Getting Started Guide
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Getting Started
Whether you are looking to purchase mobility equipment for the very first time, or are looking at purchasing different mobility equipment based on your changing needs, Eureka Solutions can help! The good news is that there are many mobility options available on the market today. What can be intimidating is navigating through all of the information available about those options in order to determine the best option(s) to fit your needs, your lifestyle and your budget.
So, to help you begin your process, we have developed this Getting Started Guide. Our mission is to help you focus your attention on the most important buying considerations for your unique situation, present you with all of your available options and finally, help you make the best decision. Let’s start by taking a look at a series of key considerations.
Key Factors to Consider & First Steps / Tips
If you are in the market for a wheelchair accessible vehicle, then the very first steps should be understanding what you need, what will work for you and what won’t. Key questions include; will the wheelchair user be the driver or a passenger? What are the dimensions and weight of the wheelchair? Who or what needs to be transported in the vehicle?
- Will the wheelchair user be the driver or the passenger?
- What are the wheelchair user’s key dimensions?
- Who or what needs to be transported in the van and where will it be parked/garaged?
- Are there important key features that you want/would like in the vehicle?
- Working with a budget?
Key Factors
Will the wheelchair user be the driver or the passenger?
The reason that we ask this question is because while all wheelchair minivans are designed to handle a passenger or “transport” situation, they don’t all work when an adaptive driver (someone in a wheelchair) is driving.
Individuals interested in becoming adaptive drivers should first start by working with a Professional Driver Rehabilitation Specialist who can advise them. Wheelchair drivers should also consider whether they would prefer to drive from their wheelchair or transfer into the driver’s seat of the vehicle.
What are the wheelchair user's key dimensions?
The height/weight of the wheelchair user, wheelchair and any other mobility equipment will determine the ability to enter, exit and maneuver within various wheelchair vans. The key dimensions will also help determine what seating positions are available to the wheelchair user. In general, average to small people will have more options that those who are larger or taller. Key dimensions:
- Height as measured from the floor to the top of the person’s head while seated in the wheelchair or the back of the seat if the wheelchair is unoccupied
- Width of the wheelchair at its widest point
- Width of the wheels on the wheelchair
- Length of the passenger while seated in the wheelchair—including leg extension and/or any equipment mounted on the back of the chair
- Combined weight of the passenger and the wheelchair
Who or what needs to be transported in the van?
The number of people who will be transported in the van is important to know. In addition, where you may be parking the vehicle and if/where you may be garaging the van are also important considerations.
Are there important key features that you want/would like in the vehicle?
Features available on some vans: backup camera, navigation aid, power sliding driver and passenger doors, rear A/C, powered driver seat, … Depending on the conversion, some vans must be equipped with proper Car Manufacturer options.
Working on a budget (or maybe not, see the next point)?
Your budget is also an important first consideration in the buying process. Do you have a maximum budget you can/would like to spend? Consult alternate funding sources on our site.
Now that you have answered these preliminary questions, let’s start taking a closer look at the types of wheelchair accessible transportation available, as well as other mobility options, and other key points.
Working with your own vehicle?
The good news is that there are a wide variety of mobility products available on the market today to fit your needs while some will fit in your vehicle. Why buying a new vehicle if we can do the installation in your actual vehicle? Spend your money on what is the most important thing for your independence, the appropriate adaptive product.
Wheelchair Van Definitions
You have several wheelchair van conversion styles available to consider when choosing the right mobility solution for you. To begin, let’s take a look at some key terms you will see us use when discussing wheelchair accessible vans.
Lowered Floor
For an adult person staying in a wheelchair to easily enter a vehicle and sit completely upright while riding, the floor of the minivan can be dropped. This structural modification is commonly referred to as being a “lowered floor conversion”. The increased interior height from having a lowered floor also helps the able-bodied caregiver with loading and securement assistance. It also provides for a reduced ramp angle.
Foldout Ramp
The foldout is the most common type of conversion being used today. Foldout ramps can be either manually operated or powered depending on the design. A foldout ramp rests upright along the inside of the closed sliding door when not in use. Foldout ramps can easily be deployed over a curb or onto a sidewalk.
In-Floor Ramp
With an in-floor ramp conversion, the ramp is stored in the floor (under the vehicle). With no ramp in the doorway, passengers who are not in wheelchairs can enter and exit the vehicle without having to deploy the ramp. An in-floor ramp conversion can be either powered or manual. The power in-floor is typically going to be higher in cost than a fold-out conversion.
Side-Entry vs. Rear-Entry Wheelchair Vans
One of the most important choices you will make in selecting a handicap accessible wheelchair van is side-entry versus rear entry. Your choice will impact such things as the wheelchair seating positions, your ability to accommodate other passengers and parking options. Side-entry wheelchair vans represent the majority of the market; however, rear-entry wheelchair vans have also gained in popularity over the years.
Side-Entry Advantages
A side-entry van allows for the ability to enter and exit safely onto the curb side away from traffic. The wheelchair user can either drive from a wheelchair or sit in the front passenger position. Side-entry vans give extra room for maneuverability and also maintain the rear cargo storage space behind the third-row seating.
Rear-Entry Advantages
A rear-entry vehicle can be parked in any parking space—no extra room is required for a ramp (excluding parallel parking). A rear-entry vehicle offers plenty of ground clearance because most of the van’s floor has not been modified (the wheelchair user rides in a channel installed in the middle of the floor, from the second row to the rear of the vehicle), and the rear of the vehicle is slightly elevated. In addition, a rear-entry vehicle is typically less expensive to maintain.
In-Floor vs. Fold-Up Wheelchair Ramps
Another important consideration to make is whether you’d prefer a fold-up or an in-floor wheelchair ramp in your handicap van. Fold-up ramps fold in half and stow upright, next to the side passenger door. In-floor ramps slide into a pocket underneath the vehicle’s floor. In-floor and fold-up wheelchair ramps are available in a wide range of wheelchair accessible minivan conversions. Weather considerations should be a factor in your final choice.
In-Floor Ramp Advantages
People who prefer an in-floor ramp prefer the ramp to be out of the way of the passenger entrance.
Fold-Up Ramp Advantages
Typically, fold-up ramps tend to be less expensive and easier to maintain, and they present a lower ramp angle.
Manual vs. Power Wheelchair Ramps
Wheelchair accessible conversion with power wheelchair ramps and doors are the most popular because of their ease and convenience. However, manual conversions are also popular because they cost less both to purchase and to maintain. Power conversions typically have a kneeling feature that reduces the angle or steepness of the wheelchair ramp. By compressing the suspension, the floor of the van lowers on the side ramp.
Manual Ramp Advantages
Manual ramps are ideal for a wheelchair user who will always travel with a companion who can access and stow/deploy the ramp easily. Manual ramps are cost efficient, as they do not have any automated components.
New Vehicle vs Your Vehicle
Unlike many companies, we focus on YOU, your actual needs and work primarily with your vehicle. A wide variety of Adaptive Equipment are available on the market, most of them will cost less than buying a new vehicle.
Some companies will try to sell you a wheelchair accessible vehicle because it is more profitable for them, not you. If that wheelchair accessible vehicle will fulfill your needs in 5 – 10 years, why should you get it now?
We offer so many adaptive equipment, we believe we can help you saving money, keep you active and when you will need that wheelchair accessible van you will consider our company for your next vehicle conversion because as you will discover by dealing with us, we treat you as a part of our family!
Click on Product Options to find which Adaptive Equipment will be the best one for you.
Our Certified Mobility Consultants are always available to answer all your questions.
Process (for Quebec Residents)
With SAAQ
Québec’s public automobile insurance plan provides for the reimbursement of certain expenses incurred to adapt your automobile if your disability is a result of a traffic accident or was not caused by a traffic accident.
If you can no longer drive or use a vehicle because of a physical disability, the SAAQ may reimburse certain costs incurred to adapt your vehicle, regardless of whether you are the driver. Your disability may be from birth or be caused by an illness, an accident other than a traffic accident, aging or another cause.
You must consult an occupational therapist who will assess your physical inability, Eureka Solutions can guide you through the procedure:
Conditions for vehicle adaptation:
- You intend to use the vehicle for at least 5 years.
- The vehicle adaptation is recommended by an Occupational Therapist (from a Rehab Centre or from private practice)
Step 1 – Application for Assistance toward Vehicle Adaptation
Step 2 – Recommendations concerning the required alterations to the vehicle
Step 3 – To obtain bids from suppliers who specialize in adapting vehicles:
- 1 bid for adaptation costs under $2,000
- 2 bids for adaptation costs over $2,000
For CNESST
you must contact your agent to discuss your request of adaptation of your vehicle. Be sure the Occupational Therapist who will be involved has the qualifications required to evaluate your needs and determine the right products for your needs
Once you have been informed of the amount that can be reimbursed, you can hire the specialized supplier of your choice to have the vehicle adapted.
Remember, the choice is yours, you can always negotiate the final cost with the supplier if the amount of the subsidy is less than the quotation of this supplier
GRANT and TAX CREDIT (For Ontario residents)
Other options
Several other options are available to you for additional financial assistance.
Many Car Manufacturers offer a mobility program when a customer buys a new vehicle and has it adapted for him or a member of his family.
CANADA REVENUE AGENCY
Medical Expenses Brochure # RC4065 (E) Rev15
The Department of Federal Revenue allows :
• 20% of the amount paid for a van that has been adapted or is adapted within 6 months of the date of purchase, this vehicle is adapted to transport a person in a wheelchair, up to a maximum of $ 5 000.00
• For residents of Ontario, the provincial limit is $6,820.00
MARCH OF DIMES CANADA
Mission. To maximize the independence, personal empowerment and community and to provide solutions, through service, advocacy and research, which further equal opportunity, self-sufficiency, dignity and quality of life.
EASTER SEALS ONTARIO
Enhancing the quality of life, self-esteem and self-determination of Canadians living with disabilities. As Canada’s largest local provider of programs, services, issues-leadership and development for the disability community, Easter Seals is dedicated to helping Canadians with disabilities participate fully in society, living lives to their full potential.
MAKE-A-WISH FOUNDATION
Wishes are more than just a nice thing
A wish experience can be a game-changer for a child with a life-threatening medical condition.
This one belief guides us in everything we do at Make-A-Wish®. It inspires us to grant wishes that change the lives of the kids we serve. It compels us to be creative in exceeding the expectations of every wish kid. It drives us to make our donated resources go as far as possible.
LINKS
Braun Ability
www.braunability.com
Eureka Solutions is proud to be one of the largest distributors of lowered floors and other Braun Ability products across Canada.
BraunAbility also offers a multitude of videos demonstrating the operation of their equipment as well as the design of their products on their YouTube channel
Bruno
www.bruno.com
Eureka Solutions represents the Bruno products from the very beginning of its existence. Eureka Solutions is currently the main distributor of Bruno I.L.A. across Canada.
Bruno also offers a multitude of videos demonstrating how their equipment works on their YouTube channel.
Sure Grip
www.suregrip-hvl.com
Sure-Grip offers a wide range of manual hand controls, left-hand accelerators and steering wheel balls with or without secondary functions.
Autoadapt
www.autoadapt.com
This Sweden manufacturer offers Carospeed manual hand controls for those who need to drive with a right hand control and many driving and mobility aids
QStraint
www.qstraint.com
For all wheelchair anchorage models, retractable belt system, automatic anchorage, QStraint is the official supplier for Eureka Solutions.
PVI Ramps
www.pviramps.com
For both home and car accessibility we offer PVI Ramps (private) or Alumiramp (commercial) products since their products are UL approved, therefore they have been tested with a factor of 4 X shown capacity.
Aquatic Access
www.aquaticaccess.com
For a Swimming Pool seat, in-ground or above ground pool, or hot tube, Eureka Solutions can help you choose your own.
Worthy of mention:
Eureka Solutions invites you to watch the video of one of its clients, Mr. Jonathan Plante, in collaboration with the CNESST.
Jonathan Plante Testimony
Here is a video on the importance of not taking parking spaces reserved for the disabled. Eureka Solutions strongly encourages all drivers to always respect the place of people with reduced mobility. This video will surely help you never again take a parking space for disabled if you are not entitled to it.
Juste deux minutes
Contest
Viper Remote Car Starter!
Conditions:
Free installation is a basic installation. Certain fees may apply if modifications or special equipment are required for the proper installation of the car starter on the vehicle. Please note that installations can only be proformed in 2 of our locations, Eureka Solutions Longueuil and Sherbrooke. The winner must come to one of these locations. The winner’s name will be shown on the contest page. We will contact you by private message for further instructions to claim your prize. Prizes must be accepted as awarded and cannot be transferred, assigned, substituted or redeemed for cash,
Official Rules:
By participating in a Contest, each entrant agrees to be bound by the Contest Rules. Entrants further agree to be bound by the decisions of the Sponsors, which shall be final and binding in all respects. The Sponsors reserve the right, in their sole discretion, to disqualify any entrant found to be: (a) violating the Contest Rules; (b) tampering or attempting to tamper with the entry process or the operation of the Contest, the Contest Website, or any related promotional website; (c) violating the terms of service, conditions of use and/or general rules or guidelines of any the Sponsor’s property or service; and/or (d) acting in an unsportsmanlike or disruptive manner, or with intent to annoy, abuse, threaten or harass any other person.
Eligibility:
This Contest is open only to those who sign up at the https://www.facebook.com/EurekaSolutionsQC/and who are 18 years of age or older as of the date of entry. The contest is only open to legal residents of Québec and is void where prohibited by law. Employees of Eureka Solutions, its affiliates, subsidiaries, advertising and promotion agencies, and suppliers, (collectively the “Employees”), and immediate family members and/or those living in the same household of Employees are not eligible to participate in the contest. The contest is subject to all applicable federal, state, and local laws and regulations. Void where prohibited.
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