According to the 2010 US census, 56.7 million Americans have a disability that requires mobility assistance.
When you hear such a substantial number, you’re probably picturing senior citizens and adults. However, a large part of that population includes children18 and under.
In fact about 770,000 youths, age 15 & under, are currently using a wheelchair.
No parent or relative wants to picture their young child having such limitations so early in life. However, finding the proper mobility van can increase the freedom and ease every child deserves!
Mobility vans offer a heightened quality of life to children and teens living with certain disabilities. The opportunity to drive to town for the day is often taken for granted by most folks. If you’re living with an ailment that requires a wheelchair, caretaker or both, having a quality mobility minivan or conversion van can make a huge difference in your day-to-day life.
Children are no exception. In fact, if any population needs adventure and portability, it’s the youth.
If you are in the market for a wheelchair van for your child, below is a list of a few things to consider. Shopping for any car can feel like a daunting process. Searching for a mobility vehicle that can increase the quality of life for your child is exponentially more stressful.
Hopefully, these tips can help aid in the search:
Fold out vs. In-floor ramps
Both fold-out and in-floor ramps will fit most standard and oversized wheelchairs. This means as your child grows and their wheelchair becomes larger, the ramp should suffice.
In-floor ramps can more easily clear smaller areas such as parking spaces when entering and exiting the van. In-floor ramps can also increase the number of people you can seat in your van (up to six persons).
Fold-out ramps, on the other hand, will give you a maximum seating of five. Fold-out ramps have their own advantages though. For instance, these ramps tend to have side rails to make the transition from ground to vehicle easier. They also deploy manually which some people prefer.
Where should my child sit?
Depending on your child’s equipment needs, the location where they should sit in the van will vary. Permitting your child to sit in the front passenger seat depends on their weight. Making sure that you choose a vehicle with proper wheelchair restraints can help you rest easy knowing they will be safe in the unfortunate occurrence of a collision.
For more information on the different types of wheelchair restraints, read: Wheelchair and Safety Restraints.
Side Entry vs. Rear Entry
Whether you choose a side or rear entry van will typically be dependent upon the specific equipment requirements of your child. If your child has equipment such as a ventilator or feeding tube, a rear entry mobility van will most likely be easier. Caregivers can sit next to children in a rear entry van.
Side entry wheelchair vans may be a better option if your youth has more flexibility and can maneuver in and out of the vehicle on their own.
Hopefully, this list provided some guidance for your mobility van purchasing decision. Consulting with your child or loved one’s medical provider is a great place to start in order to ensure you find a vehicle that targets all of your child’s specific needs.
For nearly 30 years, Classic Vans has been a trusted name in mobility vehicle sales. Browse our selection of new and used wheelchair minivans and full sized wheelchair conversion vans. Call (866) 370-8222 and ask a specialist about finding the right van for you!