Need answers to your mobility questions?? Want to know the latest in Assistive Technology? Would you like to learn money saving tips on how to purchase your next van, scooter or lift? Get these answers and more from “The Mobile Lifestyle Advisor” brought to you by Disabled Dealer of Virginia and West Virginia. This monthly column might make you roll with laughter, cringe with fear, or jump for joy, but it guarantees to produce solutions that you can take to the bank. So “Let’s Get Rolling”.***Thanks to all those readers who found the error in last months’ column. *** When talking of AC issues I mistakenly mentioned that the Air Condition temp at the dash vent should read 30-35 degrees after running for a short period. Well, what I meant to say was that the temp at the front vent should read 30-35 degrees below the ambient outside air temperature. So if your outside thermometer reads 90 degrees, you’re A/C should cool down the inside temperature to about 70 degrees if you have the recirculation fan on high. I must have been experiencing a brain freeze when I wrote that last month. Q. Boy did the bank really throw me a curve yesterday!! My credit score was not that low but they still wanted 8.9% interest for 5 years on a van loan. Help!! Roger S.-VA
A. Roger if I were a politician I would say that “I feel your pain”. Many potential van buyers have been stopped in their tracks this year because of increased bank stipulation and higher interest rates. Several months ago I brought up the idea of Reverse Mortgage opportunities. This relatively new funding source is rapidly growing among the baby boomer population. Succinctly, if you are over 62 and have home equity you can substantial lower your borrowing interest rate and extend the payments out to make it easier on your cash flow. Call for my Free Reverse Mortgage Pamphlet, 1-800-420-6470, ask for Richard. If you don’t want to use this financial method of purchasing your van, look at the NewWell Fund. Information regarding this state supported funding is on page 22 of this issue. Glad to hear you are in the buying mode, there are some fabulous deals out there right now. I have noticed price reductions and more incentives for new van buyers than ever before. Happy hunting.
Q. Several years ago I had a rear lift installed into my van that would pickup my scooter and stow it for me. I now have a power wheelchair but the hook up device on my scooter will not fit my wheelchair. Do I need a new lift?? Pam S.-VA.
A. Pam, it sounds like you may have several options. If your lift supports the added weight, you may only need a docking device that fits the chair making it safe for lifting into the van. As an option, you could install a different lift that would make it very easy to load the chair, not requiring you to hook up any straps. This platform lift only requires you to drive up on the lift, step out of the chair or scooter and press a button. It lifts and retracts back into the van. NO hooking up straps, disassembling the scooter or removing the seat of the chair, simple easy and safe. Contact your local mobility center to see this new style lift and make sure it will do what you need it to before you buy it. While your there also see if you can get some trade in value on your old style lift.
Q. I use a wheelchair because of my inability to stand for long periods of time. Recently I purchased a great used van that has a low floor and removable seats. I would like to drive right up to the steering wheel and eliminate loading the wheelchair up and getting out of it to transfer into the driver seat. Do you know it I need a special permit to drive from my wheelchair? Tracy M.-VA
A. Tracy, your question is somewhat unique. I have talked to Virginia DMV and as of now they only require special permitting and testing for driver aids i.e. hand controls, left foot accelerators, steering knobs etc. What you are sitting on while driving must only be safe and have a seat belt to be law abiding. Safe is the key word here. You will need a special lock down to hold you and your chair in place and a seat belt extension that will go around you and the chair for safe operation. Do not drive depending only on your chair brakes to hold you!! See a Mobility Dealer and ask them about the special restraint systems designed for people driving from wheelchairs. I would suggest you see a driver evaluator however to make sure you have the proper sight lines while seated in your chair and you can actually use the OEM foot petals for brake and acceleration. Great question.
Keep those questions coming in and keep those wheels rolling on! Send your questions and comments and receive a “free gift” from “The Mobile Lifestyle Advisor”, % Richard Baldwin, 2075 W. Main St. Waynesboro Va. Email mobility@ntelos.net
