by Tiff -

4 Must Have Features for Driving a Handicapped Accessible Van

Most of the time, consumer’s focus on the features and benefits of accessible vehicles so the wheelchair occupant can be better suited as a passenger. But there are just as many new handicapped accessible vans out there that have made strides to ensure individuals with disabilities can also drive in comfort.

Several manufacturers, like BraunAbility make improvements for the driver to operate an accessible van safely—and with little hassle. If you’re on the hunt for a van that allows this sort of freedom, make sure you look for these four must-have features when browsing wheelchair accessible vans for sale.

1) Lowered floors.

A partially lowered floor will allow more clearance for the driver to make the transition from wheelchair to the driver’s seat. This can be quite expensive, but the comfort and ease of access it provides is well worth the cost.

2) Wheelchair tie-downs.

It’s vital that the wheelchair is securely placed within the vehicle. A non-secured wheelchair is a hazard that can cause damage to the chair—and more importantly, injury to the occupant. There are a few options for securing the chair. Most people use traditional tie-downs and electronic tie down options. The EZ lock solution is being used by more and more people on a yearly basis as well, as it allows for quick and secure anchoring.

3) Custom controls.

Some handicapped accessible vans come with major modifications in the driver’s position. These range from simple steering tools to hand-operated controls that act as the accelerator and brakes. These controls are not only convenient, but also maximize safety.

4) Seat adjustments.

Many wheelchair accessible vehicles for drivers have seats that have been replaced with swivel seats. These are designed for a much easier transition from a wheelchair to the driver’s seat. There are other options to choose form as well, all based on providing the optimum space and comfort for both the driver and passengers.

Driving with a disability doesn’t have to be stressful. With the right modifications to a handicapped accessible van, you’ll be able to discover the freedom that comes with driving all over again.

by Tiff -

SCI Superstar: Lyena Strelkoff

A performance artist since the day she was born, let me introduce you to the special soul that is Lyena Strelkoff.

She would say she’s first and foremost a dancer and actress, and that goes without question, but now days she’s best known for motivational speaking, and she’s becoming one of the most sought after motivational speakers in the country.

From discovering the joy of storytelling when she was in rehab (and finding self confidence she never had before) to developing a one-woman show that toured the country, check out the fascinating story of a woman who’s transformed her talents into a compelling art form aimed at helping the world understand the spinal cord injury experience. Read this entry

by Tiff -

Wheelchair kite-flying (plus a crazy wind trick)

The wind can be one of the most entertaining aspects of nature, and most can agree that one of the best ways to enjoy a windy day is going kiting.  That’s right – good old fashioned kite-flying.

All you need is an open field, a secure way to tie your kite to your wheelchair and a kite of course, and the trouble you can get into is awesome.  Check out these three videos below showing some amazing kite-flying from a wheelchair, as well as a young kid who’s got the right idea with an umbrella. Watch the videos

 

by Tiff -

Podcast 97: Neil Picone – wheelchair bodybuilder

In podcast 97, Neil Picone, an IFBB Pro wheelchair bodybuilder from New Jersey is on the show (he was paralyzed 6 years ago in a motorbike crash), and boy is he awesome. With an upper body that is better than most guys and a sweetheart to boot, this relatively new bodybuilder has an amazing story.

In this episode, Tiffiny and Neil discuss everything from dating and how he gets a lot of stares to his training regimen (and diet) and his plans for 2013. If you’ve ever wanted to sneak a peek inside the world of wheelchair bodybuilding, then this is your chance.

Listen below. Run time is 50 minutes.

No Free Rides is brought to you by Easystand

Links:

– Neil Picone Ifbb Pro on Facebook

– Neil’s bio on Wheelchairbodybuilding.com

[powerpress]

by Tiff -

SCI Superstar: Dr. Glen House

There are only a handful of medical doctors in the world with a spinal cord injury, and Dr. Glen House is one of the most fearless of them all.

From becoming the first person with a spinal cord injury to graduate with a medical degree from the University of Washington School of Medicine to founding a pair of major companies, Dr. Glen House is a quadriplegic unlike any other. Read this entry

by Tiff -

Green thumbs on wheels

When in a rut, grow stuff. That’s what I say. Growing things has been the zen-moment of humans for centuries, and when you have a spinal cord injury, there’s something even more therapeutic about growing things.

A sense of control, the peace from being enveloped by nature, all the senses are stimulated when you garden. Gotta love it.

Here are four really cool gardening videos for wheelchair-users that show how to do it right and taking care of your plants once they’ve sprouted. Read this entry

by Tiff -

SCI Superstar: Candace Cable

Sometimes we can become incredibly passionate about a certain sport after our injury. This happens with countless people with a SCI, and a few even excel at it beyond their wildest dreams. This has certainly been the case with Candace Cable – a six-time Paralympian in cross-country skiing.

Adapted sports have been “the sun” in Candace’s post-injury life. From being known as a pioneer of wheelchair racing to creating a slew of educational videos for the Reeve foundation, let’s delve into the fearless world of Candace Cable. Read this entry

by Tiff -

A little wheelchair TLC goes a long way

A little TLC can go a long way with a wheelchair. You can’t expect your wheelchair to keep up with you if you don’t treat it right. Just like a shiny sports car, you need to go all out with how you treat your four wheels. If you do, it’ll love you back.

From regularly maintaining your casters to one of the coolest wheelchair wash days ever, check out these three videos that emulate our point to a tee. Read this entry

by Tiff -

SCI Superstar: Tomas Young

When 9/11 occurred, Tomas Young knew exactly what he wanted to do – he wanted to serve the United States in the war on terror. He enlisted days after the bombings, leaving his hometown of Kansas City, Missouri and was sent to Afghanistan. Now a quadriplegic and anti-war activist, discover a man who’s passion for his beliefs will never waver.

As a young 24 year old, Tomas was rearing to go – he wanted to help defeat the Taliban. President Bush’s speech at Ground Zero had fired him up. But after only days of arriving, he was hit by a sniper, becoming a C5-6 quadriplegic as a result.

And as you can imagine, the transformation a young hopeful soldier into a quadriplegic (with a much broader life perspective) can completely change you, and this is exactly what happened to Tomas. Read this entry

by Tiff -

Call me why don’t ya?

You can ring my bell, oh yes you can. Cell phones are one of the best things to happen to people with disabilities. They give us a lifeline, they are the givers of independence. Just think, how many times has your cell phone saved you from a possibly dangerous situation?

But using a cell phone isn’t easy if you have a high level spinal cord injury.  From hitting the keys to holding the phone, all of this can be incredibly hard for people with quadriplegia.

Even if you’re a paraplegic, it can be tricky to find a safe spot to store your phone.  Check out these three phone-inspired videos showing cool phone adaptations and tricks for using the keys. Read this entry