Getting In and Around

Assistive Technology That Can Help

• Crutches, canes and walkers
• Manual and power wheelchairs
• Scooters
  
• Strollers
• Door Openers and key turners
  
• Ramps and wheelchair lifts
  

Helpful Tips and Links:

Getting around may be much easier with the help of an assistive device. Selecting the one that's right for you is something that you should do with your health care professional.  It's important to take into consideration a variety of factors, such as how a particular disability affects a person's ability to get around; the kinds of activities that will be done; where the device will be used.  

• Crutches, canes, walkers, power and manual wheelchairs, scooters and strollers all may offer support and mobility. 
  

• Lever door handles may be easier to open and close than knobs which must be turned.
  

• A key turning device may be easier to use to insert and turn keys. 
  

• Automatic door locks are available from many home improvement stores.  Once installed,  you can open a door with the push of a button rather than using a key. 

• Make sure pathways are clear of barriers. Things like carpeting, door mats, furniture, plants, and other types of decorative items may make it harder to get from area to area. 
  

• If you can walk for a distance, strategically placing furniture can help you move from place to place without additional help. 
  

• Add handrails to stairs leading up to entrances for safety and support. .
  

• There are several different types of wheelchair lifts that can improve access; these often require professional installation and maintenance.
  

• There are a variety of ramps that can help improve entry into and access out of a home or business.  If long-term access is needed, a permanent ramp may well be a good investment.  There are also portable ramps of all kinds. 

The links above enable a search of this type of equipment that is available through ICAN.  Links below will direct you to a variety of sites that offer additional information on mobility devices.

USA TechGuide: United Spinal Association --This website offers extensive informaion on accessibility and devices related to getting around.  There are numerous reviews of different types of mobility equipment, accessible travel,sports and recreation equipment, and more.  (http://www.usatechguide.org/techguide.php?vmode=1&catid=579)

Universal Design: Universal design is the term describing how to build homes and public facilities that are accessible and readily adaptable for people with disabilities.  This site provides a variety of information about Universal Design.  For samples of universally designed rooms, click on this site: http://www.uark.edu/ua/csd/links.htm#ud 

WheelchairNet.com is a community for people who have a common interest in (or in some cases a passion for) wheelchair technology and its improvement and successful application. WheelchairNet is a virtual community... a community that exists only in "cyber space." (http://www.wheelchairnet.org/)

Driving and Riding in a Car

Assistive Technology That Can Help

• Modified vehicles
• Door Openers and key turners
• Hand controls
  

Helpful Tips and Links:

For drivers and riders with disabilities, there are a number of resources that can help to make your car or van more accessible. Door openers and key turners can help with opening doors and the trunk and turning on the ignition.  Vehicles can be modified with hand controls by van conversion specialists.    

You may find already modified vans for sale on the ICAN AT4ALL Equipment Exchange, which is equipment listed by private owners.  ICAN AT4ALL does not loan or recycle vehicles, nor does it become involved in transactions between the owner and buyer.  

The resource below may prove helpful:

The Adaptive Driving Association - a nationwide group of vehicle modification dealers who provide transportation solutions for disabled drivers and passengers. (http://www.adamobility.com/)

National Mobility Equipment Dealers Association - the professional association for dealers that sell vehicles modified for the needs of persons with disabilities. NMEDA offers help to consumers in identifying their needs and offers professional standards, training, and complaint resolution for their member dealers. (http://www.nmeda.org/index.html)

Rehabilitation Engineering Research Center on Wheelchair Transportation Safety offers the latest information on transportation safety, usability, and independence for people who remain seated in their wheelchairs when traveling in public, school, and private motor vehicles. (http://www.rercwts.org/index.html)

National Highway and Transportation Safety Administration (NHTSA) has a helpful publication entitled Adaptive Equipment & Vehicles Modified for Persons with Disabilities.  (http://www.nhtsa.dot.gov/)

Public Transportation and Access in the Community

Helpful Tips and Links:

In general, the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) provides that public transportation and facilities, such as hotels, retail stores, parks, medical facilities and recreation programs) must be accessible to citizens with disabilities.  The resources below offer information about the ADA and accessible transportation.

The ADA Information Line - For general ADA information, answers to specific technical questions, free ADA materials, or information about filing a complaint, call:  800 - 514 - 0301 (voice) or  800 - 514 - 0383 (TTY)   ADA specialists are available Monday through Friday from 9:30 AM until 5:30 PM (eastern time) except on Thursday when the hours are 12:30 PM until 5:30 PM.  Spanish language service is also available.(http://www.ada.gov/infoline.htm)

The Department of Justice - ADA Home page. (http://www.ada.gov/)

U. S. Department of Transportation , disability transportation information (http://www.dot.gov/citizen_services/disability/disability.html)

Accessibility Standards for public transportation vehicles (Vehicle Guidelines) provide criteria for new and re-manufactured buses and vans, rail vehicles, and other modes of public transportation. The Access Board develops the requirements as "guidelines" to serve as a basis for "standards" enforced by the Department of Transportation (DOT). Regulations issued by DOT (49 CFR Parts 27, 37, and 38) cover access to transportation under the ADA. These regulations indicate which vehicles are subject to the guideline-based standards.  (http://www.access-board.gov/transit/html/vguide.htm)

National Highway and Transportation Safety Administration (NHTSA) has a resource available entitled: Adaptive Equipment & Vehicles Modified for Persons with Disabilities. (http://www.nhtsa.dot.gov/) 

Rehabilitation Engineering Research Center on Wheelchair Transportation Safet y offers the latest information on transportation safety, usability, and independence for people who remain seated in their wheelchairs when traveling in public, school, and private motor vehicles. (http://www.rercwts.org/index.html)

Access to Airports by Individuals with Disabilities - information about accessibility in airports  (http://www.faa.gov/airports_airtraffic/airports/resources/advisory_circulars/media/150-5360-14/150_5360_14.PDF)

Accessible School Transporation - information about accessible school transportation requirements.  (http://www.stnonline.com/stn/specialneeds/index.htm)