By Monique McGivney, www.vantagemobility.com

For anyone that owns a wheelchair accessible van, you know how important the fit is for you, your family and your needs.  A wheelchair van is most certainly not a “one size fits all.”

For first time buyers of wheelchair accessible vans, the shopping process can be daunting.  Which is the best type of conversion for me, rear entry or side entry?  Is a full-size van or minivan what I should be researching?  Will I be a driver or passenger?  Which manufacturer is the best?

The saving grace in the buying/research process is the network of certified mobility dealers around the country.  NMEDA (National Mobility Equipment Dealers Association) has a strict policy for members to have high standards both in service and sales to best service people with physical challenges.

Mobility equipment dealers will ensure that you are buying the product that fits you today, tomorrow and five years down the road.  They don’t want to just make a sale, they want to make a customer for life.  They will ask questions such as:

• “How many people will you be transporting?”
• “Do you have any plans to upgrade your wheelchair in the near future?”
• “Where will you be parking your vehicle?”, etc.

They want to ensure your wheelchair van brings you the freedom and independence it was made for.  Visit NMEDA’s website at www.nmeda.org and find an authorized dealer near you, or post your questions here on the blog.  Chances are your questions and concerns are shared by others in a similar situation.  By sharing our knowledge, we all benefit!

Monique, Marketing Manager for VMI (Vantage Mobility International), is all about helping end-users in scooters, manual chairs and power chairs determine the most effective means of transportation.  Don’t just sit there…Let’s Roll!