For many people with disabilities, accessible vans are the key to unlocking their independence on the road.
By Tom Scott
As more and more wheelchair-users take to the road in pursuit of adventure, many prefer the peace of mind that comes with being behind the controls of a vehicle modified to fit their needs and equipped for the long haul— wherever the destination may be. Let’s face it, the last thing most of us want to deal with on vacation is public transportation, especially if you’re planning your own itinerary and would like to visit attractions and tourist spots at your own leisure. Renting an accessible van is a smart choice for many travelers in search of this type of freedom while they’re spending a little time away from home.
Know Your Needs
There are a few important tips you should keep in mind when renting a van. You should make sure that the van meets your specific requirements in terms of equipment, features, and functionality. This will depend upon the type of wheelchair you will be using on your trip (manual/ electric), your level of injury, and your personal preferences.
Before contacting a rental company you should also have all your measurements at the ready (width of wheelchair, your height seated in your chair) as well as your driver’s license and insurance and credit card information.
Below are some important questions you’ll probably want to ask the dealer:
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• What are the rental rates and do they charge for mileage?
• Do they offer delivery and pick up services?
• Do they offer adaptive equipment, such as hand controls, 4-point tie downs, raised roof or lowered floor, lifts or ramps, 6-way power seats, power doors etc.?
• Can you drive the van out of the specific state you’re renting it in?
• Can you have more than one driver listed on the rental contract?
• Do they offer 24-hour roadside assistance? Some other questions you need to think about are: How many people will be occupying the van—any other wheelchair users? Are you driving (if so, make sure the van is equipped with hand controls) or is a family member or caregiver? If you’re not driving, where would you like to be located while traveling in the van—front passenger area, middle or back of van, etc.?
Don’t be afraid to address your specific concerns with the rental company. After all, you want to travel comfortably and not have to worry about hitting your head on the roof or bumping into things left and right. It’s also extremely important that you request a demonstration of the van’s mechanics upon receiving it. You may already be familiar with the type equipment, but on the side of caution, spend a little time getting to know the van, including the operation of ramps, lifts, tie- downs, and so forth. Traveling 65 mph on the freeway is not a good time to realize you’re not secured properly or start to wonder what a certain button on the dash does.
As with any travel planning, book your rental as early as possible and make sure to confirm everything a few weeks in advance and reconfirm everything a few days in advance of your trip. If you have your doubts about anything, let the rental company know. It never hurts to cover all your bases. Being persistent and thorough will work toward your benefit when it counts most—on the road. Depending on the rental agency you choose and your travel destination, the availability of accessible vans can sometimes be limited, so the earlier you start planning the better.
Accessibility Specialists
With so many people with disabilities traveling these days it’s surprising that there aren’t many companies that cater to this growing market. But the few companies out there that specialize in accessible van rentals have very good experience at it. Wheelchair Getaways, Inc. (www.wheelchairgetaways.com) has been operating since 1989, delivering accessible transportation to over 450 major cities with a network of 50 locations nationwide that provide accessible van rental services. The company offers the newest fleet of full-size and minivans for rent on a daily, weekly, and monthly basis or for long-term lease. The vans are up-fitted with a ramp or lift with accessories tailored to each client’s needs. Some vans are also equipped as driver units with hand controls and power transfer seats.
“We will meet our clients at airports, offices, hospitals, wherever they need us to, and we’ll help with luggage, make sure they have everything they need to get on their way,” explained Dale Richardson, president of Wheelchair Getaways. “We also have the most locations and the most vehicles ensuring that when a client calls, we’ll be there for them. Our fleet is among the newest available. The vast majority of our accessible vans are less than 5 years old and are offered with considerably fewer miles than our competitors. They’re also among the most reliable in the nation, but to be safe, we offer 24/7 emergency service.”
Richardson added that each franchise operating under the Wheelchair Getaways flag is constantly concerned about the special needs of their clients. “While [many] of vehicles available across the US are Braun or VMI minivans, most of our franchises provide full-size vehicles with lifts such as the Dodge Sprinter or Fords with raised roofs and doors. Vehicles with transfer seats and hand controls are available by request as well. Some even offer child seats for family members.”
Wheelchair Getaways offers their services to a wide range of people with disabilities, not just vacationers. A majority of their business comes from local clients who need a replacement vehicle while their van is being repaired or has been damaged in an accident. They also provide rental vans to families or caregivers of newly injured clients who need to be transported back and forth to their rehab appointments instead of using costly transportation services.
The best advice Richardson can give to those thinking about renting a van is to plan well in advance. “Accessible rental vans go fast, especially before major holidays like Christmas and Thanksgiving or even Mother’s Day and Father’s Day. Also, it helps to plan your trip backwards. A flight and hotel won’t do you any good if you aren’t able to rent a van. We always suggest clients reserve the van, then book flights and rooms.”
Accessible Vans of America, LLC (www.accessiblevans.com) is another accessible van rental company operating across the US. Founded in 1997, Accessible Vans is a member-owned organization made up of mobility dealers who rent, sell, and service accessible vehicles. The organization requires that all dealers are members of the National Mobility Equipment Dealers Association (NMEDA) to ensure that each dealer has the knowledge, training, and understanding of the specialized needs and abilities that exist for their customers.
Wheelers Accessible Van Rentals (www.wheelersvanrentals.com) has also provided rentals for people with disabilities since 1987. The company offers their services at every major airport and metropolitan city within the US.
For more information about van rentals for vacation, or about any other accessible travel needs, visit United Spinal’s www.ABLEtoTravel.org or call them toll free at 888-211-3635.
Tom Scott is staff editor.
