| Before the mid 1980's there were limited options for | | | | wheelchairs. |
| the transportation of those destined to live their lives in | | | | The rear entry handicap van maintains the same |
| wheel chairs. Greater attention to this issue is now | | | | ground clearance as you would receive from the |
| being brought forward into the eye of the public. There | | | | original manufacturer. This is especially important in hilly |
| are now higher priorities placed on access to public | | | | or mountainous areas. Speed bumps are no longer an |
| buildings, malls, department stores, and health care | | | | issue and parking anywhere is always an advantage. |
| facilities. The emergence of the baby boomer | | | | The largest advantage of the rear entry wheelchair |
| generation and the acknowledgment of society that | | | | van is that you never get someone parked to close |
| disabled people do exist spurred the creation of new | | | | for loading and unloading. Weather conditions also |
| technology. For many years people with disabilities | | | | have to be taken into consideration. Mobility vehicles |
| were forced into a life of seclusion. | | | | the load and unload from the side have a lower |
| It may not be known by many but the invention of the | | | | ground clearance and make snow and ice a |
| minivan completely changed the life of people confined | | | | consideration before leaving on that trip to the mall or |
| to wheelchairs. Wheelchair vehicles were only available | | | | the food center. |
| in the large full size vans. The full size vans were user | | | | There are many seating options available with the rear |
| unfriendly. In many cases the use of these vans were | | | | entry van. Most manufacturers take into consideration |
| limited to commercial use such a nursing facilities, and | | | | that the entire family will be traveling together on many |
| ambulatory care. The use of large vans is difficult in | | | | occasions. Mid row seating for the wheelchair |
| high traffic areas and created parking issues. With | | | | occupant assures that the family atmosphere is |
| raised roof configuration entering lower ceiling room | | | | maintained. This type of seating also allows a |
| facilities such parking garages, drive up windows, and | | | | caregiver to be seated nest to the disabled person for |
| residential garages almost impossible. | | | | assistance if required. Suction machines and other live |
| Enter the minivan. The minivan was manufactured with | | | | giving equipment can be used due to optional electrical |
| the entire family in mind. Most wheelchair van | | | | upgrades. |
| converters now lower the floor ten to twelve inches | | | | Modern innovations have made it possible for the |
| instead of raising the roof. With the combination of | | | | family with a disabled love one to experience the |
| lowered floor and automated ramp systems have | | | | world together. Take your time when investigating the |
| simplified the transportation issue to the point of almost | | | | world of wheelchair vans. There are many different |
| normal everyday life. The converted wheelchair van | | | | options out there. In a perfect world the need for these |
| now has a similar appearance to the factory build | | | | types of vehicles would not be required. This is not a |
| minivan. The exterior of the van is not altered other | | | | perfect world so please take advantage of all the |
| than in the rear if the ramp is in the rear. In fact most | | | | innovative technology available. Your family and or |
| rear entry wheelchair vans have enough room for two | | | | disabled love one is depending on you. |