New England Winter Driving and Your Adaptive Mobility Equipment andWheelchair Van

New England Winter Driving and Your Adaptive 

Mobility Equipment andWheelchair 

Van

Other than last few weeks we haven’t exactly had the snowfall to prove it, but winter is here, and it’s time to think of the preventative measures each of us can take to make winter driving easier and safer.

If you happen to be a wheelchair user, these precautions are even more important because you can’t necessarily catch a ride away with someone passing by if you slide off the road or get stranded.

New England Winter Driving Tips to Remember:

• Make sure you’re wearing the right clothing. Should the worst happen and you get stranded in your wheelchair van, you’ll want to be sure you’re wearing warm layers and all the necessary gear it takes to stay warm. Keep some blankets, food and water in your van!
•  A basic step many people overlook: scrape the snow off your van! Granted if you’re a wheelchair user, this is a little easier said than done.  
• Ever had a sheet of snow slide down your roof and onto your windshield for a few terrifying seconds? Avoid that panic by clearing snow off from the top down. Start at the roof, and make your way down, paying close attention to headlights, taillights, and mirrors.
• Keep some de-icer on hand to help melt ice on mirrors, windows and door locks. Clear whatever ice remains with an ice scraper. Gaskets lubricated with silicon just before a ice storm may keep your door from freezing shut.
• If you are driving on tires with bad tread and improper inflation, you’re asking for trouble.
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Whether you're driving a Automotive Innovations van, Vantage Mobility International van, BraunAbility van or not, we want you to be safe.  

Feel free to contact us at 508-697-6006 with and questions regarding mobility/wheelchair vans in New England.

Please do yourself and everyone else on the road a favor and take the proper precautions, both before you hit the road and once you’re on it. Safe travels, everyone! 

vmi strengthens operation independence program

VMI STRENGHTHENS OPERATION INDEPENDENCEPROGRAMWITH SUPPORT OF RETIRED LT. GENERAL JOHN F. REGNI AND PARALYZED VETERANS OF AMERICA 

PHOENIX – Jan. 22, 2013 – Vantage Mobility International (VMI) recently strengthened its Operation Independence initiative with two strategic moves that were announced during the VMI Dealer Council Meeting on Jan. 10, in Phoenix, Ariz. retired Air Force Lt. General John F. Regni has accepted a position on the VMI Board of Advisors, and VMI has extended its relationship with Paralyzed Veterans of America’s (Paralyzed Veterans) Mission: ABLE for another year. VMI helps those in wheelchairs regain their independence by manufacturing and distributing the most innovative, reliable, highest quality and easily accessible transportation in the world. 

“VMI proudly supports the men and women of the U.S. Armed Forces,” said Doug Eaton, president of VMI. “Over the last year we’ve worked diligently to help our veterans through our Operation Independence initiative, which supports Paralyzed Veterans of America’s Mission: ABLE campaign and educates disabled veterans about federal grant 21-4502. We’re excited about the opportunity to renew our efforts with Paralyzed Veterans for another year. And we’re especially honored that Lt. General John Regni joined our Board. We look forward to the insight and leadership he will bring to the Operation Independence team.”

VMI Team, General Regni and Paralyzed Veterans of America

As part of VMI’s continued support of the disabled veteran community, Lt. General John F. Regni will support VMI and Paralyzed Veterans in the development of a jobs creation program for disabled U.S. veterans, as well as education programs to teach disabled vets about their VA benefits for mobility vehicles. 

Lt. General Regni’s career has encompassed a wide range of personnel, training and command assignments, culminating with his assignment as Superintendent, United States Air Force Academy from 2005-09.  His other command tours include Base Commander and 8th Combat Support Group Commander, Kunsan Air Base, South Korea; Commander, Second Air Force; and Commander, Air University. He has also served as Director of Manpower, Personnel and Support for U.S. Pacific Command; Director of Personnel at Air Mobility Command; and Director of Military Personnel Policy at U.S. Air Force Headquarters. 

General John F. Regni and Doug Eaton

“After serving with so many dedicated, selfless men and women in the U.S. Armed Services, my primary focus is to assist them in building a prosperous civilian life,” said Regni. “VMI is committed to helping our veterans during this challenging time in their lives. I plan to work with VMI and Paralyzed Veterans of America to further develop a jobs program that will put vets back to work when they return home. And one of the most important tools to achieve that goal is providing a mobility vehicle that gives them the independence to work.” 

For more than 66 years, Paralyzed Veterans of America has been on a mission to change lives and build brighter futures for seriously injured heroes. The organization works to empower these brave men and women with what they need to achieve the things they fought for: freedom and independence. 

“I’m thrilled that we’ve extended our agreement with VMI,” said Paralyzed Veterans’ member and former Navy SEAL, Al Kovach. “The Operation Independence program has been an important tool for many of our veterans the last 12 months. And with Lt. Gen. Regni’s support and ideas for a job initiative, I’m confident Operation Independence will play an even bigger role in helping our wounded veterans regain their independence and return to the workforce.” 

VMI Toyota Sienna Northstar

For more information about Operation Independence and how U.S. veterans will be supported through the VMI Select Dealer Network, visit the Operation Independence website. To learn more about Vantage Mobility International, vans visit http://www.bridgewatermobility.com/ or call 508-697-6006.  

ABOUT AUTOMOTIVE INNOVATIONS BRIDGEWATER, MAAutomotive Innovations is a manufacturer and distributor of the most innovative, reliable, highest quality and easily accessible transportation in New England. Their full line of products include domestic and import minivan conversions, full-size van conversions, platform lifts, scooter and wheelchair lifts and transfer seats.  For more information, call Jim Sanders at 508-697-6006 or visit http://www.BridgewaterMobility.com.

 ABOUT PARALYZED VETERANS OF AMERICAParalyzed Veterans of America was founded by a group of seriously injured American heroes from the “Greatest Generation” of World War II. They created a non-profit organization to meet the challenges that they faced back in the 1940s — from a medical community not ready to treat them to an environment with many barriers for people who use wheelchairs. For more than six decades, Paralyzed Veterans’ national office and its 34 chapters across the nation have been making America a better place for all veterans and people with disabilities. (www.pva.org)

toyota sienna with vmi northstar conversion

toyota in-floor ramp vans

The all new Toyota Sienna with a VMI Northstarwheelchair van conversion is vehicular perfection for people living with disability. The Toyota Siennahandicap accessible van with a power in-floor ramp offers the most wheelchair access in a flexible package. And like everything from Toyota, the quality and value are unmatched.

The VMI Northstar handicap van engineers put together the Access360 performance package through years of research and experience that have accumulated into the most versatile mobility van on the market. There is more entry space, more interior height, and better aesthetics. It all adds up to Toyota Sienna wheelchair vans that offers flexibility, ease of use, and safety.

toyota sienna with vmi northstar

• NEW – Access360 design with more space to enter and maneuver inside the mobility van
• NEW – Access360 design allows for more flexibility and ease of use
• Obstruction-free doorway allows easy entry/exit for able-bodied passengers
• Clean, uncluttered handicapped vehicle interior
• Greater safety in the event of a collision
• Less dirt and debris from in-floor ramp into wheelchair accessible vehicle interior
• Wider usable accessible wheelchair ramp surface
• No interference with factory seats or controls
• Full use of front passenger seat
• Obstacle-free front row floor
• Ramp stowed safely under floor in the event of a collision
• 9" more floor length than any other Toyota Sienna conversion on the market today
• • Door opening height - 57"
  • Door opening width - 30.5"
  • Interior height at center position - 61.8"
  • Interior height at driver/passenger position - 60.5" w/o sunroof and 58.25" w/sunroof
  • Length (from back of seat bases to kickplate) - 65.5"
  • Overall floor length - 95"
  • Floor width at B pillar - 61.5"
  • Floor width at front doors - 60.3"
  • Ramp length (angled ramp and transition plate) - 58.75"
  • Usable ramp width - 30"
  • Maximum floor drop - 14 7/8"
  • Ramp angle with PowerKneel™ on - 8.5º
  • Ramp capacity - 800 lbs
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    Toyota Sienna with VMI Northstar only

    • Ultra-low 8.0° accessible ramp angle
    • 800lb. wheelchair ramp capacity
    • Sure Deploy backup system allows users to stow or deploy the mobility ramp van conversion even in the event of complete power failure
    • Manual secondary backup system for additional peace of mind

    Toyota Sienna with Northstar AND Summit

    • Full-power ramp and conversion
    • 12.75” drop FLEX Floor maximizes headroom and interior space for wheelchair maneuverability
    • Patented independent rear suspension designed to preserve Honda ride quality and performance
    • E-coated floor for maximum corrosion resistance
    • NEW, ultra-reliable hydraulic PowerKneel system lowers the minivan to reduce ramp angle
    • Seamless integration with Honda Odyssey electronics prevents damage to vehicle/conversion
    • Conversion control through Honda  keyfob and interior sliding-door switches
    • Halo-lit, one-touch interior conversion button
    • Ramp ON/OFF switch allows users to disable all conversion features for guest drivers, valets, car wash attendants, etc., and  open sliding doors for able-bodied passengers without deploying the ramp
    • NEW lightweight, removable front seats are easier to install or remove
    • NEW quick-release straps allow users to remove front seats in seconds without removing plastic covers or searching for handles/pedals beneath the seat
    • Non-skid handicapped ramp surface
    • Fully crash-tested and compliant with all government safety standards
    • 3-year/36,000-mile warranty
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  • Call Automotive Innovations at 508-697-6006 to talk with a mobility van expert about coming to see the best Toyota Mobility Van Ever built

  
  

  Feel free to email us with any questions!

  
  

  Automotive Innovations

  1000 Main St

  Bridgewater, MA 02324

Vantage Mobility International Mobility Lifts Allow You to Keep Your Current Vehicle

Vantage Mobility International Mobility Lifts Allow You to Keep Your Current Vehicle

If it's becoming more difficult for you to get in and out of your vehicle, the Vantage Mobility International line of Ricon mobility lifts may be the right option for you. Automotive Innovations is proud to sell this line of quality products, delivering only the highest quality platform lifts for minivans that meet your individual needs and budget. The Ricon handicap lifts are designed for optimum strength and convenience, featuring current technology that makes nearly any van a handicap accessible van.

The Fiorella F500 handicap lift is the newest mobility platform in the mobility transportation market, featuring a design that caters to the specific needs of individuals with disabilities. Fiorella has manufactured wheelchair lifts for more than 15 years across 47 countries.

The Slide-Away Wheelchair Lift is another popular mobility platform, offering the strength and safety of a dual post lift. It has simple manual backup and simple installation, making it easy to transition your vehicle into a mobility accessible mode of transportation.

We also offer the Ricon UNI-Lite Platform Mobility Lift, made of lightweight aluminum and featuring a quiet yet powerful electric motor. The rollstop with mechanical latch makes it easy to operate and it is adjustable to fit most doors, meaning you won't have to sacrifice your current vehicle for the sake of mobility.

Aside from offering an extensive variety of mobility lifts, Automotive Innovations also performs installations on any Ricon products and has parts readily available to get the job done. We gladly take care of maintenance and repairs on all hydraulic, electronic, steel, and aluminum parts on your mobility lift. Give us a call today to discover how we can help you!

Full Sized Wheelchair Van Equipment is Available

— OCTOBER 10, 2012

Some people who use a wheelchair van don’t want a “minivan” and that might be because it limits them to one wheelchair using passenger per trip or because there is just not enough room inside of the vehicle to move around. Fortunately, there is Automotive Innovations  and their line of full-sized vans.

You can stop wishing for and start driving that full sized wheelchair van you had been thinking about for a long time. They can help you to find a conversion vehicle that has all of the same luxury options as the much smaller minivans. If you want a rear lift, hand controls, removable seats, dropped floors, no skid surfaces, and all of the other features that make any wheelchair van appealing, they can help you to find the model you want.

They can also provide the top of the line service that you deserve too. Remember that any vehicle that is not standard is going to be tricky to service. A regular dealership does not often like handling a converted van, and this is why Automotive Innovations is a great all around solution. They have the turnkey full sized wheelchair vans, plus the trained technicians who can guarantee that your van is kept up to date, safe, and totally functional.

No matter what your budget, this company is going to be able line you up with the right leasing or financing to fit into your current situation. You shouldn’t be limited by your income, and they can help you find an affordable solution.

So, whether it is just you out on the roads or a van full of friends and family, you can take the wheel, handle the driving, and enjoy all of the space you could need in a full sized van! So don’t hesitate and give Automotive Innovations a call @ 508-697-6006 today!

October 2012 has been designated as a month to promote the hiring of veterans and others with disabilities.

October 2012 has been designated as a month to promote the hiring of veterans and others with disabilities.

The U.S. Department of Labor’s Office of Disability Employment Policy has announced the theme for October’sNational Disability Employment Awareness Month: “A Strong Workforce is an Inclusive Workforce: What Can YOU Do?”

It has scheduled activities around the country to boost hiring of Americans with disabilities.

“Employers who ensure that inclusive workplace policies and practices are woven into the fabric and culture of the organization create an environment that encourages all workers—including those of us with disabilities—to work to their full capacity and contribute fully to the organization’s success,” said Kathy Martinez, assistant secretary of labor for disability employment policy, in a prepared statement.

But for Paralyzed Veterans of America, every month is a disability awareness month.

A major Paralyzed Veterans' initiative making a difference in the lives of military veterans with disabilities is Operation PAVE (Paving Access for Veterans Employment). The program provides one-on-one vocational assistance and support to all veterans and their families, not just those with spinal cord injuries.

Funded through private donations and provided free to veterans, PAVE employs certified rehabilitation counselors to coordinate veterans’ vocational rehabilitation needs with their medical care and VA benefits. The counselors, working out of seven regional offices, find training opportunities, internships and employment for their clients.

But the assistance does not stop with an initial placement, noted Sherman Gillums, Jr., a paralyzed veteran who is Paralyzed Veterans' associate executive director for veterans benefits. “We are partners for life.”

Often, said Gillums, PAVE works with veterans “who are hard to place.” Some are new to the hiring process or have issues that make it difficult to secure or keep a job. And some “fall out of the workforce” several times. PAVE keeps working with these clients as long as necessary to get them into meaningful jobs.

Sometimes, translating a veteran’s experience into the language of human resources is a significant challenge, said Gillums. “Employers have been part of the learning process,” he added.

More than 400 veterans placed in jobs through the PAVE program with an 80% post-placement retention rate and average annual starting salary of $43,200. Over 150 Employer Partners have hired a PAVE client while over 700 companies and organizations in the PAVE Employer Network have committed to hiring a PAVE client.

Jim Arndt is a PAVE vocational rehabilitation counselor based in Minneapolis. He has found that “there’s a huge interest in hiring veterans. But a lot of organizations don’t know how to make this happen.”

By reaching out to employers, he said, “we let them know we can save them time and money” while they welcome a special breed of employee.

Our goal for the past 25 and next 25+ years here at Automotive Innovations Bridgewater, MA, Massachusetts, is to provide our customers with access to the best sales, service and repair for all the leading wheelchair accessible mobility vehicles, hand controls and devices that can offer you greater freedom and independence. We are your New England adaptive dealer and offer a full line of VMI wheelchair accessible vans, or Vantage Mobility International products, and we have a team of Certified Mobility Consultants who are always ready to help you learn about the benefits and features of full sized handicap vans, new and used wheelchair vehicles, Ricon lifts, adaptive mobility equipment, and more.

Automotive Innovations

Bridgewater, MA 

508-697-6006

Chrysler/Dodge Wheelchair Van Conversion Promotion

Imagine Savings:  Chrysler/Dodge Promotion

Effective October 1- December 31 2012, retail buyers coming to Automotive Innovations in Bridgewater, MA can now receive up to $3000 in rebates when they purchase a New Chrysler/Dodge van with a VMI Conversion.

• Applies to all new 2012 VMI Chrysler/Dodge conversions

• Van must be delivered on or before December 31, 2012

Call Automotive Innovations for more information 508-697-6006

Our goal for the past 25 and next 25+ years here at Automotive Innovations Bridgewater, MA, Massachusetts, is to provide our customers with access to the best sales, service and repair for all the leading wheelchair accessible mobility vehicles, hand controls and devices that can offer you greater freedom and independence. We are your New England adaptive dealer and offer a full line of VMI wheelchair accessible vans, or Vantage Mobility International products, and we have a team of Certified Mobility Consultants who are always ready to help you learn about the benefits and features of full sized handicap vans, new and used wheelchair vehicles, Ricon lifts, adaptive mobility equipment, and more.

Automotive Innovations

Bridgewater, MA 

508-697-6006