RVs and Motorhomes for Disabled Persons
Filed under Handicapped Cars
A disabled person need not forgo the joy of camping or traveling. Life in a tent may be physically impossible or impractical, but an RV can be custom designed to adapt for every need of the disabled. Living in a RV camper that is already modified for every necessity allows the disabled individual some mobility without the hassle of restaurants and hotels.
To get inside, there are RV lifts and ramps available. The choice of floor plan and type of RV may have to be fitted with a wheelchair lift; however the toy-hauler variety is designed with a ramp available at the push of a button.
Accessible Benefits of RVs and Motorhomes
The interior can be modified to allow for the 36” minimum clearance for wheelchairs required by the American Disabilities Act if it does not already have it. Many of the RV models with slide outs provide much more interior room. The stairs in a 5th wheel recreation vehicle can be replaced with a ramp. Everything in campers or handicap motorhomes is secured for travelling purposes. Entertainment systems and heating/cooling units are usually placed above everything else and are easily accessed with the included remote control. Several models have large bathrooms and tubs with seats as standard handicapped equipment. A handheld shower head connected to sixty inch hose may also be included.
How to Determine Your RV Needs
As there are many types of RVs available, the decision of what to get is based more on personal lifestyle rather than special needs. A popup camper with a ramp will suffice someone who is content to use campground bathroom facilities. A towable travel trailer is larger and usually has a full accessible bathroom. Class A or class C drivable RVs are truly homes on wheels due to their large size and space. Purchasing one new may be expensive, but there are many pre-owned RVs for disabled people available.
Drivable RV models can have the foot controls moved for an easier reach for your hands similar to any car or truck handicap hand controls. Accelerate and brake with just the use of your hands. There is nothing to stop a person with disabilities from exploring the country driving an RV that has been custom designed to accommodate them.
Tags: Motorhomes for Disabled, RVs for Disabled
Handicap Hand Controls
Filed under Handicapped Cars
Everyone needs to get out of the house to take care of life’s normal business. With handicap hand controls, people with disabilities can drive using just their hands. These hand controls are best suited for those who have impaired functioning of their legs but still have the physical dexterity in their hands.
Handicap Driving Equipment
One option in handicap hand controls is a vertical handle that mounts on the console between the driver and passenger seats. The handle connects to the accelerator and brake pedals. It includes turn signals, and is also available with buttons for the windshield wipers, horn, and dimmer switch. This product is designed for a vehicle with automatic transmission, and is meant to be permanently installed.
Handicap Brake Controls
Another product available in handicap hand controls is a temporary handle that attaches to the accelerator and brake pedals with brackets and wing nuts. This is convenient if the driver wants to rent a car. The handle installs in about ten minutes. The disadvantages are that it must be installed on a vehicle with automatic transmission, power steering, and power brakes, and it also requires some arm strength to use. In order to accelerate, the handle is pulled backwards and to brake, the handle is pushed forward. These installations do not affect the regular pedal controls of the vehicle.
Handicap Spinner Knobs
For those who don’t want a handle, another handicap hand control is a knob that mounts on the vehicle’s steering wheel. These steering wheel handicap hand controls also known as a spinner knob or steering wheel knob, attaches to the steering wheel and helps those with limited hand strength. Some knobs come customized with buttons and flip switch controls for the accelerator, brake, turn signals, horn, and dimmer switch. This solves the problem of reaching for these controls. It is also convenient for non-handicapped drivers who might drive the vehicle as these knobs take up very little space.
Most handicap hand control devices cost from five hundred dollars up to the thousands but the driver’s medical insurance may pay for them. There are also grant programs and dealer reimbursement programs that can help.
Handicap hand controls can allow people to get to work and other places without purchasing costly handicapped equipped vehicles or hiring handicapped transportation. For an increased quality of life, they are worth the price and time to consider. It is best to consult your doctor and test drive a vehicle with these controls before considering a purchase.
Tags: Brake Controls, Steering Wheel
