In the world of handicapped individuals the way of life is very different from what you and I experience every day.
The simple task of getting out of bed becomes a monumental procedure.
Moving from one room to another is not even considered by some people with disabilities.
For many years the needs of disabled people were ignored by society.
These unfortunate people were forced into seclusion due to the lack of appropriate equipment to make their lives easier.
Disabled children were unable to attend school due to inaccessible doorways and lack of ramps.
Many commercial and retail outlets were out of reach for the same reason.
Restaurants and health care facilities up till recently did not have easy access for the disabled.
This was terribly frustrating by not only the physically challenged but by the family members that were charged with rendering of care to the person in the wheelchair.
The minivan came on the scene about twenty five years ago.
This minivan not only changed the way regular families traveled but changed the lives of the disabled.
The minivan was easy to get around town in and easy to park.
This is where the handicap conversion companies came on the scene.
The converters were able to lower the floor ten inches and allow wheelchair entry from the side or rear with automated ramp systems.
The person in the wheelchair was no longer a prisoner in their own home.
The minivan throughout the years has become very luxurious and is now considered a great family car.
The exterior of the vans is not obviously altered and is very safe.
Wheelchair van converters take into consideration seating for the entire family and the comfort of the wheelchair occupant.
Seating options vary between manufacturers but are very user friendly and make life so much easier.
Safety is a huge issue when it comes to converted vehicles for the disabled.
All converted vans must undergo rigorous crash testing to meet federal highway standards.
Testing includes side impact, and front and rear impact testing.
This is extremely important when in most cases the fuel tanks are generally relocated.
The fuel tanks are moved inward and forward on the rear entry version and toward the rear on the side entry option.
You can actually observe the fuel tank standing in the rear of the side entry van.
There are different options involved between the side entry van and the rear entry van.
The rear entry van could be considered friendly in the parking lot due to the fact that there is no required specialized parking place required.
The side entry requires a handicap parking place to assure access to the side door.
Inconsiderate drivers have a tendency to not be observant and park to close to egress area of the side entry van.
The rear entry wheelchair van also has higher ground clearance making use in snow and mountainous areas more appealing to some owners.
The companies that manufacture handicap conversion vans have taken many considerations into account in regards to end user requirements.
Ease of use and practicality are the highest on list of most manufacturers.
The occupant of the wheelchair must feel in control and comfortable as much as possible.
The care givers must also feel that they are safe in the vehicle as well.
The wheelchair conversion has come a long way over the years and will improve greatly over the years to come.