If your child has been diagnosed with cerebral palsy, there is a chance that you’re going to need to change the vehicle that you use to get around. When somebody has special needs as far as mobility is concerned, it’s sometimes necessary to get a vehicle that’s specifically made to transport people who use wheelchairs. These vehicles can be expensive, and there are some important criteria that you need to assess about them to make certain that you’re getting the right type of vehicle.
Cerebral Palsy & Accessibility
1: Lifts
Mobility vehicles are usually provided with one type of lift or another. There is a tremendous variety of models available. Not only are there different types of lifts available, there are lift devices with different capacities for weight available, as well. You’ll have to determine what type of lift will work best for you and, in all likelihood, that will change over time.
Generally speaking, people who need very complex mobility devices – such as electric wheelchairs with additional equipment added to them – require more sophisticated and higher capacity lifts in their mobility vehicles. You’ll need to speak with a mobility vehicle dealer to determine what devices may work for you and your family.
2: Vehicle Qualities
The traditional mobility vehicle is the conversion van. These are provided with a wheelchair lift and, if the driver themselves happens to be a person with a disability, hand controls and other adaptive equipment. For people who are only serving as the chauffeur – such as a parent – the actual driving qualities of the vehicle matter more than anything else.
If you live in a densely populated city, a minivan conversion will generally suit your needs better. There are easier to park, get better gas mileage and has less visibility issues. If you live in a rural area, you may want to consider getting a powerful, full-size van with a lot of clearance. Some of these conversion vans get very expensive, but they’re oftentimes a necessity for parents who are providing for a child with special needs.
The costs of birth injuries extend even to the vehicles that you’ll have to purchase to make certain that your child has every advantage and every opportunity to get out and about like any other child. An attorney may be able to help you prepare a lawsuit to seek compensation if medical malpractice led to your child’s injury.