Public transit authorities, senior living facility managers and other transportation service providers must be well-equipped to accommodate wheelchair users’ legal accessibility requirements to help improve their quality of life and greater freedom to participate in community life.
Along with requiring specialized vehicles, drivers must receive training to load and unload passengers who use mobility aids safely.Â
This approach helps create a more inclusive and accommodating public transportation system that values all users.
This blog provides information to help transit operators and drivers enhance accessibility and foster an inclusive environment for all passengers.Â
1. Go Over Pre-Boarding Procedures
Before boarding a passenger with mobility aids, conduct thorough pre-boarding checks.
Inspect the wheelchair to ensure it is in proper working condition and assess its compatibility with the vehicle’s lift system. Check for potential mechanical issues, such as loose bolts or worn tires, which could pose safety risks during boarding or transportation.
Additionally, you must evaluate the wheelchair to ensure it fits securely on the lift platform and within the designated space inside the vehicle.Â
If the wheelchair does not meet the required safety standards or is incompatible with the lift, the passenger cannot board until the necessary adjustments or repairs are made.
These preparations ensure the boarding process is safe and the wheelchair will remain stable during transport.
2. Be Mindful of the Lift or Ramp When Parking the Vehicle
For the lift or ramp to be most effective, the wheelchair accessible vehicle must be on level ground to ensure stability and safety during loading and unloading.Â
Provide ample space for passengers who use wheelchairs to maneuver comfortably. Select a parking spot away from tight or crowded areas as much as possible.Â
Additionally, drivers must be aware of surrounding traffic patterns to avoid places where nearby vehicle movements could pose a risk.
It’s also vital to ensure enough clearance for the lift to extend fully and move freely without hitting any obstacles, ensuring a smooth transition for the passenger from the vehicle to the ground.
3. Board in Teams of Two
In tandem, a driver and a helper ensure the safest and most efficient loading and unloading experience for passengers using wheelchairs. This team approach allows the helper to focus on guiding the passenger onto the lift and ensures they are positioned correctly and safely on the platform.
Meanwhile, the driver operates the lift controls and double-checks that all safety mechanisms are engaged, such as wheelchair locks and restraints. This dual oversight facilitates a smoother boarding process and minimizes the risk of errors or accidents.
Both individuals must be trained in the proper techniques and safety protocols to watch for any obstacles or issues during operation, such as uneven surfaces or mechanical problems with the lift, and to ensure clear communication throughout the process.
This team effort provides a higher level of protection and support, making a more secure passenger boarding experience.
4. Secure Wheelchair to Lift and Vehicle
When lifting the passenger into the wheelchair van and once positioned inside, it’s best practice to secure them in place with specialized equipment. This process will keep the wheelchair from rolling off the platforms and causing injuries.
Typically, you’ll use four tie-down straps wrapped around each wheel when the lift or bus is in motion.
5. Regular Inspection and Maintenance of Adaptive Equipment
To ensure the highest safety and accessibility in wheelchair vans, you should regularly schedule maintenance inspections for all adaptive equipment.Â
Wheelchair Lifts and Ramps
Check these for mechanical issues such as hydraulic leaks, worn cables or electrical faults. Ensure the surfaces are clean and free of obstructions that could cause slips or trips. Lubricate moving parts as recommended by the manufacturer to maintain smooth operation.
Tie-Downs and Securement Systems
Inspect tie-down straps and securement devices for signs of wear and tear and replace those that show damage or excessive wear.Â
Hand Controls
Check regularly for proper function for vans equipped with hand controls. Ensure adjustments are available to accommodate different drivers’ needs and that all controls are within easy reach and operate smoothly.
Rotating and Transfer Seats
Test these seats to ensure they function correctly and safely. Check automated systems for fluidity of movement and manual systems for ease of use.Â
Regular maintenance checks should include tightening bolts and verifying the integrity of the seat mounts to prevent accidents during transfers.
Visual and Auditory Assistance Devices
Test all devices before each use to ensure they are working correctly. Check if all passengers can hear the audio devices loud and clear enough and see visual displays.
6. Respect Passenger Preferences in Boarding Orientation
Respect the preferences of wheelchair and mobility aid users when they board a lift platform and vehicle. According to the Department of Transportation (DOT) Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), lifts are required to allow both inboard and outboard facing of wheelchair and mobility aid users.Â
The ADA emphasizes that transportation entities must accommodate the passenger’s preferred direction when entering the lift and vehicle. This accommodation is mandatory unless the only way to maneuver the device onto the car or into its securement area requires a specific orientation or an overriding safety concern exists.Â
How does a wheelchair van accommodate passengers with mobility challenges?
A wheelchair van accommodates passengers with mobility issues by offering features like wheelchair ramps, wheelchair lifts and securement systems. These features ensure safe and convenient boarding and exiting for wheelchair users, providing accessibility and independence in transportation.
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Disclaimer: The practices and suggestions provided in this blog are intended for general informational purposes only. For specific guidelines and safety procedures, please refer to the instruction manuals and manufacturer’s requirements for your particular wheelchair lift, securement systems and other equipment. Our guidance complements, not supplant, the detailed instructions and safety protocols established by the manufacturers. Always prioritize adherence to the manufacturer’s guidelines to ensure safety and compliance.