Information on a Van Needed to Transport a Child in a Wheelchair
Safely transporting a special needs child often poses a challenge, according to Cincinnati Children's Transportation and Travel website. Ensuring that a van is safe and meets the individual needs and requirements of a child in a wheelchair is an important consideration.
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Types
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An assortment of companies offer van rental and driving services, according to Cincinnati Children's website. Conversion vans and minivans custom designed for wheelchairs, are available for purchase from several companies.Other companies provide customization of vans and cars that your family already owns, outfitting them to be wheelchair accessible.
Cost
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In situations where medically necessary, transportation by a van service or in a rented vehicle may be covered by Medicaid or your insurance provider. Purchasing your own wheelchair accessible van can be quite expensive. Cincinnati Children's suggests looking into funding options, such as grants, rebates, insurance coverage and bank loans before purchasing a van.
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Considerations
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When choosing a van to transport a child in a wheelchair, be sure to choose a vehicle that meets your family's needs. Cincinnati Children's suggests talking to families with similar vehicles and talking to your child's health care team before deciding which van is right for you. Before purchasing a wheelchair accessible van, ensure that you have selected a trustworthy dealer or a quality modification service.
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References
- Photo Credit wheelchair access sign image by Gina Smith from Fotolia.com