilet seat height adjustable to suit different peoples needs?
• Do you need a raised seat or a handicap toilet seat with a frame?
• Are the rails strong enough to be able to support a heavy person?
• Have you double-checked the layout and dimensions?
• Do you need a lift?
• Will the dealer you buy it from deliver it for free?
• What type of reconstruction will be needed and how long will it take to complete?

• How high does the toilet seat need to be?
• Would you prefer a adjustable model?
• Does it come with a safety frame or armrests that allow you to safely lower yourself down and push yourself up?
• Is it sturdy enough for your weight?
• Do you want a static or a folding toilet seat?
• Will it fit your current toilet without making any modifications to it?
• Have you looked at the price of comparable models?

• Do you need a handicap shower enclosure, a bathtub or both?
• Is the model you have chosen easy to install or does it require a major renovation?
• Does it have a adjustable slide bar making it easy to adapt to people of different height?
• Does the shower head feature a pause button?
• Will the shower enclosure dimensions be big enough to comply with the ADA act for showers and your personal needs?
• Does it have foldable floor barrier thus making it easy to roll over with a wheelchair while keeping the water in the shower?
• Are the grab bars sturdy enough for you?
• Do you need a roll in or a walk in model?
• Have you taken a look at many different handicap shower stall units to see witch offer the best features for your personal needs?

• Do you need a reacher with or without suction cups?
• What length does it need to be?
• How wide does it have to open?
• Do you need one with a magnetic tip?
• Is the handle grip friendly?
• Does it need to be foldable and easy to take with you?
• Can the trigger lock in place so you don’t need to keep pressure on it?