Getting Started

This page has been added to our website because over the years we have seen too many people be sold the incorrect equipment for their needs.  The main thing to remember is that you must do your homework before making any type of a purchase.  Yes, this will take time but in the long run you will wind up with the correct equipment for your lifestyle.  Mid-Town is here to help you through this transition period.  Even if we can’t do the particular modification that you need we will help you find someone who can.  Since we have been in business for 30 years we have clients who will attest to the kind of personal service you will receive at Mid-Town.  Some of the cards and letters we have received throughout the years can be found HERE our best advertisement is our clients!

 
Mobility Rebate Program

Most of the equipment that we install is covered under a program called “Mobility Rebate.”  When purchasing a new vehicle, most car manufacturers offer a Mobility Rebate, dollar amounts vary by manufacturer and also by what equipment is being installed.  When shopping for a new vehicle, be sure to bring up the Mobility Rebate program to the company you are considering.  If they tell you they do not know of anything like that, you need to do some research.  Mostly every manufacturer offers this program; go online to any vehicle website and type “mobility rebate” in the search field and you will find it.  Here is how it works: you have your equipment installed, pay your bill, and have a doctor’s note stating you need this equipment installed as well as other information about the vehicle you purchased.  As long as you follow the directions and your installation is eligible for rebate, once you submit your paper work into the manufacturer they will usually send you a check in abut 6 to 8 weeks.

 

Left Foot Accelerators vs. Hand Controls

When it comes deciding between a left foot accelerator or hand controls, a certified driving rehabilitation specialist comes into play.  You need to be evaluated to see exactly what your driving needs are and if you are capable of driving.  If you find a shop that will install equipment in your vehicle without you already being evaluated, beware.  An installer of equipment is just that, an installer.  The evaluator determines if you need that left foot accelerator or hand controls and there is a big difference in price between these two items.  The evaluator is also able to determine other equipment that you will need to assist you with your driving.  For a list of Certified Driving Rehabilitation Specialists in your area click here. This is the site for The Association for Driver Rehabilitation Specialists.  Once you are there go to the CDRS Directory on the left hand side of the page and follow the prompts.  This will give you a list of Certified Driving Rehabilitation Specialists in your area.  Once your evaluation is complete you can move on to the next step and that would be having your equipment installed.  You will also need to check with your local DMV office to see about having your driver’s license amended to show use of the equipment that will need to be installed.

 

Scooter/Power Chair Lifts

These types of lifts are designed to help you pick up your scooter/power chair and assist you in getting into your vehicle.  There are several different types of scooter/power chair lifts and some are easier to use than others.  Depending on your mobility, there may be several lifts that are right for you.  Also, not every scooter/power chair will fit into every vehicle.  This is where your homework will begin.  If you already have a scooter/power chair you need to give Mid-Town a call and tell us what you have, make and model, and also what type of vehicle you have, year make and model.  If you have more than one vehicle let us know.  At that point we check to see what types of lifts are available for your needs.  If you do not have a scooter/power chair and are in the process of looking for one, call Mid-Town and discuss your vehicles and what scooter/power chairs you are looking at.  You would not want to purchase a scooter/power chair and then find out that it will not fit into your vehicle.  Lastly, if you already have a scooter/power chair and are thinking about purchasing a new or used vehicle call Mid-Town to check if the lift you have currently installed in your vehicle can be transferred to the new/used one and also that your scooter/power chair will fit inside of it. 

 

Fully-Automatic Wheelchair Lifts

A fully-automatic wheelchair lift is one that will pick you up, along with your wheelchair, to be able to get inside a full-sized van.  Before making this purchase the main thing to know is how wide your wheelchair is, how long your wheelchair is, and how high you sit in the wheelchair, from the ground to the top of your head.  These are very important measurements and are necessary to be sure you will fit onto the platform of the lift and also that you will fit inside of the van.  Most full-sized vans will either have a high top or a lowered floor so a person in a wheelchair can access the inside.  Also, the door opening is only so high and there is a chance the doors may need to be extended.  There is nothing worse than purchasing something and finding out the wheelchair and its occupant do not fit inside.  So whether you are thinking about buying a van that already has a wheelchair lift or if you are thinking about purchasing a van and having it converted these measurements are most important to be sure your needs are met. 

 
Lowered Floor Mini-Vans
Mid-Town is a stocking dealer of The Braun Entervan which is a lowered floor mini-van.  In today’s society a lot of people really like the lowered floor mini-van because if you were to see one driving on the road you would not know that it was carrying a wheelchair occupant.  However, before purchasing a lowered floor mini-van you still have to be sure that the wheelchair occupant will fit inside of the van.  Here at Mid-Town we strongly suggest that the wheelchair occupant come pay us a visit and get inside the van before making the purchase.  Now you see these are lowered floor mini-vans, 10 inches they are lowered.  That means inside this van you will have more headroom than inside of a full-sized van without a high top.  Hard to believe but true.
 
 

All of the above are just some helpful suggestions to assist you in going in the right direction to obtain your freedom.  If there is anything that Mid-Town can do to assist you feel free to give us a call and better yet come and visit us.  We would be glad to have you.

 
 

 

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