Giving Back

From time to time, I will take a break from writing about mobility related topics and write about a personal experience.  While working for VMI for the past five years, I have had the pleasure of meeting some amazing, inspirational and wonderful people.  I am embarrased to say that the “disabled” world, for all intents and purposes, was completely foreign to me before taking the job with VMI.   Of course I would read about stories of people with disabilities and see people in wheelchairs, but I never knew more than what I read or saw at a distance.   I not only didn’t know that products such as wheelchair vans existed, I didn’t know the importance they played in people’s lives; giving such independence and freedom. 

Another embarrassing admittance is that prior to last year, I had also never volunteered a day in my life.   In 2009, I volunteered for an organization here in Phoenix called Stepping Stones of Hope which is an organization that helps children and families get through the grieving process.  During one of the weekend “retreats” our group used exercise to start each day and we felt the kids not only liked this, but looked forward to it.  Death is such a tragic event and to be able to take an hour to not think about anything other than exercise was great for all of us at the bereavement camp.

After leaving the bereavement camp, which takes place twice a year, I saw the value with exercise and wondered if there was another organization that was geared towards kids and exercise.  I typed some magic keywords into Google and up came an organization called KEEN.  KEEN stands for Kids Enjoy Exercise Now and provides one-on-one recreational activity with a child who has a disability, whether it be developmental or physical.  After meeting so many wonderful people who are so unfortunate to have a disability and thinking about how much I love to exercise, I felt this was a perfect organization for me. 

Keen meets two Sundays each month where a volunteer gets paired up with a child.  There are two exercise sessions; one for kids ranging from 4-14 years old and then a second session for kids 15-18 years old.   Each volunteer gets a brief bio on the child so we know what type of disability the child has.  Since each child has unique challenges, they give volunteers great information that will make both our experiences great.  For example, if a child is non-verbal, or deaf, that information is vital to ensure their safety.  Most of the children that some have some type of Autism or have Down Syndrome but there are many other unique cases and the wonderful thing about KEEN is that they accept everyone. 

Last week, I was paired up with a child who was deaf.  We were introduced and he gave me a big warm hug.  For those who don’t know me, I am a big fan of the hug and this kid won me over immediately.  He ran to the basketballs and wanted to shoot some hoops for a while.  After making basket after basket, he wanted to play tennis.  We hit the ball back and forth for a while and it was apparent that he was athletically gifted.  We had a great time running around the gym, tossing balls around, playing tag and just hanging out.  After each session all the volunteers and kids gather in a circle and we tell each other what we are thankful for and what we did that day.  To finish off the session, we engage in a heated battle of tug-of war, which the kids love! 

My message to you…please get involved.  There are kids, adults, parents, etc. who need us.  There is an organization out there for each of us, you just need to take the time to find it.  Volunteering doesn’t take hours each week, if you don’t want it to.  KEEN meets twice each month for three hours – that’s it!  If you can’t make if one Sunday, there is another session in two weeks.  I implore you to get out there in your community and give back.  We are all blessed in some way; health, success, beauty, athleticism, so let’s give back.  Type your magic words into Google and see what organization will fit your needs and volunteer!!

What is NMEDA?

NMEDA stands for National Mobility Equipment Dealer Association is an Association of Mobility Dealers, Manufacturers and Rehabilitation Professionals that advocates providing safe, reliable vehicles and modifications to enhance accessibility for all people.

NMEDA is a non-profit trade association of mobility equipment dealers, driver rehabilitation specialists, and other professionals dedicated to broadening the opportunities for people with disabilities to drive or be transported in vehicles modified with mobility equipment. All members work together to improve transportation options of people with disabilities.

NMEDA was formed originally as an association of mobility equipment dealers in the state of Florida. In 1989 membership opened on a national level and the National Mobility Equipment Dealers Association was established. The organization promotes and supports individual members engaged in the modification of quality transportation for people with disabilities. Membership has grown from 15 to more than 600 members with the bulk of the membership located in the United States and Canada.

NMEDA members are required to adhere to the safety standards of the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration and to follow the NMEDA Guidelines. NMEDA members update the Guidelines, a living document providing detailed recommended practices on equipment installation and modifications, yearly. Every NMEDA member agrees to follow these Guidelines when they join the association.

NMEDA is striving to unify and improve the mobility equipment industry and service to people with disabilities.   Transportation is the key to freedom, NMEDA is the key to quality transportation.

You are probably asking yourself, “What does NMEDA do for me”?  NMEDA provides resources and guidelines to assist you with your mobility transportation purchase to ensure you get the right product for you.  During the buying process, dealers who are NMEDA members and/or participants of NMEDA’s QAP Program, follow and abide by detailed guidelines developed by NMEDA that assist in ensuring that the dealer provides you with a quality product, in an efficient manner, with your and other’s safety being considered.

When looking to purchase a mobility transportation solution (wheelchair van, wheelchair lift, turning seat, etc.), the first question you should ask both the manufacturer of the product and the dealers is, “Are you a NMEDA member”?  To learn more about NMEDA you can visit them at www.nmeda.org or call them at (800) 833-0427.  They can give you a list of authorized Mobility Equipment Dealers in your area.

Platform Lifts – Loading Feet First or Back First?

We at VMI recommend that you load onto a platform lift back first (feet out), for many reasons.  We advise that you load the lift facing outward for safety purposes and for a more more comfortable feeling when entering or exiting the vehicle.  When the person in the wheelchair is facing outwards, they can see where they are going vs facing inside of the vehicle and having no line of sight behind them. 

Ricon/VMI Clearway Platform Lift

Also, people who load facing outward feel more confident since there is a slight tilt/angle when the lift is stowing and deploying.  If the wheelchair user is facing inside the vehicle, they may feel like they are tilting backwards, which is a very uncomfortable feeling.  Another benefit for loading the lift facing outward is for longer wheelchairs; their feet can hang over the bridge plate if necessary.

Wheelchair Vans & Driving

I repeatedly run accross questions and driving with a disability and thought it would be a good topic to discuss in this blog.   I was shocked to learn that you do not need a special driver’s license to drive if you have a disability.    With that said, you are encouraged to follow the proper process to talk with a specialist in the field to help you determine if you should be driving and then what they would recommend in terms of adaptive equipment. 

Honda Odyssey with the VMI Northstar Conversion

ADED the Association for Driver Rehabilitation Specialists is devoted primarily to the support of professionals working in the field of driver education and transportation equipment modification for persons with disabilities. The Association provides key components of education and information dissemination.

ADED’s functional services will be accomplished through educational conferences, professional development programs, research support, legislative efforts, and encouraging equipment development to maximize transportation options for persons with disabilities.

Their Web site is http://www.driver-ed.org/ and their phone number is 828-855-1623.  You can contact them to locate a Certified Driver Rehabilitation Specialist in your area.  The term Driver Rehabilitation Specialist (DRS) signifies one who ‘plans, develops, coordinates and implements driver rehabilitation services for individuals with disabilities.

The purpose of the certification process is to protect the public by:
     A. providing measurement of a standard of current knowledge desirable for individuals practicing driver rehabilitation;
     B. encouraging individual growth and study, thereby promoting professionalism among driver rehabilitation specialists;
     C. formally recognizing driver rehabilitation specialists who fulfill the requirement for certification.

 

Wheelchair Vans & Crash Testing

The mobility industry is an interesting one, for many reasons, but mainly because it’s somewhat elusive.  What I mean is that information is sometimes difficult to gather.   For this post, I will concentrate on crash testing because it is interesting to look at differences between buying a regular vehicle and buying a converted van for wheelchair accessibility.  

When you shop for a regular vehicle, let’s say a Honda Odyssey minivan, do you question whether the vehicle has passed all the government safety requirements?  Probably not, I never have.  I have purchased 4 cars in my life and never once asked if the vehicle had been crash tested.  It is something I think the majority of us just assume, that the vehicle we are buying has been crash tested, and has passed. 

Did you know that all modifiers of vehicles, like VMI, have to re-crash the vans we build after they are modified.  Since we change the structure of the original vehicle, by cutting off the floor, NHTSA (National Highway Traffic Safety Administration) requires the van be crash tested again. 

When you are shopping for wheelchair accessible vans, ensure the van you are looking at passes all NHTSA crash test requirements.  This especially becomes important when shopping the manufacturers who sell wheelchair vans direct and don’t use a network of Mobility Equipment Dealers.   How do you verify that these companies have passed all federal regulations in terms of crash testing the van?  I would first contact NMEDA (National Mobility Equipment Dealers Association) and determine what is required.  I would then contact the manufacturer of the van you are looking at purchasing and ask them to provide the documentation that they have passed these requirements.

Two Wheelchairs in a Wheelchair Accessible Minivan?

Yes, this is possible; getting two wheelchairs in an accessible minivan.   I always recommend however, that you get into many different wheelchair vans and see which will work for you and your family.  Not all side-entry lowered floor minivans are equal.  Each manufacturer and conversion is different, with different dimensions and features that may or may not benefit you. 

VMI's Removable Front Seats

For example, all of the conversions at VMI (Vantage Mobility International)have the same standard features which are very conducive for transporting two wheelchairs.   You could have one wheelchair user in the driver’s position, or in the front passenger’s position and then another wheelchair user in the middle area behind the two front seats.  Another option, depending on the size of the chairs, could be to put both wheelchair users in the middle area behind the two front seats. 

However, the ultimate deciding factor of whether you can get two wheelchairs into a wheelchair accessible minivan will be the size and weight of the wheelchairs + the weight of the people in the chairs.  One other thing to think about and discuss with your local mobility equipment dealer is who and what (in addition to the wheelchair users) will be transported in the vehicle.  Since most modifiers of wheelchair vans (like VMI, Braun, Vision) add weight to the vehicle during the conversion process, this slightly takes away the weight you can add to the vehicle in terms of payload.  Recommended payload capacity on wheelchair accessible minivans can be anywhere from 1000-1400lbs.  For example, if you have two people in wheelchairs (both the person + wheelchair) that equal 500lbs., you may only have 500lbs. left to put into the vehicle (people & cargo).

VMI Northstar In-Floor Ramp

Another thing to consider is the type of ramp system that would work best for the two wheelchairs and their positions.  There are two types of side-entry wheelchair vans;  in-floor and fold-out.  Above is the VMI Northstar in-floor ramp which “hides” under the vehicle so there is no ramp inside of the vehicle taking up space.  Below is the VMI Summit fold-out ramp which blocks the side passenger door.  The fold-out ramps also do take up some interior space in the vehicle so ensure you try out the desired positions of the wheelchairs if you choose to go with this option of ramp. 

VMI Summit Fold-Out Ramp

 To locate mobility equipment dealers in your area, you can go to the VMI Web site and enter in your zip code in their dealer locator.  Contact the dealer, make an appointment and go and check out the many different options available to you.

Cash For Clunkers & Wheelchair Vans

I can’t begin to count the number of calls I’ve received over the past couple of weeks from people inquiring about the cash for clunkers government program and wheelchair accessible vans.    The official program title is Car Allowance Rebate System and all the latest information, rules, guidelines, etc. are all available on the Web site, www.cars.gov. 

All of the questions I have received revolve around VMI’s involvement in the program and what that entails.  Since VMI does not sell the minivans, we cannot be directly involved in the program.  With that said, VMI announced that it will be giving its customers the opportunity to participate in the Car Allowance Rebate System (CARS). 

To celebrate this exciting government program and the fuel efficiency of the Honda Odyssey with Variable Cylinder Management, VMI will temporarily accept customer supplied Honda chassis acquired with CARS incentive money (VMI does not convert Honda Odyssey LX chassis or Honda Odysseys with black or olive interior).  We will continue to accept customer supplied Dodge and Chrysler minivans as well.

What this means to you as a consumer is that you can work with a local car dealer and purchase your Honda Odyssey, Dodge Grand Caravan or Chrysler Town & Country minivan and take advantage of the CARS program.  You can then work with your local VMI Mobility Equipment Dealer to have that minivan shipped to Phoenix for the wheelchair conversion process.  You van locate authorized VMI Dealers by going to the VMI Web site and entering in your zip code.

I highly recommend that you start with you local Mobility Equipment Dealer to ensure everything is being handled properly.   The government program is a wonderful incentive and I hope you get to take advantage of it!

Camp Erin

The only word that comes to mind right now is “Wow”!  I just came back from spending a weekend volunteering at Camp Erin, which is a bereavement camp for kids.  It was the most powerful, emotional and fulfilling weekend I have ever had in my 37 years on this earth. 

Last October, I was reading the paper and read an article about Jamie Moyer, a pitcher for the Philadelphia Phillies.  I think the Phillies were in the playoffs and the article was about Jamie and his long career, but it was mainly about his foundation and Camp Erin.  He and his wife started this camp back in 2000 and it has grown leaps and bounds since then.  I was struck by their philinthropic work to start Camp Erin.  We hear so often about professional atheletes and the “bad seeds” who get caught for drunk driving, or dog fighting or gun violations, etc.  What we fail to hear more about is the wonderful work that professional atheletes do. 

This article for some reason struck a chord in me.  I have never in my life had anyone close to me die.  Don’t get me wrong, I have been surrounded by death, but no one immediate to my life.  So, why this particular camp resonated with me, I don’t know.  I do  know that I had been wanting to volunteer for sometime, in some way, shape or form, but never found a good fit for me and my hectic work schedule.  I went online to see if there was an Arizona chapter to Camp Erin, and there was.   I filled out the volunteer application and the wheels started turning. 

I went to the orientation at Stepping Stones of Hope, the Arizona chapter of Camp Erin, and was immediately “in”!   The organization was so laid back and understood volunteer’s other commitments and don’t ask you to dedicate 10 hours a month.  They simply ask that you give whatever time you can, whenever you can.  Perfect for me since I am on the road a lot with my job, I never know when I’m in town or when I’m out of town. 

So, this weekend was my first Camp Erin and it was so amazing.  My group was made up of three teenage kids, who had all lost a parent within the past 4 months.  They were guarded, hurt, shy, uneasy and in all honesty didn’t really want to be there.  I’m sure their parents made them come to this camp, but they all left with something that they didn’t when they came.  They left with hope.  They left with a sense of understanding.  They left with knowing that other people are going through the same thing. 

The weekend consists of activities that are meant to help the kids deal with and talk about the deaths.  I don’t know if you have ever tried to get a 14 year old boy to talk about the death of his father, but it’s pretty tough.  But, once they break through, it’s a catharsis.  I could write a book on my experience with Camp Erin and all the wonderful people I met, but that is not my goal.  My goal is to stress again to get involved.  Volunteer your time.  It was one weekend of my life and I may have gotten more out of it then the campers.  Life doesn’t evolve in a bubble.  We need support and love in our lives to grow and aspire.  Give yourself to others, in anyway you can.

Used Wheelchair Vans – Shopping Tips

I get asked this question a lot, “What should I be looking for in a used wheelchair van“? 

First and foremost, do your due diligence, especially when finding that “smoking deal”.  As the adage goes, if it looks to good to be true, it probably is.  With that said, there are many great used wheelchair vans out o n the market today, but ensure that you do your homework.  I recently met a four-time VMI minivan owner while out visiting a Mobility Equipment Dealer.  He informed me that he sells his his wheelchair vans every 3 years because he never wants to drive a van that is not in warranty.  So, there are many good used vans on the market, used by people who took very good care of those vans. 

I recommend the following:
     1.  Use Car Fax to do a background check on the vehicle to ensure it wasn’t in an accident. 
     2.  Get the year, make, model, features and ramp system (fold-out vs. in-floor) of the used van.  Ensure the van will suit your needs.  Contact the manufacturer and see if you can get an owners manual or an old brochure sent out.  Many times, we keep older information on file for this specific reason.  
    3.  Have a local Mobility Equipment Dealer perform an inspection on the van before you buy it.  They may find some things that can help you negotiate a better price on the van or may find that the van is in great working condition. 
     4.  Do some competitive pricing.  Go onto the Disabled DealerWeb site and see if you can find a comparable van to do some price comparisons.  
     5.  Lastly, ensure that the modified vehicle is the right fit for you and your family.  If you are going to be a driver and want to drive from your chair, ensure the used van is equipped to accommodate an independent driver.  If your wheelchair has a width of 28″, ensure the ramp system you are looking at can accommodate your chair.  If you don’t fit in the van, it doesn’t matter how much money you saved.

The Race For Grace

What I failed to understand as I get more exposure to charity events, is the relentless dedication of volunteers.  It takes commitment and devotion to pull off a successful fund raising event.  My past experiences with fundraisers has been that I pretty much just showed up, ran the race or wrote out a check. 

When I was back in Rhode Island last month I witnessed utter selflessness from countless people.  My dear friend Tara has a daughter with Rett Syndrome and was “hosting” her 3rd annual Race for Grace.  Living in Arizona, I have felt pretty helpless in terms of helping Tara with the Race.  She would religiously send updates on the goings on of coordination efforts, sponsorships, help needed, etc.  Since I wasn’t involved, I was naïve as to what goes on behind the scenes.  What I saw when I walked into the recreation room of St. Veronica’s church the day before the race was moving.  I expected to walk in and see all our friends and Tara’s family working diligently setting up, planning, etc.  Instead, I saw a sea of strangers doing all the work.  Who the heck are these people?  Where did they come from?

Race for Grace Volunteers

Every volunteer has a different story as to how they came to know Tara and David and why they wanted to help.  Regardless of their path to get there, there is one common denominator, Grace!  Grace moves everyone she touches, not with anything other than her smile and sheer presence.  Grace makes you want to movemountains for her and give her the voice that she doesn’t haveI’ve participated in many fundraisers, events, fun runs, etc. over the past 20 years.  .  When I was over at Tara’s last week, I picked up Grace and she nuzzled her head in my neck and we stayed in that position, unmoved for a few minutes.  It brought tears to my eyes because I felt that Grace was actually demonstrating an emotion, trying to tell me that she was comfortable with me.  Whether that is the case or not, only Grace knows, but it moved me.  Moments like that have moved hundreds of other people.  Anyone that meets Grace and the whole Reddington clan, can’t help but be inspired.

Getting ready for the race

So here I am, amongst these wonderful volunteers who probably didn’t even know Tara, David and Grace 3 years ago and they are dedicating their time, money and hearts to their cause.  There I was, having known Tara and David for decades and I felt like I had nothing to offer.  I just showed up, again, handing them a check and walked in the Race for Grace.  I vow that next year will be different.  I will not let strangers do the work of what I should have been doing all along, helping my best friend with her plight and struggle with Grace, helping them raise money to find a cure for this horrible disease. 

Racers - What a turnout!

The race was phenomenal!  Thousands of people showed up on a rainy and chilly morning to donate money and time to the cause – Grace!  I again, encourage you to get involved with any events such as this in your area.  If there is a walk or a fun run – spend 2-3 hours of your time and a few bucks to participate.  Most donation dollars go right to the foundation.  Tara’s Race for Grace gives 100% of all donations to the International Rett Foundation, they keep nothing.

Beautiful Grace