[QUAD-L] The New Quad-List 2005
Greetings Everyone! Its seems over the New Year, the system un-subscribed me (without my knowledge) and I haven't received a lot of mailings. I just re-subscribed, but wonder how many others were dropped or the system just un-subscribed them, and they aren't aware of it and are not receiving valuable information. The process for re-subscribing is easy, but I truly feel sorry for those who may not be aware of the bump in the middle of the road. I tried to send an email to Jim Lubin from the Mako website but it was returned by DAMON. Dang that DAMON. W
Re: [QUAD-L] The New Quad-List 2005
I was just thinking of you, w, because I've been posting (answering people's Qs) more oftenm the last 56 days or so. And I was thinking "gee W hasn't popped in anywhere...maybe he's on the road or sumthin'" As far as I know ... no one else has had problems (sometimes they'll write to me personally to ask).The list has been pretty busy too. I assume you've checked the archives (if they're working)to see postings/conversation. Welcome back anywhooo. Lori ---Original Message--- From: [EMAIL PROTECTED] Date: 01/15/05 09:45:57 To: Quad-List@eskimo.com Subject: [QUAD-L] The New Quad-List 2005 Greetings Everyone! Its seems over the New Year, the system un-subscribed me (without my knowledge) and I haven't received a lot of mailings.I just re-subscribed, but wonder how many others were dropped or the system just un-subscribed them, and they aren't aware of it and are not receiving valuable information. The process for re-subscribing is easy, but I truly feel sorry for those who may not be aware of the bump in the middle of the road. I tried to send an email to Jim Lubin from the Mako website but it was returned by DAMON.Dang that DAMON. W
[QUAD-L] Accessible IT Technical Bulletin: January 2005
FYI Liz www.nstraid.com Accessible Information Technology Technical Bulletin: January 2005The Northeast ADA IT Center at Cornell University provides training, technical assistance and materials on the ADA and accessible information technology throughout New York, New Jersey, Puerto Rico and the U.S. Virgin Islands. This monthly technical bulletin is part of our dissemination efforts and if you do not want to receive this document or would like others from your organization added to our list, please call 1-800-949-4232 or reply to this message. Thank youHelp us meet your needs! The Northeast ADA IT Center is conducting a survey of the most relevant issues for accessible information technology information and training. Please assist us by giving us feedback. We have a very short survey on our website at www.northeastada.org. Click on Survey at the bottom of the column on the left. Thanks very much for your assistance---we appreciate it!Webcast: Web Accessibility for Community CollegesThe Great Plains ADA IT Center is offering a free 90 minute webcast on Web Accessibility for Community Colleges, January 25th at 4 PM Eastern Standard Time. This training opportunity features instructor Paul Bohman from the WebAIM project at Utah State University. With the increasing use of community college websites for student recruitment and services such as registration, distance education, and library research, it is crucial that these sites are designed to be accessible for everyone. This webcast will review the principles of accessible web design and will provide information about on-line resources for additional training and accessibility testing and repair software. The information will be especially relevant for administrators and web developers. For more information, visit the Great Plains ADA IT Center website at: www.adaproject.orgNYS Accessiblity Standards Cascading Style Sheets The SUNY Training Center in partnership with the Northeast ADA and IT Center at Cornell University will present two one-day, hands-on workshops.Day 1: Practical Methods of Conforming to the New NYS Accessibility Standards will teach participants the main issues in the NYS Accessibility Policy and practical ways to comply. Day 2: Cascading Style Sheets for Consistent Design and Conformity with the New NYS Accessibility Standards will focus on creating CSS web pages that are usable, good looking, consistent and accessible.Visit the SUNY Training Center events web page (http://www.tc.suny.edu/tcevents.html) for more details about this program and to register.Train the Trainer Session The Northeast ADA IT Center at Cornell University in collaboration with NYS VESID, NYS CBVH, the VESID State Rehabilitation Council Workforce Committee, and the NYS Society for Human Resource Management has developed a curriculum on Employment Accommodations for Hiring and Retaining Qualified People with Disabilities. This is a PowerPoint presentation format that has video clips imbedded within it which highlight the points of hiring and retaining employees with a variety of disabilities and gives examples of successful accommodations. As a beginning to the release of this curriculum, we are recruiting qualified training personnel to help be part of a training network across New York State. Being a part of the training network requires: extensive ADA and Employment knowledge strong teaching and presentation skills participation in a list serve for reporting, updates and additions to the curriculum use of evaluation and program assessment tools a demonstrated proficiency in PowerPoint presentation format willingness and ability to provide presentations to employers in your region willingness and ability to work collaboratively with other workforce partners Please see the Events page of the Northeast ADA IT Center website for dates of upcoming train-the-trainer programs (http://www.ilr.cornell.edu/extension/ped/northeastADA/registration.htm).There is no registration fee, but pre-registration is required by the deadline stated and is limited to persons who meet the qualifications listed above. For more information, please call 1-800-949-4232 or visit www.northeastada.org, and click on events. Accessibility: On a shoe stringExcerpted from WebAIM December NewsletterSource:www.stuffandnonsense.co.uk)Andy Clarke discusses how to use the Firefox Web developer toolbar and Opera as part of the accessibility testing process. He also provides a short list of other tools Web developers may find helpful when testing accessibility. Fangs: The Firefox Screen Reader Emulator ExtensionFangs, a screen reader emulator extension, was recently released. Fangs is a Mozilla Firefox extension that displays a text representation of a web page similar to the way a screen reader would read it. This helps web developers finding accessibility issues at an early stage in the User
Re: [QUAD-L] van
---Original Message--- From: B. Kimberlin I would like to know how tall you are in your chair Eric. I sit in my current chair 57 inches high and have to lean into my present van in order to gain access. I have looked at a few of the minivans, but the majority of people seem to think I am too big to be in a minivan. I know you're asking Eric but abt height ... I am a passenger. After 3 full-size vans I was ready for a change. So when I tried out the Braun Entervan (a quad from a company 3+ hours from my home ... drove down his for me to try out) I liked it. However, I THEN was in my old Fortress Scientific and I scooted in easily (no ducking) and could see out well w/ the 10 inch drop floor. Then I got my Permobil wheelchair and I sit up MUCH higher (no numbers for you now). I have to duck a little getting in/out and my eyebrows are even with the visor! Hence I don't see out too well but just got used to it. Unsure (if I had a choice) whether I'd go back to a full size or not. My biggest woe with them is WAITING for the lift. In the Entervan I just zoom up the short ramp. My $.02 Lori :-)
[QUAD-L] The New Quad-List 2005
LOL, Never did I expected for the system to just drop me from the list. But when I wasn't receiving anything after a week, I visited the Mako Website and the archives to discover that I was missing alot. I've hear over the last year of/from those who were also dropped and didn't realize that they were, so it was a piece of cake to re-join. But now I'm concerned that others may not be as savy or not aware that they have been dropped thru no reason of their own doings. (the board looks good) W In a message dated 1/15/05 12:19:56 PM, [EMAIL PROTECTED] writes: I was just thinking of you, w, because I've been posting (answering people s Qs) more oftenm the last 56 days or so. And I was thinking gee W hasn't popped in anywhere...maybe he's on the road or sumthin' As far as I know ... no one else has had problems (sometimes they'll write to me personally to ask). The list has been pretty busy too. I assume you ve checked the archives (if they're working) to see postings/conversation.
[QUAD-L] Wally missed U
Wally missed U I 2 was wondering where U were. Thought U might have been in Muncie helping with the flood and power outages. Didn't know if your son was in the dark or not. :) hook the drag van up and make it into a super generator. :) On 1/15/05 1:24 PM, [EMAIL PROTECTED] [EMAIL PROTECTED] wrote: LOL, Never did I expected for the system to just drop me from the list. But when I wasn't receiving anything after a week, I visited the Mako Website and the archives to discover that I was missing alot. I've hear over the last year of/from those who were also dropped and didn't realize that they were, so it was a piece of cake to re-join. But now I'm concerned that others may not be as savy or not aware that they have been dropped thru no reason of their own doings. (the board looks good) W In a message dated 1/15/05 12:19:56 PM, [EMAIL PROTECTED] writes: I was just thinking of you, w, because I've been posting (answering people s Qs) more oftenm the last 56 days or so. And I was thinking gee W hasn't popped in anywhere...maybe he's on the road or sumthin' As far as I know ... no one else has had problems (sometimes they'll write to me personally to ask). The list has been pretty busy too. I assume you ve checked the archives (if they're working) to see postings/conversation.
Re: [QUAD-L] van
I was curious about the how high the Interior was because I sit so tall in my chair. It is much more difficult for me to lean back to get into a vehicle. It makes my chair that much longer and adds to the problem I already have with loading. I currently have a full-size van in which I can see practically nothing. I have not seen the greater Tampa Bay area since I have been injured and would really like to get a van where I can have a view of the outside world. Psychologically, this would do wonders for me. Thanks for the input. BillyLori Michaelson [EMAIL PROTECTED] wrote: ---Original Message--- From: B. Kimberlin I would like to know how tall you are in your chair Eric. I sit in my current chair 57 inches high and have to lean into my present van in order to gain access. I have looked at a few of the minivans, but the majority of people seem to think I am too big to be in a minivan. I know you're asking Eric but abt height ... I am a passenger. After 3 full-size vans I was ready for a change. So when I tried out the Braun Entervan (a quad from a company 3+ hours from my home ... drove down his for me to try out) I liked it. However, I THEN was in my old Fortress Scientific and I scooted in easily (no ducking) and could see out well w/ the 10 inch drop floor. Then I got my Permobil wheelchair and I sit up MUCH higher (no numbers for you now). I have to duck a little getting in/out and my eyebrows are even with the visor! Hence I don't see out too well but just got used to it. Unsure (if I had a choice) whether I'd go back to a full size or not. My biggest woe with them is WAITING for the lift. In the Entervan I just zoom up the short ramp. My $.02 Lori :-) Do you Yahoo!? Take Yahoo! Mail with you! Get it on your mobile phone.
[QUAD-L] Places selling vans
While Eric (I think Eric) told you of Freedom Mobility (headquarters in Minnesota) ... I got my last full-size van from ASSOCIATED LEASING also in Minnesota. I gave them a quote of $12,000 that I wanted for my '89 Ford Econoline and no quibbles. I told them what I wanted (from van color striping to lift choice to drop floor choice, etc). They drove it personally to my home and then installed the EZ Lock where I wanted it AND put the bolt on my chair that slides in the EZ Lock. Pros cons to order long distance like that but, over all, they seemed reasonable folks to deal with. I'm keeping my van because it's paid off! Plus has on 42,000 miles. I couldn't find a site for them but found this .. Associated Leasing/Handicapable Vans12117 Riverwood DriveBurnsville, MN 55337(612) 890-7851 (voice)(612) 890-1903 (fax)in Orlando, FL: (407) 850-2500 (voice) in an INTERESTING site that lists placeswho have vans to buy or rent ... http://www.inform.umd.edu/EdRes/Topic/Diversity/Specific/Disability/Issues/Support/rent99 I've heard ALOT about RollX vans too. My PARAPLEGIA NEWS magazine devotes its back cover to van places and stars RollX vans. The Boulevard has a good listing of places too http://www.blvd.com/Accessible_Vehicles/ For previously owned vans ... nice to browse here ... http://www.accessunlimited.com/cms/preowned.html Need transportation by a van? http://www.accessiblevans.com/ Lori
Re: [QUAD-L] Stinky urine
Billy, have you tried not drinking so much soda for a week or two ? my doctor's and research that i've done say that soda is very bad for QUADS and to limit soda intake...I love soda also but only drink about 3 soda's a week now , I used to drink 2 a day before my injury. Just a suggestion to try. Dan
Fwd: Re: [QUAD-L] van
Note: forwarded message attached. Do you Yahoo!? The all-new My Yahoo! Get yours free! ---BeginMessage--- Jim, I will not be driving my van, but I have also been told that I need a full-size van by many people. The majority of individuals have talked to seem to think the weight of my chair will be too stressful for a minivan, but all of the comments on here give me reason for pause. I would definitely love to be able to get into a smaller vehicle. There was one quadriplegic who is about 4 inches smaller than me in the wheelchair that had purchased a minivan and had a wheelchair that weighed approximately the same as mine, but his van was brand new, so I have no idea how well the van will hold up. I did get into his van, but I was unable to sit all the way up and my visibility wasn't as good as I would have liked. However, it was a fantastic to be able to sit in the front area and look out the windshield. I get tired of feeling like a burden in the backseat of my own van. To me this kind of like the back of the bus was to other minorities. By the way I am approximately 450 pounds i! n the wheelchair. That is my weight and the wheelchair combined. Billy[EMAIL PROTECTED] wrote: Billy, I'm approximately your height also may be a little taller in my wheelchair. I was told by my driving instructor and by the company that did my adaptions that I should get a full-size van for my size and height. I drive a 2001 Ford 150 with 8" dropped floor and a 3" body lift. While I was getting fitted at the van adaption place, I was talking to a man that was 6'-5" and in a wheelchair identical to mindthat just purchased a minivan. He told me he sold his full-size van and purchased a minivan that fit himperfectly. He liked the maneuverability of the minivan and the fuel economy compared to the full-size. Jim Do you Yahoo!? Read only the mail you want - Yahoo! Mail SpamGuard.---End Message---
[QUAD-L] Chat
Hey people, If anyone is interested in chatting lets get together around 2:00 cst. http://health.groups.yahoo.com/group/DisabledOfAmerica/ See you there. Mark
[QUAD-L] van
Choosing a van for transportation is a very serious and personal journey. Mistakes are often make when FAD overtakes FASHION. Knowing exactly what your needs are, is most important when deciding on purchasing any van for transport... or driving. But I want a minivan is something I hear all the time from people who I know will have nothing but problems and won't listen to reason. It might be the size of the chair or the size of the individual or the combo of both, plus the person's ability to move, transfer and drive by themselves. A professional evaluation is a good start when looking for the perfect van. Based on what they say is a good place to start. Trial and Error is an expensive way to determine the best transportation and not an option to most. Just as some woman can't walk in high heels and some guys can't dunk a basketball, one has to realize their personal limitations, otherwise, that person continues to make the same mistake, over and over again. Also, realize the limitations of any vehicle you decide to purchase. Who will work on it? Who will do the repairs. Where will I get parts for repairs? How long will I have to wait? Word of mouth may answer some of these questions. Learn from other's mistakes. And when you finally do get the van of choice, enjoy it. W In a message dated 1/15/05 12:31:03 PM, [EMAIL PROTECTED] writes: Unsure (if I had a choice) whether I'd go back to a full size or not. My biggest woe with them is WAITING for the lift. In the Entervan I just zoom up the short ramp. My $.02 Lori :-)
[QUAD-L] van
Mini vans have come along way since they were introduced in 1986-1987 with lowered floors. Today, they seem so perfect for both rear entry and side entry use. But they still don't seem made for all terrain and weather conditions... and car washes. When one takes these vehicles Off Road who knows what might happen before they get back on the road. Its still not the perfect vehicle for camping in the mountains. Maybe in the future but not right now. The lowered floor full size van seems to be making a comeback these days and several new manufacturers have hopped aboard the van train. I'm not completely satisfied with raising the body off the frame while lowering the floor. I know it must change the driving dynamics of the vehicle. For those who are interested in what the Natl Highway Transportation Safety Administration thinks, I invite you to visit their website at: www.nhtsa.org and seek out Handicap Vans or Adaptive Vans or Accessible Vehicles. Its very interesting reading. Best Wishes W In a message dated 1/15/05 12:39:57 PM, [EMAIL PROTECTED] writes: Billy, I'm approximately your height also may be a little taller in my wheelchair. I was told by my driving instructor and by the company that did my adaptions that I should get a full-size van for my size and height. I drive a 2001 Ford 150 with 8 dropped floor and a 3 body lift. While I was getting fitted at the van adaption place, I was talking to a man that was 6'-5 and in a wheelchair identical to mind that just purchased a minivan. He told me he sold his full-size van and purchased a minivan that fit him perfectly. He liked the maneuverability of the minivan and the fuel economy compared to the full-size.
Re: [QUAD-L] van
Billy writes: I was curious about the how high the Interior was because I sit so tall in my chair. It is much more difficult for me to lean back to get into a vehicle. It makes my chair that much longer and adds to the problem I already have with loading. I currently have a full-size van in which I can see practically nothing. I have not seen the greater Tampa Bay area since I have been injured and would really like to get a van where I can have a view of the outside world. Psychologically, this would do wonders for me. Thanks for the input. I actually have the minivan specs right in front of me. This is the Entervan model. I also just talked to a rep from Cinnamison, New Jersey Thursday about this. The GM Dodge/Chrysler interiorspecs... Interior Height at Center 57 1/2 in. Interior Height at Front 56 1/2 in. The Chevy/Pontiac interior specs... Interior Height at Center 59 1/2'' Interior Height at Front 58'' Not sure onthe major one... Height at Door Opening They are showing two very different heights here. One being 53" and another being 56". I guess this could be the difference with a slide out ramp (under floor)and a fold out ramp. I'll know more come Wednesday. The rep may come to my house to see how I fit in a Dodge minivan. BTW, I sit at a height of 56 1/2". If I get the chance I'll let you all know how much I need to bend or tilt to get in. Keith/c4c5/NJ
[QUAD-L] van
Elk Conversions, makes a lowered floor mini, with a mild raised roof and doorline for the conversion industry and Im sure that you've seen them on the road with that unmistakable clamshell top. It adds an additional 4-6 inches of head space over the standard lower floor minivan. For the consumer market that 4-6 inches holds and overhead TV, VCP and additional audio equipment. That includes the Warner Brothers Packages for the family travels. W In a message dated 1/15/05 2:32:26 PM, [EMAIL PROTECTED] writes: I actually have the minivan specs right in front of me. This is the Entervan model. I also just talked to a rep from Cinnamison, New Jersey Thursday about this. The GM Dodge/Chrysler interior specs... Interior Height at Center 57 1/2 in. Interior Height at Front 56 1/2 in. The Chevy/Pontiac interior specs... Interior Height at Center 59 1/2'' Interior Height at Front 58'' Not sure on the major one... Height at Door Opening They are showing two very different heights here. One being 53 and another being 56. I guess this could be the difference with a slide out ramp (under floor) and a fold out ramp. I'll know more come Wednesday. The rep may come to my house to see how I fit in a Dodge minivan. BTW, I sit at a height of 56 1/2. If I get the chance I'll let you all know how much I need to bend or tilt to get in. Keith/c4c5/NJ
[QUAD-L] www.nhtsa.gov van
I'm sorry. I gave you the wrong reference. www.nhtsa.gov W In a message dated 1/15/05 2:36:09 PM, [EMAIL PROTECTED] writes: Vans or Adaptive Vans or Accessible Vehicles. Its very interesting reading. I just tried this site and it showed up as Keith/c4c5/NJ
Re: [QUAD-L] van
Billy writes: By the way I am approximately 450 pounds i! n the wheelchair. That is my weight and the wheelchair combined. Billy That's about my weight as well. Chair and me both. So, I'll ask about that too. Keith/c4c5/NJ BTW, I know the same feeling only seeing the wood trim in my fullsize fan. I love it when someone says look outside when we're driving. Like by the time I get bent over or tilted back the object of view has passed.
Re: [QUAD-L] van
In a message dated 1/15/05 2:46:16 PM, [EMAIL PROTECTED] writes: Yes, you are right and I forgot about this...But the price hike will be there too. (and you thought they gave away the optional features ??) lol W
Re: [QUAD-L] feet hopping
In a message dated 13/01/2005 02:38:46 GMT Standard Time, [EMAIL PROTECTED] writes: anyone know a way to keep your feet from hopping so much? i tried velcroing my shoes down but it didn't last long. luke Have you tried using straps? Love Smurf xxx
Re: [QUAD-L] Sci appearances
I'm with you. I do look like crap sometimes and I don't care, but also it's when I am home. I'm not worried about what I look like when I am here. I take care of myself like I did before I was sick. If I want to veg and pull up my hair without even brushing it yet, then that is what I am going to do. I make it to brush my teeth and that is about it. I do change if I am going to go somewhere but I do run into neighbors when I go to check the mail but I also run into the same neighbors when I am going out and returning home so they know that I care what I look like in public. I actually came to be very close with my neighbors next door and know the guy across the street from before I got sick. I have gotten friendly with the other surrounding neighbors and they are still friendly with me and have conversations with me no matter what I look like. I just make sure I look decent when I am going somewhere.I dont put on my leg bag unless I go out. If I leave to check the mail or sit outside, I just make sure the bed bag that is hanging fromchair is empty andmost of the tubing is pushed under my pant leg. I dont make an extra effort to curl my hair or put on makeup every time I go out. The only time I put on make up is if I have dark circles underneath or look pasty that day. I still think I look good without it. I also dont bother curling my hair all the time. I have way to much to be bothered with it all the time. It's over half way down my back. I do throw rollers in it to get out the frizz after blow drying it and get some curl to the ends b/c it's layered and looks like crap if I don't but if it's a day that I dont wash my hair and going somewhere, it's going it a pony tail which I think still looks nice. I go to Wal-Mart, grocery store, etc..and run into someone I know just about every time I go. I knew a lot of people when I waited tables and can't go anywhere without knowing someone. They look like crap too in sweats, no make up, and hair thrown up. The guys usually look worse. I just make sure I look decent. Stacy - Original Message - From: [EMAIL PROTECTED] To: [EMAIL PROTECTED] ; [EMAIL PROTECTED] ; [EMAIL PROTECTED] ; [EMAIL PROTECTED] ; quad-list@eskimo.com ; [EMAIL PROTECTED] Sent: Saturday, January 15, 2005 3:06 PM Subject: Re: [QUAD-L] Sci appearances In a message dated 12/01/2005 22:17:08 GMT Standard Time, [EMAIL PROTECTED] writes: Jim you are correct about taking care yourself to look attractive. I see a lot of my neighbors there are wheelchairs looking like they just dont care about their appearance any more. And I fill that them looking and dressing as they do it has an effect of the way others look towards me and everyone else in wheelchairs. Just because Im disabled doesnt mean that I have to look as if I and homeless and a bum. Just as several of my neighbors will go up to the grocery store with their overnight bed bag hanging on the outset of their chairs. Which looks a mess it reflects upon the others in our community that are in chairs. I dont want to see it and I know that the average AB truly doesnt want to see it. I understand if theres no other way but if you could put it in a bag so that everyone didnt have 2 C your piss well why not. They go around as if its a new fashion statement. I personally have found that since having my sci I have been even more conscious about the way I look! It's only been in the past year that I've had the gutts to start being a Goth - an image that I had always wanted to have but didn't have the bottle to. I get a lot of strange looks, but I also get a lot of puzzled looks, as though they are asking themselves "why is someone in a wheelchair looking like a Goth??" I am who I am, and I'm pleased to say that I live by that when it comes to my appearance, and if someone in society doesn't like it TOUGH SHIT is my attitude! And now I shall go and get some dinner! hehe Take care, Love Smurf xxx
RE: [QUAD-L] Global transportation
Title: Message Lori thanks. This is a keeper regards, Cameron -Original Message-From: Lori Michaelson [mailto:[EMAIL PROTECTED] Sent: Saturday, January 15, 2005 2:08 PMTo: QuadSubject: [QUAD-L] Global transportation For those looking for worldwide info on vans (including U.S.) ... Planet Amber has a cool list... http://www.planetamber.com/resources/208.html - From care to equipment to rights to technology to accessible motoring to leisure Lori
Re: [QUAD-L] feet hopping
In a message dated 13/01/2005 15:06:10 GMT Standard Time, [EMAIL PROTECTED] writes: does anyone know where i can get some wheelchair foot straps? luke It's a lot cheaper to make them, plus you can make them exactly the size you want them. I always make mine now! love Smurf xxx
[QUAD-L] pool
espn2 for paralysed pool players 1-3 pst
[QUAD-L] Delivery of vans
Title: Delivery of vans How much time should be expected between the time of committing to the purchase and getting the van? What is a standard deposit or if not done with deposit how do you have a company start the delivery process? (I've never bought a car, minivan or anything like that before) Regards, Cameron
Re: Fwd: Re: [QUAD-L] van
B. Kimberlin wrote: Jim, I will not be driving my van, but I have also been told that I need a full-size van by many people. The majority of individuals have talked to seem to think the weight of my chair will be too stressful for a minivan, but all of the comments on here give me reason for pause. I would definitely love to be able to get into a smaller vehicle. There was one quadriplegic who is about 4 inches smaller than me in the wheelchair that had purchased a minivan and had a wheelchair that weighed approximately the same as mine, but his van was brand new, so I have no idea how well the van will hold up. I did get into his van, but I was unable to sit all the way up and my visibility wasn't as good as I would have liked. However, it was a fantastic to be able to sit in the front area and look out the windshield. I get tired of feeling like a burden in the backseat of my own van. To me this kind of like the back of the bus was to other minorities. By the way I am approximately 450 pounds i! n the wheelchair. That is my weight and the wheelchair combined. Lightweight! My old chair weighs 565 and my new one weighs 662. If you go the minivan route, I would suggest getting the heavy duty towing suspension and load leveling or air adjustable shocks. This should eliminate any weight worries you might have.
[QUAD-L] Buying a van
You've got alot of homework to do before you hit the open road. Practice, Practice and more Practice until you feel comfortable on those two lane road with sharp curves. You may have to practice in those mall parking lots until you feel that comfortable and then hit the highways for the speed practice. Houston in Indy is available if you need a co-pilot, he likes taking dangerous chances. But he's a survivor and will share his life experiences with you while your trying to drive. (lol) W In a message dated 1/15/05 3:55:45 PM, [EMAIL PROTECTED] writes: The road isn't high in traffic but it's the main road that goes back and then is the entrance to other neighborhoods. I live on the side of the road and not in a neighborhood. I also live at the end of a pretty sharp curb. I have to admit that I am nervous about that. When I did my driving hours, I met him at the vocational rehab office. Luckily there aren't many 2 lane roads that are curvy and I live in a flat area so there are prett y much no hills at all. Stacy
[QUAD-L] van
Get into your chair and have anyone measure you from the floor, to your eye level and start with that. Make sure that anyone trying to see you a van doesn't think that your eye level is max head height measurement. W In a message dated 1/15/05 4:04:06 PM, [EMAIL PROTECTED] writes: I was curious about the how high the Interior was because I sit so tall in my chair. It is much more difficult for me to lean back to get into a vehicle.
Re: [QUAD-L] Buying a van
It's going to be some time yet. It's in the shop getting mechanical work then I need to take it about 2 hours away to get some modifications done. Still a couple of months probably. Stacy - Original Message - From: [EMAIL PROTECTED] To: [EMAIL PROTECTED] ; quad-list@eskimo.com ; [EMAIL PROTECTED] Sent: Saturday, January 15, 2005 4:53 PM Subject: Re: [QUAD-L] Buying a van In a message dated 15/01/2005 00:02:47 GMT Standard Time, [EMAIL PROTECTED] writes: I drove and practiced already. I'm just a little nervous about such a big vechicle. I have to back on to a road to get out of my driveway. The driveway isn't very wide and I share it with my neighbors. They park on the side of the drive way. The road isn't high in traffic but it's the main road that goes back and then is the entrance to other neighborhoods. I live on the side of the road and not in a neighborhood. I also live at the end of a pretty sharp curb. I have to admit that I am nervous about that. When I did my driving hours, I met him at the vocational rehab office. Luckily there aren't many 2 lane roads that are curvy and I live in a flat area so there are pretty much no hills at all. Stacy Hey Stacy, Hows the van driving going? are you a little more confident about it now? Happy driving! Love Smurf xxx
Re: [QUAD-L] van
Yes, like a new wheelchair ... choose a dealer who is willing to come to your home or go where you can "try out" several kinds. It' a huge purchase (2nd behind a home purchase) so keep trying. Just to try out a cushion recently ... 2 vendors wouldn't give me much more than the time of day. "Too busy to make a house call." And other excuses. The 3rd company I called had n/p coming out, bringing several cushions ... and letting me try out one for as long as I thought I needed to tell if it felt ok, etc YOU are the customer. You need them to cater to you or they obviously don't need your business. Lori ---Original Message--- From: Eric Olson Date: 01/15/05 15:02:51 To: B. Kimberlin L Cc: Quad Subject: Re: [QUAD-L] van Like I said, because it's rear entry reclining or tilting your chair doesn't interfere with loading. My full size van had a 4 inch floor drop and 2 inch body lift and I couldn't see anything. I can't see anything in my minivan either. I can't hold up my head so I ride with my chair slightly tilted. You don't have to sit at 90 degrees. My best advice to anyone is to try and get to an abilities expo and try getting in and out of a number of vans. FMI Will bring a van to your house to try. Unfortunately, I don't know which manufacturer's van has the most head room after conversion. B. Kimberlin wrote: I was curious about the how high the Interior was because I sit so tall in my chair. It is much more difficult for me to lean back to get into a vehicle. It makes my chair that much longer and adds to the problem I already have with loading. I currently have a full-size van in which I can see practically nothing. I have not seen the greater Tampa Bay area since I have been injured and would really like to get a van where I can have a view of the outside world. Psychologically, this would do wonders for me. Thanks for the input.
RE: [QUAD-L] Delivery of vans
W Good to see you back on the list. I thought I was crackin' up, then I was reading others were noticing your absence. As always you offer good advice Thanks Regards, Cameron -Original Message- From: [EMAIL PROTECTED] [mailto:[EMAIL PROTECTED] Sent: Saturday, January 15, 2005 5:20 PM To: [EMAIL PROTECTED]; quad-list@eskimo.com Subject: [QUAD-L] Delivery of vans The Time: varies. Depending on the need of, and availability of necessary equipment to adapt the vehicle. Some new vehicles can be purchased off the floor with very little wait. Some adaptive equipment must be added at time of construction. On full size van, 8-12 weeks of normal construction On mini vans, 4-6 weeks from the time the factory starts conversion. Deposits: depends on your relationship with the dealer. If you are providing the chassis, you shouldn't need a down payment. If the chassis is being purchased by the dealer for conversion at the factory, your going to have to pay for the chassis. Remember, if you get angry and want out of the contract, the dealer is stuck with a chassis that has to be sold to someone else. And that takes time and money. Proceed slowly and at YOUR pace. If you are not comfortable with any situation before you are committed to a contract, turn around and stroll out the door. You can always turn around and come back. Once you are committed to a signed contract... your options are few. Best Wishes W In a message dated 1/15/05 3:26:36 PM, [EMAIL PROTECTED] writes: How much time should be expected between the time of committing to the purchase and getting the van? What is a standard deposit or if not done with deposit how do you have a company start the delivery process? (I've never bought a car, minivan or anything like that before) Regards, Cameron
Re: [QUAD-L] van
I usu need 2 or 3 days to see how my body will react to a new cushion. Last time I started generating such powerful leg spasms that they nearly jerked me over frontwards. The fix was to let out a little air and raise my footrests. (I've been doing this 38 yeas and it's still a mystery what sets my spasms off.) Dave In a message dated 1/15/2005 3:48:42 P.M. US Mountain Standard Time, [EMAIL PROTECTED] writes: Yes, like a new wheelchair ... choose a dealer who is willing to come to your home or go where you can "try out" several kinds. It' a huge purchase (2nd behind a home purchase) so keep trying. Just to try out a cushion recently ... 2 vendors wouldn't give me much more than the time of day. "Too busy to make a house call." And other excuses. The 3rd company I called had n/p coming out, bringing several cushions ... and letting me try out one for as long as I thought I needed to tell if it felt ok, etc YOU are the customer. You need them to cater to you or they obviously don't need your business. Lori ---Original Message--- From: Eric Olson Date: 01/15/05 15:02:51 To: B. Kimberlin L Cc: Quad Subject: Re: [QUAD-L] van Like I said, because it's rear entry reclining or tilting your chair doesn't interfere with loading. My full size van had a 4 inch floor drop and 2 inch body lift and I couldn't see anything. I can't see anything in my minivan either. I can't hold up my head so I ride with my chair slightly tilted. You don't have to sit at 90 degrees. My best advice to anyone is to try and get to an abilities expo and try getting in and out of a number of vans. FMI Will bring a van to your house to try. Unfortunately, I don't know which manufacturer's van has the most head room after conversion. B. Kimberlin wrote: I was curious about the how high the Interior was because I sit so tall in my chair. It is much more difficult for me to lean back to get into a vehicle. It makes my chair that much longer and adds to the problem I already have with loading. I currently have a full-size van in which I can see practically nothing. I have not seen the greater Tampa Bay area since I have been injured and would really like to get a van where I can have a view of the outside world. Psychologically, this would do wonders for me. Thanks for the input. The moral flabbiness born of the bitch goddess Success. That- with the squalid cash interpretation put on the word success- is our national disease. -William James 1906
