People with disabilities and the elderly often require assistance with mobility. Vehicles can be enhanced to allow the person to be self-reliant if they are able to drive themself. Vehicles can also be modified with wheelchair lifts for the driver or the passenger. However, you don’t want to just purchase a used vehicle that was modified for someone else, because no two people with a disability have the same requirements. NMEDA is a non-profit trade association that establishes guidelines which require its members to adhere to the safety standards of the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration and recommended practices on equipment installation and modifications. So be sure to visit the NMEDA website before a purchase. They also have information on financial assistance and rebate programs.
So Who Do You Know That Could Benefit?
Elderly parents who can still live on their own, but the one spouse no longer has the strength to lift the wheelchair that is now required for the other spouse to go on shopping trips, can maintain their independence with a vehicle with a wheelchair lift.
Our wonderful veterans who have helped us maintain our freedom, have often sacrificed arms and legs while protecting us. NMEDA provides links to the public assistance that is available for veterans, rehabilitation, and through Social Security, Medicare and Medicaid.
Locate a Dealer
Locating a dealer is as easy as typing in your zip code or searching by state or Canadian province.
Quality Assurance Program
The Quality Assurance Program (QAP) is the only nationally recognized accreditation program for the Adaptive Mobility Equipment Industry. It is based on the principle that in order to satisfy customers consistently, companies must have a systematic and documented approach to quality.
Some states now require vehicle dealer’s that modify vehicles for disabled people to participate in the Quality Assurance Program (QAP) of NMEDA. The QAP designates that the vehicle modifications and mobility equipment will be installed in a manner that is consistent with the highest standards in the industry. The standards for a dealer to participate in the QAP program are higher than those who are just listed as member dealers. So be sure to look for the QAP symbol listed next to the dealer’s information when you visit NMEDA and type in your zip code to find the providers nearest to you.
There is a QAP designated dealer 16 miles from where I live. Enter your zip code to see if there is one near you. Let us know what you find and what you think about this great service.
This post is sponsored by NMEDA.
