There's no question whether modified transportation for people with disabilities provides the means to greater independence. For those who use wheelchairs, a safe, reliable lift is one of the keys to independent motoring.

"Purchasing a lift for a van is something that requires very careful consideration," says Renée Gross, co-owner of ADAPT, a local conversion center in Tucson, Ariz., that modifies vehicles to meet the needs of people with disabilities. "Each individual must think of his or her needs as well as their mobility levels before a decision about a lift can be made."

Reputable dealers such as Gary and Renee Gross, owners of ADAPT in Tucson, Ariz., are a source of valuble advice for those considering the purchase of a lift.

Someone with a neuromuscular disease, for instance, would be well advised to remember that some symptoms are progressive in nature. Gross points out that such a person who is just beginning to use a manual wheelchair and has the ability to transfer into a simple seat lift may have different needs in a few years if the disease is fairly progressive. This person may soon need a power wheelchair, so he or she might be better off considering an automatic lift that allows traveling while seated in the wheelchair. With a little homework, costly mistakes can be prevented.

Dan Delie of Associated Handicapable Vans (a national company that modifies, sells and leases full-size vans and minivans) knows from years of experience the importance of homework. "There are all kinds of decisions to make," Delie says. "Should I put the lift in the side door or rear door? Should I be looking at a 'swing-out' or a platform lift? How about electric vs. hydraulic? And, oh, what is a 'dual-entry platform' or a 'fold-in-half platform' and why would I need one anyway? All of this seems so easy until you begin to see how many options are actually available."

Gross and Delie suggest that people needing lifts discuss the following questions with their rehab specialists, driver training professionals, manufacturers and reputable installers to find the lift best suited to their needs.

• Will the vehicle or the lift be purchased first?
• Can the installer safely convert an existing van?
• Who will be driving?
• Who will be riding in the vehicle?
• What will the parking needs be?
• What are some of the lift options?
• Who will service the equipment in the vehicle?
• Is funding available?

WHICH COMES FIRST, THE VAN OR THE LIFT?

This question is the one asked most by people considering their first purchase of an adapted vehicle. If a lift is desired for an existing van, it's important to identify what lifts are compatible with the make, model and year of the van and then choose the lift with the most desired features.

If a new van will be purchased, a buyer may want to choose the style and brand of lift first. A van model can then be purchased that is compatible with that lift and the user's disability needs.

"Actually, I would prefer to hear from the buyer before either the van or the lift is purchased," Gross says. "That way, I can help lead customers in the right direction based on their needs, not on what their friends have or what they think might work. Our focus at this shop is to do more evaluations and get a better match of the client to the vehicle."

Buying either component without consideration of the other could result in a less than desirable outcome. Before buying a vehicle, make sure to select a lift that will meet individual needs and will fit the automotive applications.

HOW SAFELY CAN A VAN BE CONVERTED?

If converting an existing van, talk to the installer first to see if he can safely modify the van's frame to install a lift. Cutting into a frame usually voids manufacturer's warranties and it may be best to consider selling an existing van and purchasing a model more suitable for conversion.

Delie at Associated Vans recommends name brand lifts. "Most major brand wheelchair lifts found at reputable companies have gone through VA testing and acceptance," he says. "This standard was set by the Veterans Administration to ensure safety and reliability of equipment purchased for veterans. Most lifts meeting this standard will give you many years of dependable service and work in most climates. Assuming that a lift does meet these standards, focus on the unique features that make a lift appealing to you and your special needs."

WHO DRIVES?

Determine if a personal assistant or person in a wheelchair will be doing the driving. If a personal assistant is expected to do all the driving and is willing to lift about 20 pounds, the expense of an automatic or manual lift can be avoided by purchasing a portable ramp that can be folded or placed inside a van or minivan when not in use. This is obviously not the best method if the owner desires as much independence as possible.

WHO RIDES?

Vans that transport people with different abilities may need a more flexible lift. For instance, a lift that folds out of the way when not in use allows easier access for passengers and cargo.

"Make sure to discuss things like family use or the kids' soccer team that needs to get to practice every week," Delie says. "Some lifts allow for door access by allowing the platform to automatically or manually fold in half, which leaves at least some of the door opening unobstructed."

Also, don't hesitate to try out a lift first, Delie stresses. "Most adaptive equipment suppliers have vehicles with lifts installed in them for demonstration purposes. Try different lift models to see if your wheelchair or scooter will fit onto the lift platform. It's important to actually enter the vehicle to determine if you have adequate headroom and door clearance. If not, you will need a lowered van floor or raised roof and door opening."

WHAT ARE THE PARKING NEEDS?

Parking needs should be a consideration. Parallel and pull-in parking may affect the choice of lifts and the choice of side or rear installation. If a regular parking spot has limited side access, a swing lift (also called rotary) and a rear lift may be two options. With a swing lift, the wheelchair enters the platform parallel to the van and requires only three to four feet of parking space alongside the van. "However, a rotary lift is sometimes not strong enough for the bigger, heavier power wheelchairs," Gross advises.

WHAT LIFT OPTIONS ARE AVAILABLE?

Look closely at options such as lift control buttons or levers. People with limited upper body strength may want to avoid certain manual controls and consider using automatic controls. Also, remember to plan for an emergency backup system to raise and lower the lift in the event of a complete power failure.

A scooter lift mounted behind the driver door is demonstrated. (Photo courtesy of Bruno Independent Living Aids.)

WHO SERVICES LIFT EQUIPMENT?

Find a reputable service center that will do the installation and handle repairs. Lift manufacturers can usually suggest one of their dealers. To check on that center's reliability, check with a local Better Business Bureau, get a rehab center's recommendations or ask if the service center belongs to the National Mobility Equipment Dealers Association (NMEDA). The organization was recently set up to guide its members to abide by the Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standards and the standards set by the Department of Veterans Affairs relating to proper wiring, fire resistance, switches and much more. To find out more about NMEDA, call (800) 833-0427 or (813) 932-8566.

WHAT FUNDING IS AVAILABLE?

If purchasing a new van from Ford, GM or Chrysler, up to $1,000 is available from their mobility programs to apply toward vehicle modifications (see "Lift Resources" for phone numbers). Funding is also made available on a state-by-state basis through the Department of Vocational Rehabilitation, Division of Developmental Services, as well as the Veterans Administration.

WHAT LIFT EQUIPMENT IS OUT THERE?

The table below gives some lift choices, brief descriptions, cost estimates and examples of who is best served by the equipment. For more information on lifts and modified vans, contact the manufacturers listed in "Lift Resources."

LIFT RESOURCES

TYPES OF VEHICLE LIFTS	BRIEF DESCRIPTION	APPROX. COST* (includes installation)
Car-Top Lift	Wheelchair is lifted hydraulically or electrically to top of car and stored in shell while driving. Lifts for pickups are now available that place a wheelchair in bed of truck or inside extended cab. User must be able to transfer.	$2,000-3,000
Full-Size Van Lifts: a) Rotary Platform Lift b) 90-Degree Platform Lift c) Under-Vehicle Lift	Rotary lift allows for tighter parking, but may not be advisable for heavy power wheelchairs. Regular platform takes up more room in van, but some have fold-in-half features to free space. Dual-entry platform gives flexibility in entry/exit/tight parking. Under-vehicle lift is esthetically pleasing, takes up less interior van space, available) but may not be advisable on unpaved roads. All lifts here are suited for drivers or passengers seated in wheelchairs.	a) $3,000-3,500 b) $3,000-3,500 c) $6,000 (manual or automatic controls are available)
Scooter Lift	The lift can be installed at rear of van or behind driver or passenger seat. There are currently no vehicles that allow a person to drive while seated in a scooter. For any scooter user who can transfer to either passenger or driver side of vans.	$2,000-2,400
Portable Ramps	Requires a caregiver to set up and fold out of the way. For anyone with a van or minivan.	$700
Automatic Minivan Ramps: Under-Vehicle Ramps Fold-up Ramps	Under-vehicle ramp allows more space in interior of van and is esthetically pleasing but not recommended for lowered muddy/slushy roads. Fold-up ramp unfolds from inside van and folding feature frees up storage space. For passengers seated in scooters and wheelchairs as well as wheelchair drivers.	$13,000 + (includes floor/kneeling system)
Passenger or Driver Power Seats for Vans	Power seat lowers to wheelchair / scooter height and then rises into van's interior. For those who can transfer.	$1,200
Wheelchair/Scooter Carriers (rear bumper)	Attaches to rear bumper. For anyone who can transfer and/or can take a few steps from bumper to passenger or driver door.	$1,800
*Rates vary nationwide.