Accessible Vans
The Ins and Outs of Getting Out and About

Paiman Komeilizadeh of San Jose, Calif., is both intelligent and ambitious. He holds a bachelor's degree in business administration, with a minor in accounting, and has completed extensive coursework in computer programming and applications — all of which he hopes will help him realize his dream of building a successful business.

He's also affected by spinal muscular atrophy, and uses a power wheelchair.

These days Komeilizadeh is president of ResourceHunt.com, an online clearinghouse that seeks to provide one-stop shopping for products and services assisting people with disabilities.

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Like anyone seeking to start a new business, Komeilizadeh had to develop a business plan, research his intended market and obtain financing. He also negotiates with manufacturers, wholesalers and retailers.

In other words, he attends a lot of meetings.

"If I didn't have my van, I wouldn't be able to run my own business," he says, talking about his converted 1998 Ford F-150 van. "There are so many appointments, so many things that have to happen right this minute, that you need that transportation, that mobility."

When he worked as an accountant, Komeilizadeh relied on California's Outreach program,"which is like a taxi service for people with disabilities," he reports. "I could get same-day service, but it usually took two to three hours to get someone out to me, and two to three hours to get back. So by then the whole day is gone."

Not only that, but waiting for a ride makes punctuality almost impossible.

"When I had to meet with a bank's financial people, they had to wait about an hour and 45 minutes for me to get there," he recalls. "And that was very, very awkward."

Where Would You Like to Go Today?

So you'd like to be able to get out of your house, visit friends and family, run errands or even get a job. You've looked into your public transportation options, and you've concluded that what you really need is the flexibility and independence that come with having your own vehicle.

You're not alone. According to a 2000 National Organization on Disability/Harris survey of Americans with disabilities,

Mary Coletti chose the accessible Companion Seat, by Braun Corp., which she transfers into before getting into the van.

The most recent estimate from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) suggests that there are some 383,000 adapted vehicles on the road these days. So the good news is that you can have your own wheels. Like anything else, however, it's going to take some effort.

Who's Driving This Thing, You or Me?

The first decision that needs to be made is: Who's going to drive? If your spouse or caregiver will do the driving, the process is relatively simple. The only adaptive equipment you'll need to arrange is whatever it takes to get you into the vehicle and keep you secure while the vehicle is moving.

Mary Coletti of Nottingham, Pa., is quite comfortable leaving the driving chores for her husband, Sergio. About a year ago, Coletti purchased a 2000 Dodge Grand Caravan SE minivan from a local Vantage Mobility International dealer ("Resources"). Coletti has SMA and uses either a manual wheelchair or a three-wheeled scooter.

"The reason we bought it is because if, somewhere down the line, I get worse than I am right now, we're set," she explains. "We have the van."

Coletti's van features a 10-inch dropped floor (for greater headroom), an electric door and an under-vehicle lift ramp. The van's suspension allows the vehicle to "kneel" — meaning it lowers 4 to 6 inches, thus enabling easier access via the ramp.

For the passenger seat, the VMI dealer offered Coletti a choice between a "transfer" seat and a "companion" seat.

"A transfer seat is [used] if you want to roll in, get up and transfer," she explains. "But I'm 5-foot-9 and my husband is just a little bit taller than I am. And when he tried, he couldn't stand up straight in the van. I can't be hunched over, or else I'd probably fall on my face."

Instead, Coletti opted for the companion seat. With this seat, you simply open the front passenger door and flip a switch. The seat automatically extends out of the vehicle, rotates 90 degrees and lowers.

Coletti then, while on the ground, transfers from her wheelchair into the seat, and — with Sergio helping her swing her legs and feet — the chair lifts her up and into the van. He then stows her scooter or wheelchair in the back behind the front seats — and they're off.

"I just got right up and right in," she says. "It was very interesting, actually having a seat lift you up and put you inside, because I can't step onto anything. I can't even go up steps, because I have my weakness from my hips to my feet."

Among companies that make companion seats is Bruno Independent Living Aids, whose seat is called the Turny.

Van shoppers must also decide between rear-entry and side-entry models. Viewpoint Mobility of Kalamazoo, Mich., touts the ease and convenience of its rear-entry system, the Vision. You might consider this option if your garage or carport is too narrow to comfortably allow you to enter through the side.

Proponents also point to the ease of entry from the back of the van — pulling straight into position, as opposed to having to make a sharp 90-degree turn as soon as you get in the vehicle.

Side-entry proponents, on the other hand, argue that that system dramatically increases seating and storage space. It also avoids the potential hazard of exiting a vehicle from the rear, particularly in a crowded parking lot.

The correct choice depends on your taste, preference and unique needs.

It's the Chauffeur's Day Off

According to NHTSA, the most popular adaptive modification made to vehicles is the conversion to hand controls. Here's where the choices become a good deal more complicated, and often a lot more expensive.

"There are so many different configurations," Richard Gatewood of Versailles, Ky., president of Wheelchair Getaways, says. "For someone to drive from a wheelchair, that requires a pretty intense conversion that has to do with the specific disabilities of the individual."

It also requires a power lockdown that's specific to your wheelchair.

Paiman Komeilizadeh estimates the total cost of his 1998 Ford F-150, complete with state-of-the-art Scott System modification, at roughly $100,000.

Paiman Komeilizadeh demonstrates his state-of-the-art Scott System hand controls.

"No, it doesn't," he says. "But it does allow me to drive."

Manufactured by driving Systems inc. (dSi) of Van Nuys, Calif., the Scott System provides quadriplegic drivers with steering, accelerator and brake systems, all controllable with one hand.

"They really did a marvelous job on this — it's unbelievable," he says. "For example, the steering wheel is a gas pedal and a brake, at the same time. Shifting the gears is just pushing a button. They also rerouted every electronic thing you have to reach into a single box, and they located the box where I can reach it."

On the other end of the spectrum, Automobility Manufacturing of Saskatchewan, Canada, offers a hand-control system that can be attached to any vehicle with very little effort. Its 901 System can be installed without modifying the vehicle in any way, allowing others to drive as well.

Now Might Be a Good Time to Ask for Directions

"Driving is viewed not as just a 'privilege' but as a necessity. When a disability occurs, it can affect the skills necessary for driving." So says the Association for Driver Rehabilitation Specialists (ADED). Founded in 1977, this nonprofit organization currently boasts a membership of some 270 certified driver rehabilitation specialists (CDRS) in the United States and Canada.

Susan Pierce is a CDRS and occupational therapist in Orlando, Fla. With 21 years' experience under her belt, she understands the importance of mobility to someone with a disability.

"You can't put a value on that kind of independence," she says simply. "Whether it costs a hundred or a million dollars, to that person it's worth everything."

A CDRS can help you determine whether you'd be able to drive with modifications, and what kind of vehicle would be best for you. Before consulting this specialist (see the ADED listing in "Resources"), you'll need to obtain a doctor's prescription giving medical approval for your initial evaluation.

"The first thing I'm going to do is sit down and talk with you about your disease process, and how it affects your strength and functional abilities," Pierce explains. This comprehensive evaluation addresses everything from physical capabilities and visual acuity to an assessment of your visual-perceptual-cognitive abilities. From there, the CDRS can determine the appropriate vehicle for your next test — the driving assessment.

"We do a moving assessment, first looking at their physical abilities to see if they need any adaptive equipment for driving," Pierce continues. "If they don't, then we would carry on with the road test, progressing them into traffic and planning a route that might bring out any deficits that we think the person might have.

"If they do require driving equipment, then we have to do that assessment, train them on that equipment, and then do the road test."

After this multistage evaluation process — and after determining that you can drive — the CDRS can recommend a vehicle type, adaptive equipment and local vendors.

"We give them a prescription for their adaptive equipment or vehicle modifications, which can be used to obtain quotes from qualified vendors," Pierce says.

After you've purchased a vehicle, the CDRS will do a final vehicle inspection and fitting. "We meet the client at the vendor's shop and inspect the vehicle inside and out," Pierce says. "Then we put the client in the vehicle and fit it for them." In fact, the CDRS will remain in the picture until both of you are satisfied that you can operate your vehicle safely.

Pierce says that "by going through the process, you don't waste any money buying a vehicle that ends up not working for you. And you don't waste money on very expensive driving equipment that maybe you didn't need, or is too much for you."

Driving specialists like Pierce also know about potential funding sources that might be able to help you purchase a van, such as the state's Vocational Rehabilitation program, the Veterans Administration or dealer programs.

These resources may also help with the CDRS's fee, which can range from $375 to $1,200.

Better Buckle Up, This Ride Is Going to Get Bumpy

Wheelchair Getaways' Gatewood recommends that you proceed very cautiously during the buying process.

"It's quite an investment to get into one of these vehicles — somewhere between $34,000 and $42,000 to get into a full-size van or minivan that's just basically outfitted."

And "just basically outfitted" generally doesn't mean hand controls. Adding modifications for drivers can push the cost up to as much as $70,000 — or even beyond that, as in Komeilizadeh's case.

If you've decided to strike out on your own and handle the buying decision yourself, Pamela Bankston has one word of advice:

"Research," says the Prescott, Wis., woman, who just purchased a full-size van for transporting her husband, Ed, who is affected by inclusion-body myositis (IBM). The Bankstons' van was obtained from Associated Rollx, headquartered in the nearby Twin Cities area of Minnesota. "Don't walk in and just see one or two people."

Bankston started her research on the Internet. "The Internet is a fabulous source to find [dealers] all over the country, and to ask questions of people other than in your area."

It was a time-consuming process, she admits, "but I do that for everything, so that wasn't unusual for us. Once you have a family member who has a rare disease like this, you become an expert," she adds.

In Lionel Oubre's IMS Ramp Van system, the van kneels, the sliding door opens electronically and the ramp unfolds automatically.

Lionel Oubre of New Iberia, La., agrees. He recently purchased a 2000 Dodge Grand Caravan ES minivan from his local Independent Mobility Systems (IMS) dealer, after countless hours of research.

"What I did was get on the Internet and use a search engine," he explains. "I typed in 'vehicles for the handicapped' and I got all kinds of stuff. You start poking around and eventually you find what you're looking for."

What Are We Going to Do When It Breaks Down?

You know it's going to happen sooner or later — something is going to go wrong. So before you invest tens of thousands of dollars in your new vehicle, you need to figure out who will take care of service — everything from regular maintenance to warranty work and repairs.

One of Oubre's previous vehicles was serviced by a dealer located in not-so-nearby New Orleans. "That's a three-hour drive each way, which kills your whole day," he laments. "You go all that way, and then maybe they don't have the part in stock. So you go back home and do it all over again the next day."

The National Mobility Equipment Dealers Association (NMEDA) is a good place to start your search for a reputable dealership or service center. NMEDA has established detailed guidelines on proper installation and service of mobility equipment for people with disabilities, and member dealerships are committed to upholding those standards. Going to an NMEDA dealer or service shop can be a good way to guard against potential unscrupulous businesses that may attempt to take advantage of customers with disabilities.

This IMS Ramp Van is a converted 2000 Dodge Caravan Sport SE minivan. The hand control system is the EGB-SS, by Electronic Mobility Controls, of Baton Rouge, La., and the E-Z Lock by Mobility Systems (foreground) holds the wheelchair in place.

NMEDA will refer you to a dealer such as French Floyd, the owner of Sylacauga Handicap of Sylacauga, Ala. (near Birmingham). Floyd's business displays NMEDA's coveted five-star rating, and submits to NMEDA audits twice a year to maintain that rating. Floyd not only sells new vans, but he can also do custom installations and modifications, as well as provide service for Braun and IMS equipment.

"We're a member of Adaptive Alliance also," Floyd says. "We do anything anybody needs for handicapped driving."

Floyd takes his work seriously, probably because he's affected by limb-girdle muscular dystrophy, and uses a power wheelchair and an adapted Chrysler minivan to maintain his own mobility.

"I know how important it is to be able to go out and be able to drive," he says. "I would encourage people, if they are capable of driving, to pursue it, to go after it."

Twenty years ago, Floyd had to travel to Lakeland, Fla., to get his first van.

"That's what got me in the business," he recalls. "I was going from walking to crawling to not being able to get in and out of the car. Then I gave up my job, went home and sat down, and didn't feel like I was going to be able to do anything again. But I got me a power chair, and I got me a van I could drive, and that changed my world and my thinking to where I could get out here and help people."

Now, he adds, "The industry's getting strong, and it's important that you get a vehicle that's equipped right."

It's Going to Cost HOW MUCH?

You've found the van of your dreams, and you know exactly what modifications you need. You even know who's going to fix it when it breaks.

Now all you have to figure out is how to pay for your van.

Here's one area in which a certified driver rehab specialist can help. But if you're determined to do it on your own, here are a couple of suggestions.

The $100,000 cost of Komeilizadeh's van was picked up by the California Department of Vocational Rehabilitation, but it took him roughly five years to get through the whole process. Vocational Rehabilitation programs vary from state to state, but most rely on federal government funding and thus have to comply with the federal standard, which mandates coverage of the transportation needed by an individual to achieve employment.

Voc Rehab can also help you adapt a van. But Komeilizadeh cautions not to expect the agency to say yes the first time you ask.

"You really have to be self-confident, and know how you have to go forward with these things," he advises. "Persistence is everything."

While Oubre arranged financing for his minivan himself, the Veterans Administration paid his local dealer for the adaptive equipment and installation — though it took the VA four to five months to process the relevant paperwork. Oubre is a veteran with a service-connected disability in addition to his limb-girdle MD.

"Getting the vehicle itself was the easy part," Oubre says.

Some commercial banks have agreed to extend the finance period for adapted vans to 10 years, in an effort to make the monthly payments more palatable to consumers. In addition, several major vehicle manufacturers have financial assistance programs or rebates geared to customers who have disabilities.

Recent figures from the U.S. Census Bureau indicate that people with disabilities influence more than $770 billion of the $3 trillion in annual consumer spending. Which means that you, as a consumer, have a lot more clout in the marketplace than you might have thought.

Be an Informed Consumer — Not a Captive Consumer

So before you buy, do your homework. Talk to as many people as possible, and make sure you've received answers to all your questions — and that those answers make sense to you.

"There is always a way to do anything," Komeilizadeh says. "Believe in yourself and be persistent. You know what you want — go get it!"