HOW WILL I KNOW THAT THE LIFT/RAMP SYSTEM ON THE VAN THAT I PURCHASE ON-LINE WILL ACCOMMODATE MY NEEDS AND MY WHEELCHAIR?
You will not know for sure until you actually use the vehicle. Many ramps/lifts have stated capacities for height, weight, and length of the occupant in the wheelchair, and you will have to provide your information to the internet seller. Any error or miscommunication of information could affect your ability to properly and safely ingress and egress the vehicle.
HOW WILL I KNOW THAT THE VAN THAT I PURCHASE ON-LINE HAS AMPLE INTERIOR SPACE TO MANEUVER MY WHEELCHAIR IN THE VEHICLE AND PROPER HEAD ROOM?
Manufacturers of vehicles provide stated dimensions of their vehicles, but you will have to provide accurate information about your size and the size and type of your wheelchair to the internet seller. As for maneuverability, the manufacturer can give you interior dimensions that you could simulate at home, but buying sight unseen has certain inherent risks.
HOW DO I KNOW THAT THE WHEELCHAIR RESTRAINT MECHANISM PROVIDED BY THE INTERNET SELLER WILL WORK ON MY WHEELCHAIR AND THAT I OR MY CAREGIVER WILL BE ABLE TO OPERATE IT?
You will not know for sure until someone who is trained in the proper use of wheelchair securement systems is able to evaluate you, your wheelchair, and the restraint mechanism together in your vehicle in the interior location(s) at which you wish to be restrained.
HOW WILL I KNOW THAT THE SEATBELT SYSTEMS IN THE VAN THAT I PURCHASE ON-LINE WILL ACCOMMODATE MY NEEDS?
You will not know until a person qualified to evaluate you and your wheelchair (if you are remaining in it during transit) does so while you are in your vehicle
IF I TRANSFER OUT OF MY WHEELCHAIR TO AN OEM SEAT WITH THE ASSISTANCE OF A TRANSFER SEAT BASE FOR TRANSIT IN THE VEHICLE, HOW WILL I KNOW THAT THE SEAT BASE PROVIDED BY THE INTERNET SELLER WILL WORK FOR ME AND BE MOUNTED IN THE PROPER LOCATION?
Many transfer seat bases have significant ranges of motion and have standard mounting locations. If you are not able to test the system in the vehicle prior to final installation, you will not know for sure if it will work properly for you.
IF I PURCHASE FROM AN INTERNET SELLER, WILL I HAVE THE OPPORTUNITY TO KNOW ABOUT AND UNDERSTAND THE LATEST TECHNOLOGICAL ADVANCES IN MODIFIED TRANSPORTATION FOR THE DISABLED?
It is possible, but unlikely. There have been so many advances in technology in the past few years that it would be difficult for the internet seller to articulate and demonstrate all available products to you. The local retailer, on the other hand, would generally have product on hand that they can demonstrate to you in person and allow you to determine which technology best suites your needs
WILL AN INTERNET SELLER INSTALL DRIVING CONTROLS FOR ME?
Yes, but there is a high risk of substantial injury if you, the user, are not properly evaluated, fitted, and trained on the driving control in question. PURCHASING DRIVING CONTROLS ON-LINE CAN BE DANGEROUS. To be evaluated, fitted, and trained by a CDRS, you can contact ADED at www.ADED.org for information.
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