Our society is constantly evolving, and in recent years, the pace of this evolution process has only grown faster. New technologies and discoveries are changing the lives of people all around the world, and the more time goes by, newer and more fantastic technologies are introduced to all of us. This, of course, is always a good thing, yet we can all agree to say that there are certain aspects of society that do require a lot more improvement, both socially and economically speaking. And one of the many things that are usually neglected in many countries is the need of those who are physically disabled. Disabilities bring a lot of struggles in the lives of people, especially when these struggles are not considered during many processes that involve either structures or professional positions. And more often than not, people with disabilities only want to feel included and to be able to handle their affairs without worries with the wheelchair accessible vehicles.
And although more attention and awareness is being brought to the struggles disabilities can cause, there`s still a long way to go. That being said, not everything is bad, and there`s still hope for the future to change, and for things to become a little bit easier along the way.
One thing we have to be thankful for is the fact that more and more things that meet the needs of those with disabilities and the ones that use wheelchairs are being developed. From accessories to tools, we can expect things to get better from now on.
And among the things I want to talk about is the introduction of accessible wheelchair vehicles, and how they are essential in today`s world and for those who ride the wheel everyday.
What Are Wheelchair Accessible Vehicles?
There are many good examples of wheelchair accessible vehicles out there. As shown at https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Cars_for_wheelchair_users, some of them focus on designs that allow wheelchair users to drive the car without needing to get out of their chairs, while there are other designs that are more focused on allowing users to get on the car without too many complications.
Considering how important cars are in today`s society, this is nothing but an advantage for those who struggle on a daily basis to ride the bus or get on the subway to fulfill their daily responsibilities, since it saves them a lot of time, stress and effort.
But the biggest selling point of these cars is definitely the independence they provide to people with disabilities, since it allows them to handle a very necessary aspect of their lives that a lot of people take for granted.
And for those who deal with disabilities, being capable of handling things on their own is very refreshing and liberating. It`s also great to be able to not rely on others every once in a while!
What`s so great about them is that you have a wide range of options to pick from. You can always view website for a very solid example of the choices you have at your disposal.
But What About Prices?
Something to keep in mind is that accessible vehicles tend to be more expensive than regular cars, mainly because of the extra modifications they need to be efficient. This, of course, might make some people feel disappointed, and I don`t blame them!
However, if you consider this a long-term investment that will be as reliable as it can possibly be, it makes it a really good purchase, especially if you get the one car you fall in love with.
In order to get your hands on the car of your dreams, though, you might want to take your time and do some research, especially if you know nothing about the options available and what their advantages and disadvantages are.
Thus, let`s talk a little bit about some of the models you can find.
It`s All About Features
The thing about accessible cars is that they often enter the category of vans mainly because of how spacious they are and how easy it is to add features and tools to enhance the experiences of their users. Thus, understanding these features is essential to decide which option is the most suitable for you.
Let`s talk about the first aspect to have in mind: The size of the car.
Different sizes, different possibilities
Just like buying a regular car, the size of the vehicle can play a huge role in how useful it will be for you and your family. Things like how many family members to consider, whether luggage is a usual part of your rides or not, and if you usually go on trips, are some of the considerations you should keep in mind when deciding on a size.
Of course, the smaller the car, the cheaper it is, but if you go for a cheap and small option before considering your needs, you might end up regretting it later on.
Types of Entries
The type of entry you go for can definitely influence your interaction with the vehicle of your choice, mainly because it decides how comfortable you will be while entering your car. Thus, choosing one that is both suitable for you and your house or parking lot can make a huge difference. There are two main types of entries, which are:
- Side entries, which puts the ramp on the side of the vehicle, are a very accessible choice for the middle seating of the car, as well as the driving position. Overall, it`s aimed towards the middle part of the vehicle, and is often considered the most comfortable choice.
However, one of its disadvantages comes up when parking lots enter the play, where vehicles tend to be stacked one beside the other, so you have to take this into consideration if you go for this choice. - Rear entries, which puts the ramp on the backside of the vehicle. This one choice tends to be a little more affordable, and is a very good way to handle parking lots as well.
The thing about this specific type of entry is the fact that a lot of people might not like the idea of being in the back side of the car, and to make it easier to access the front, some modifications might be required, or you can go for a model that has these modifications already implemented.
Of course, if the person with the disability is not really going to drive or doesn`t mind being on the backside of the car, this is possibly the best choice to go for!
Manual or Automatic?
This is another question to ask yourself, especially if you are not going to be the only one driving. Of course, this is a matter of taste and preferences on most occasions, but automatic cars are frequently the option to go because of how simpler they are. However, there are people who like the idea of driving a manual car, thus… Just make sure to go for the choice you like the most!
Drive from Wheelchair
There`s another category of accessible cars that allow users to drive straight from their wheelchairs. This allows a lot more comfort and accessibility to wheelchair users, while enabling them to drive in a much more comfortable manner without having to worry about too many preparations.
Some other implementations and additions can also be secured to allow even more functionality as well!
Some Advice for Wheelchair Users
Thankfully, as a wheelchair user, you can rely on many more things to enhance your experience when it comes to cars, and some of these things include accessories that can be used in cars without the need for modifications. If you are interested in more details, you should definitely read this article over here, but we will briefly cover some good examples.
- Assist bars, which can be used as a form of support to move around the car whenever is needed. It is mainly used in the car`s door jamb, thus needing to be removed to close the door properly. It might be useful in case you decide to go for a vehicle with a rear entrance! They are rather affordable as well, going from $10 to $30 depending on the brand you decide to go for.
- Assist straps, which are possibly the most useful accessory in the list, are belt straps that can be attached inside the car in strategic locations to allow wheelchair users to have a lot more mobility and freedom, while also providing them an extra level of safety during car rides. Something to have in mind is that they should never be placed near the driving seat, since they can move around at times and might become a disturbance during a ride.
- Rotatory cushions, allow the users to enjoy many more aspects of a car ride, like the view all around the vehicle, or the capacity to share with other people as well. Very affordable option too!
There`s a Lot More We Can Do
Something to always keep in mind when it comes to people with disabilities is that sometimes we might act in a way that could potentially hurt their feelings, or make them feel in a way that is not necessarily positive, causing them a lot of distress, anxiety, and sadness. After all, their biggest struggle is the perception society has of them, the lack of professional opportunities, and the treatment they usually receive from others.
That is why it is very important for us, as the people who surround them, to learn how to act and be polite. And although there`s a long way to go when it comes to this, if we learn how to be better and how to make their lives better and more comfortable, even if a little, we will be adding a positive grain of sand.
Some good examples of things you can do, include:
- Being respectful. That being said, the concept of respect is linked to our ability to be empathetic and understanding of their situation, thus, getting to know more about their struggles and needs can help us out in this manner.
- Not assuming things. A very big mistake people tend to commit is assuming the reason behind people using wheelchairs, which is never appreciated. If you can, try to always ask as politely as you can if you are planning to interact with them. This will help you avoid misunderstandings and misconceptions.
- Always speak directly to them as well. There`s a lot of people that don`t integrate people with wheelchairs into a conversation, which can make them feel excluded, thus, by directly asking them questions and conversing with them, you`ll ensure they feel included and appreciated.
If you truly want to make the world a better place for people with disabilities, I encourage you to check https://www.wikihow.com/Interact-with-a-Person-Who-Uses-a-Wheelchair to learn more about the things you can do for them.