[Suekay]

G'day guys, I'm trying to modify a van so that I can drive from my wheelchair completely independantly. I know there must be others out there who don't want to transfer from there chair to a car seat to be able to drive. But this is something that has not been done much in Queensland Australia. I am finding that I have to import everything from America and I am having trouble getting things through the machinery tests which says whether it is legal for me to modify the vehicle in the way I want. Have you found it difficult not to mention costly to mofify your vehicle and home to suit your needs?

[MargaretWilson]

This is something that I've never even thought of doing. I think it would be a great benefit though. I wouldn't even know where or how to start. I'm interested in hearing and seeing more of what you're doing.

[ParaforGod]

Hi
My Van was modified so I can drive from my wheelchair the seat was taken out and the floor lowered then a lockin system was put in. A lock in system was put on the floor and a big bolt put on the bottom of my wheelchair then as I roll down the bolt goes into the lockin and Im set to drive. When Im ready to get out there is a little box on the dash I push a button and back out. Its easy as pie. I also got them to fix the original van seat so it will lock in so that if someone else has to drive the van they can. The cost was around 1,800 for all of it but it was done by an individual who works for himself. Good luck!

[Suekay]

MargaretWilson, on Oct 19 2006, 09:17 PM, said:

This is something that I've never even thought of doing. I think it would be a great benefit though. I wouldn't even know where or how to start. I'm interested in hearing and seeing more of what you're doing.

Hi Margaret, I think the biggest reason for me to persevere with this is that I will be able to use the electric chair when I go out by myself. Up until now [25 years in the chair] I have been struggling with using the manual chair [with wheelchair hoist on the roof of my car] when I go out. This restricts where I go and how far I go before my energy runs out. For me the actual driving with handcontrols is not the problem its setting up the hoist for the wheelchair and the restrant that holds the wheelchair in position when driving so that I can do it all by myself. I'll keep working on it!

[Suekay]

ParaforGod, on Oct 19 2006, 10:29 PM, said:

Hi
My Van was modified so I can drive from my wheelchair the seat was taken out and the floor lowered then a lockin system was put in. A lock in system was put on the floor and a big bolt put on the bottom of my wheelchair then as I roll down the bolt goes into the lockin and Im set to drive. When Im ready to get out there is a little box on the dash I push a button and back out. Its easy as pie. I also got them to fix the original van seat so it will lock in so that if someone else has to drive the van they can. The cost was around 1,800 for all of it but it was done by an individual who works for himself. Good luck!

Hi This sounds exactly what I'm trying to do. THANKS!

[fireman]

Hi Sue, I'm also from Queensland and have been looking at buying a van as you describe. They are very expensive, based on the Kia carnival they are about A$85,000 from Freedom motors in Sydney, there is also somebody in Perth doing a similar conversion.
Hope this helps[s]

[MargaretWilson]

All of this makes a lot of sense as to why you're trying to do it and I wish you luck in finding a way to make it work for you. It really doesn't sound like it's all that hard so hopefully you can find some way to work it out soon.

[Adams]

SueKay,

You're C6-7, right? It seems to me, with your injury, you shouldn't have to do this modifcation. I wouldn't suggest doing that, unless you had no other choice. The act of transferring gives you more mobility so I'm sure it's better for you. Plus, are you using a motorized chair?
It's been my experience to use as little modifications as possible. Just my opinion

Good luck

Adam

[MargaretWilson]

I tend to agree with you Adam. In my opinion we have a hard enough time getting exercise. Using less modifications like this will at least enable us to get more exercise that we need.

[Suekay]

Adams, on Oct 30 2006, 05:59 PM, said:

SueKay,

You're C6-7, right? It seems to me, with your injury, you shouldn't have to do this modifcation. I wouldn't suggest doing that, unless you had no other choice. The act of transferring gives you more mobility so I'm sure it's better for you. Plus, are you using a motorized chair?
It's been my experience to use as little modifications as possible. Just my opinion

Good luck

Adam

Hi Adam, I live alone with my eight year old girl. I do the cooking cleaning making beds hanging out the washing sweeping floors, I pick my little girl up from school etc..... WHO NEEDS MORE EXERCISE!!!!!!!! I am trying to make my life a little easier. NOT SO MUCH OF A STRUGGLE. I use my manual chair most of the time. At the moment I have no transport in which I can take my electric chair so unless I'm going to the near by park I don't use it. I would like to be able to go further afield do more activities with my daughter etc etc. Save some eergy for some fun things not just struggle with every day stuff. After 25 years in the wheelchair I am tired. Sue

[Adams]

I hear ya Sue, I hear ya.

Life can be quite the challenge for us, I just wouldn't want you to let it beat you. You should do what you feel is neccessary for you, just don't give up. I don't think that's what you're doing though.

Take care

Adam

[MargaretWilson]

SueKay, I agree with you. I have a 5yo daughter and honestly think that this would save me energy to do more fun things with her.

[Suekay]

Well I finally got my van and I can't beleive the freedom it has given me I bought the van in August and its taken till now to get it modified but I think its really going to make live easier. I have not until now been able to use the power chair when I go out somewhere and to be able to get in the van drive from the chair go where ever I want with out worrying whether I have enough arm power to do it is really going to change my life .

[chevyman]

Suekay, on Jan 9 2007, 12:43 AM, said:

Well I finally got my van and I can't beleive the freedom it has given me I bought the van in August and its taken till now to get it modified but I think its really going to make live easier. I have not until now been able to use the power chair when I go out somewhere and to be able to get in the van drive from the chair go where ever I want with out worrying whether I have enough arm power to do it is really going to change my life .

Hi Suekay
Where abouts are U in Queensland I am just below the border in N,S,W, But I spend a lot of time in QLD I go to the paraquad meetings on the gold ccoast i am a t12 parraplegic If you would like to chat to me just give me a P.M. on this web site
Cheers noel

[CJ Allen]

Adams, on Oct 30 2006, 09:59 AM, said:

SueKay,

You're C6-7, right? It seems to me, with your injury, you shouldn't have to do this modifcation. I wouldn't suggest doing that, unless you had no other choice. The act of transferring gives you more mobility so I'm sure it's better for you. Plus, are you using a motorized chair?
It's been my experience to use as little modifications as possible. Just my opinion

Good luck

Adam

Hey Adam I agree with you to an extent.. I work out and believe that I am in pretty good shape and dont mind most of the time transfering and disassembling my chair I have been doing it for yrs but I live in the pacific northwest and it rains at least every day (almost it seems) and when it is pouring out and I have to go somewhere I sure wish that I could just roll in and go...

[Adams]

CJ Allen, on Jan 8 2007, 08:39 PM, said:

Adams, on Oct 30 2006, 09:59 AM, said:

SueKay,

You're C6-7, right? It seems to me, with your injury, you shouldn't have to do this modifcation. I wouldn't suggest doing that, unless you had no other choice. The act of transferring gives you more mobility so I'm sure it's better for you. Plus, are you using a motorized chair?
It's been my experience to use as little modifications as possible. Just my opinion

Good luck

Adam

Hey Adam I agree with you to an extent.. I work out and believe that I am in pretty good shape and dont mind most of the time transfering and disassembling my chair I have been doing it for yrs but I live in the pacific northwest and it rains at least every day (almost it seems) and when it is pouring out and I have to go somewhere I sure wish that I could just roll in and go...

Hi CJ,

You know what? I used to drive a van when I first moved down here, I live in Florida, and I'm glad I got rid of it. It rains a lot down here and when it rains, it pours. It takes longer for a lift to come down and than get on the lift and than raise it than it does to throw yourself in. Plus the more electrics you have, the more problems you can have. Several times a breaker flipped on me while trying to open the lift and than someone has to go inside to flip the breaker. That was always fun

[icarus_melt76]

Adams.....your full of shit! Have agreed and backed you before but you're way off here. If you had read SueK's reasons you would've stopped at 'one' post saying things about exercise ,etc. She also mentioned her 25 year past as C6-7, having an 8 year old to think of plus housework and school pickups. Even after that you pipe in with the same line of dribble. She's aware of the exercise aspects and simply wants to take her electric chair along to enjoy more of what's available. Why not let go? Her reasons are clear. Once or twice ok, but you leap in there espousing the same crap 3 or 4 times. Each time making her sound bad for even thinking about it. You probably have full triceps and hands, I'm complete at 7 which gives me a little hand use using wrist flexion and induced spasms. I also went from a car to a van, though I wanted to keep the Driver seat as it was. The car was so tiring that I hardly ever got out, just went for long drives....too much hassle. Even after gathering enough for the van and lift, there were many times the shorter trips just weren't worth the bother, jumping around from chair to drivers seat to chair. After 25 years, I gave in to occasional electric chair use. After getting it in to my van there was a whole new world waiting when arriving at my destination. I regretted waiting so long. That friggin 'keep the exercises going' and 'don't let off' shit....! Suddenly a new city, usually travelled through, became a normal AB-type stop for me. The electric chair let me take off for a whole afternoon of exploring. Checking things out. Some beach towns had great, long piers and some had large hills all over the place. For once, this could be overlooked. Feel like turning right or left....don't think of which looks easier...just go! About this time I was trying to get to know my young grandson. Even with the van and lift, I couldn't push too fast or too far. Was always "c'mon grampa". Kids want to keep going. I was beat. With the advent of the electric chair, he was the one feeling tired sometimes. After some slow, albeit nervous, ventures standing on my battery box...he became a rodeo rider yelling for me to go faster. Arms tightly around my neck, we put on a lot of miles, literally. You try that!! Could show him some places I used to visit, etc. Couple miles that way? Great! Thanks!....Zoom, sans effort, we were there and able to enjoy it because I wasn't tired. Even 10 or 15 miles just to get back to the van was fun!

The van and electric chair became my new legs and new outlook. Still use the manual for all else. That's what SueK wants to experience, if I understand her initial post. She's gone the other route, done more than her share of AB-type work! Time to enjoy these things. She explains her day provides enough exercise.

You go nuts Sue. Drive far then use that electric to go further! Take and show your daughter what you want to....not what you are limited to. Tell us about the travels and adventures.

Adams...you'll probably end up with grinding shoulder sockets, sooner than later, maybe asking SueK for a lift in her van or towed behind her chair! That's a bit of irony, not too far from becoming reality.

Al

[Adams]

Come on Al!! I wasn't saying anything bad about Sue. I was just giving my opinion, that's all man.

[Survivor35]

Adams, on Nov 6 2006, 10:33 AM, said:

I hear ya Sue, I hear ya.

Life can be quite the challenge for us, I just wouldn't want you to let it beat you. You should do what you feel is neccessary for you, just don't give up. I don't think that's what you're doing though.

Take care

Adam

Icarus, I think this showed that Adam was simply giving advice.... no need to go off on him, really. I have had many people give me the same advice, its just matters of opinion, and of on not really knowing all the details about your situation. But this post here shows that he understands... he's just stating that if it is possible, you should try not to use as many adaptations... as a single mother of 2, I completely understand the need to save your energy... and lord knows you get your excercise in other manners.... but I dont think Adam was trying to be mean spirited.

[icarus_melt76]

Adams...opinions are usually voiced once,(maybe twice). Regarding your lift failures and extra electrics....not once in 13 years with mine. Take care of things and prevent those. Look back on this in another ten years pal.

Margaret...there's a gripe left in the bag for you but you agree, and argue, with both sides of the issue. I guess it's about just that....pick a side and stick to it. Please.

Sorry to both of you, but some things make me say to myself "that's enough"!.

Al

[Adams]

Good God man! What's caught in your spokes today?

I took care of my van and the electrics just strated giving me troubles. Typically, once an issue with electrics crops up, they are hard to get rid of completely. It's just the nature of the beast. That's why I had continued problems with my lift . That's not saying it's bad to have a van with a lift

[icarus_melt76]

Survivor....and anyone else! Did you people NOT read Sue's explanation and reasons? Maybe a nicely coloured picture would catch your eye and make you understand WHY! Exercise is a must! We all agree. Because we've been dealt a bad hand doesn't mean there can't be some enjoyment. It doesn't say any place we must work out 'til we're too old for anything else. Hell, get rid of any vehicles you might have or use. You say you're a T-4 (?). Lots would say you
should compete in all the marathons you can.

We all have choices and should know what's best. Both...no 'All' of you who question, PLEASE READ SueK's reason and explanation AGAIN!

[Adams]

Al. Aren't you making this more than what it really is?

[brookelynn628]

What is it about you Icarus that everything gets spun into a personal attack somehow? I suppose you'll give me crap for being a "friend of," but I think anyone with 2 eyes and 1/2 an ounce of sense will realize that Adams had no ill intention in his post. It's not up to you to tell him how many times he can comment, and it's certainly nothing for you to jump all over him for. Suekay's an adult, and if she or anyone else here takes offense to a comment, they can take care of it themselves.

[Suekay]

icarus_melt76, on Jan 24 2007, 06:56 AM, said:

Adams.....your full of shit! Have agreed and backed you before but you're way off here. If you had read SueK's reasons you would've stopped at 'one' post saying things about exercise ,etc. She also mentioned her 25 year past as C6-7, having an 8 year old to think of plus housework and school pickups. Even after that you pipe in with the same line of dribble. She's aware of the exercise aspects and simply wants to take her electric chair along to enjoy more of what's available. Why not let go? Her reasons are clear. Once or twice ok, but you leap in there espousing the same crap 3 or 4 times. Each time making her sound bad for even thinking about it. You probably have full triceps and hands, I'm complete at 7 which gives me a little hand use using wrist flexion and induced spasms. I also went from a car to a van, though I wanted to keep the Driver seat as it was. The car was so tiring that I hardly ever got out, just went for long drives....too much hassle. Even after gathering enough for the van and lift, there were many times the shorter trips just weren't worth the bother, jumping around from chair to drivers seat to chair. After 25 years, I gave in to occasional electric chair use. After getting it in to my van there was a whole new world waiting when arriving at my destination. I regretted waiting so long. That friggin 'keep the exercises going' and 'don't let off' shit....! Suddenly a new city, usually travelled through, became a normal AB-type stop for me. The electric chair let me take off for a whole afternoon of exploring. Checking things out. Some beach towns had great, long piers and some had large hills all over the place. For once, this could be overlooked. Feel like turning right or left....don't think of which looks easier...just go! About this time I was trying to get to know my young grandson. Even with the van and lift, I couldn't push too fast or too far. Was always "c'mon grampa". Kids want to keep going. I was beat. With the advent of the electric chair, he was the one feeling tired sometimes. After some slow, albeit nervous, ventures standing on my battery box...he became a rodeo rider yelling for me to go faster. Arms tightly around my neck, we put on a lot of miles, literally. You try that!! Could show him some places I used to visit, etc. Couple miles that way? Great! Thanks!....Zoom, sans effort, we were there and able to enjoy it because I wasn't tired. Even 10 or 15 miles just to get back to the van was fun!

The van and electric chair became my new legs and new outlook. Still use the manual for all else. That's what SueK wants to experience, if I understand her initial post. She's gone the other route, done more than her share of AB-type work! Time to enjoy these things. She explains her day provides enough exercise.

You go nuts Sue. Drive far then use that electric to go further! Take and show your daughter what you want to....not what you are limited to. Tell us about the travels and adventures.

Adams...you'll probably end up with grinding shoulder sockets, sooner than later, maybe asking SueK for a lift in her van or towed behind her chair! That's a bit of irony, not too far from becoming reality.

Al

Hi Al, It's so nice to find that there are others who can relate to what I'm trying to do. I have had the van now for a month. I am only just scratching the surface of what is now available for me to do, by myself and with my daughter. It truly has opened up so many possibilties!!!! Although I have now become a maxi taxi and when outings occur I find that I can take 5 passengers [which includes 1 extra wheelchair place] The next thing I'm looking into is setting up away that I can sleep in the van in which case I will always know I have a bed I can get on and off of. This will mean I can actually get away for a weekend and travel a bit. My mind is full of big idears Sue

[icarus_melt76]

Sue

You are more than welcome for anything I said. My feelings were that you were being bullied a bit, and likely not the type to have to prove yourself. I felt it necessary to speak up for you...big brother sort of thing. Was just about finished another post regarding the last post by umm...'a friend of' an SCI when I noticed your last post. I don't feel any need to vindicate myself further.

On the bright side, you sound much like me when things came together. So happy for you. Keep travelling and leave your daily chores behind when you get that urge. Don't get carried away with all your new passengers or the next thing will be a school bus. Ha. All the best to you and your little girl....'happy trails'.

Al

p.s. Keep us posted!