This is a Sponsored Post written by me on behalf of NMEDA. All opinions are 100% mine.
I’ve mentioned this via twitter a time or two, now I’ll talk about it in more detail.
If you need a wheelchair van or specialized transportation for a disabled person, make sure you work with a NMEDA member dealer.
NMEDA is a non-profit trade association. They don’t sell anything, they educate consumers so they can make informed decisions, and the dealers who are members are required to adhere to very exacting safety standards for their handicap vans and vehicle modifications for disabled people.
Having used a wheelchair myself for a season, I can speak from experience – no two people are the same. Needs vary and you really do need an “in-person” evaluation to be sure you get the right driving or transportation solution for you. This is especially true if more than one driver will be using the vehicle, or if there is a child involved. Safety is paramount.
You also NEED to get hands-on training for using this specialty equipment. Improper use of equipment can lead to very dangerous, even fatal, situations.
For these reasons, you should always get an in-person evaluation from a NMEDA dealer, rather than purchasing a vehicle online or via a catalog.
In addition to regular dealers, NMEDA also has Quality Assurance Program Dealers. The 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.
In the Triad, Ilderton in High Point is the closest NMEDA Dealer (super-nice folks, I highly recommend them). You can go to the NMEDA website and look up where your closest dealer is (leave a comment and let me know where! Just curious! )
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