| One of the most important things to all individuals is to | | | | too. These include larger vehicle modifications, such as: |
| be able lead an independent life. But if a disease, or an | | | | adding lifts, ramps and lowering van floors. Qualified |
| accident makes being independent a challenge, one | | | | mobility dealerships sell new and used handicap vans. |
| can find comfort in the fact that there are ways such | | | | What's the Accessible America Award? |
| obstacles can be overcome. | | | | Have any idea if the city or town you're living in is |
| Though there really is no such thing as "normal," most | | | | considered an "accessible city?" Well, you may want |
| products are designed for the typical mobile individual | | | | to find out, because for the past 9-years the National |
| who stands at a certain height and walks on two feet. | | | | Organization on Disability's (NOD) has been awarding |
| For those living with a disability, where a wheel chair is | | | | one American city or town the "Accessible America |
| part of day to day life, solutions for daily living are very | | | | Award". This annual award competition goes to a city |
| different. Here are a few ways that adaptive and | | | | or town where citizens with disabilities are fully included |
| accessible modifications can improve lives. | | | | in their community with respect to transportation, |
| Driving in a Wheelchair Doesn't Have to be a Problem | | | | housing, employment, voting, education as well as a full |
| For many disabled individuals, the help of modern | | | | range of recreational cultural and social activities. |
| technology can allows them to drive. Accessible vans | | | | Award winners receive $25,000 and serve to inspire |
| can come with all kinds of adaptive devices that are | | | | replication in other cities and towns throughout the |
| designed to assist the driver where he/she needs it. | | | | country. Places that have received the award include: |
| Some of the light assistance devices include: parking | | | | Berkeley, California; Austin, Texas; Cambridge, |
| brake extensions, hand controls, wheelchair restraints, | | | | Massachusetts; Pasadena, California; Irvine California; |
| wheelchair carriers, steering devices, door openers and | | | | and Phoenix, Arizona. |
| shoe holders. There are heavier assistance devices | | | | |