Depending on what climate you live in, late fall to early spring can be the perfect time to squeeze in a camping trip, and the Riley family had plenty of advice to offer. Shane and Ainslee Riley live in Maine with their two teenage sons, Liam and Evan, and the Rileys are avid travelers and enjoy camping. 

Both boys use complex rehabilitation technology (CRT) equipment for mobility, so the Rileys shared plenty of accessible travel and camping tips to help you prepare for your next trip. 

When planning a trip, what are some of the questions you ask or decisions you make beforehand? 

You need to determine what you will travel in that meets your needs. Will your accessible vehicle, if you have one, meet the needs for a long road trip? Will you rent an accessible vehicle or RV? If you plan to stay overnight on your way to your destination, are there accessible hotels or campsites en route? 

Also, be sure to research the accessibility at the campsite you plan to rent at your final destination and its proximity to an accessible restroom. Often non-accessible restrooms at campgrounds are very tricky to get into without a lot of heavy lifting and maneuvering, which also creates a lack of privacy. What is your ability to lift? If you can’t lift very much, you may need to travel with a portable lift to make these transitions easier. 

If you’re driving to your campsite, are there benefits to mapping out your route in advance?

We find it helpful to map our route and determine where to stay in advance. That gives us the opportunity to ensure we get an accessible room or campsite with appropriate restroom facilities for our needs. We also research the area for accessible activities and figure out how to make activities that aren’t easily accessible doable for us. 

For wheelchair users and their families and friends, what advice can you offer about selecting a campsite? 

Select an accessible campsite, but also research to ensure that the area where you will put your tent is flat and you can drive a power wheelchair up to it. Having a lightweight transport chair for getting in and out of the tent—and sometimes into the shower areas—is helpful. Our sons sleep more comfortably on a cot with a sleeping pad rather than on the ground, and that also makes it easier for us to pick them up. Again, depending on your ability to lift, you may want to bring a slide board or lift with you. We also have a tent we can stand up in, which makes transfers, helping with dressing and other tasks a little easier. 

If you use a power wheelchair, you’ll want to think about how you’ll charge the battery. If there’s no power at your site, you will need a portable charger or generator of some sort. If you use your vehicle to charge a power wheelchair battery, you risk killing your car battery. 

When planning activities—the things you’ll do and see on your trip—what are some things wheelchair users and their caregivers should consider? 

Research thoroughly. Online information can be misleading, so call ahead to confirm details. Ask about ramp access, transitions and any barriers. For example, some places may consider a 6-inch step “accessible” when it’s not for many CRT users. Specific questions can make or break your plans—especially in areas with variable terrain, like islands with gravel paths.

A National Parks Access Pass can be very helpful too, granting free entry for disabled individuals and up to three guests at all National Parks. We’ve taken our boys to accessible viewing trails in places like Arches National Park and Washington D.C., which has excellent accessibility.

Traveling with your sons, who both use wheelchairs, takes a lot of planning. Why would you encourage other CRT users and their friends or families to travel? 

Why not? It does require some additional advanced planning and research, but it’s worth it. There may be a learning curve at first—and you’ll discover things you wish you’d packed or questions you should have asked—but you’ll know for the next time. You might face unexpected challenges and have to get creative with your solutions, but as long as you’re together and having fun, it makes for great memories. 

You sometimes travel with one or both of your sons’ service dogs. Any advice for CRT users who might be traveling with a service animal? 

Once you know where you’re going, contact your vet to make sure there aren’t additional precautions you need to take or vaccinations your service dog might need. For example, in Georgia, dogs aren’t required to have a vaccination for Lyme’s disease, but in Maine they are. 

Any last pieces of advice for fellow travelers or campers? 

A disability doesn’t have to stop you from traveling. Just this year, one or both of us have traveled with our sons to Puerto Rico, Hurricane Island and Monhegan Island for school trips, taken a cross-country road trip, camped in Colorado and Utah with the Trekkers, and, most recently, gone to Hawaii for a Make-A-Wish trip. We traveled to Baltimore, Boston, Philadelphia, throughout New England, New Jersey, New York, Florida and more. We love to travel! 

Looking for ramps, lifts or other accessibility products that might enhance your travel plans? Reach out to your local National Seating & Mobility branch to learn more about your options.

The post Camping Made Possible appeared first on NSM — National Seating & Mobility.

The holiday season is here, and we want to help you keep it merry and bright. From adaptive clothing to the latest in gaming tech, here are a few of our favorite products, gadgets and gear, curated specifically for people who use mobility equipment.

For the Sports Fan

The NFL released a special collection of adaptive and assisted apparel for all 32 teams. Available from Fanatics, the collection features adaptive and assisted short- and long-sleeved T-shirts as well as adaptive pullover hoodies. Some of the shirts use magnetic snaps at the shoulders, making it easier to pull the clothing overhead. Other items include adaptive bungees and extended adaptive zippers. Grab the perfect gift for your football fan at fanatics.com.

For the Gamer

Looking for a gift for the gamer in your life? Sony has the Access™ controller for PS5. The controller is highly customizable and is designed to help players with disabilities play their favorite games more comfortably. The controller features swappable buttons and stick caps, allowing users to configure it to fit their range of motion and preferences. Players don’t have to hold the controller to play, and the controller includes expandable inputs, allowing players to use more than one Access controller simultaneously or add additional control devices. The design team worked closely with accessibility experts throughout the design process. Click here to learn more about the controller. 

For the Traveler

For the traveler, the best gift may be an unforgettable experience—and there are plenty of tools out there to make that happen. Last year, Airbnb launched an Adapted category that allows travelers to find accessible homes in locations around the globe. To be included in the category, each home must have step-free access and dedicated accessibility features, and would-be travelers can use filters to search for specific needs. Becoming RentABLE offers a similar service, but focuses solely on the United States. Created by wheelchair user Lorraine Woodward, the site includes an extensive list of accessibility accommodations, allowing travelers to find a short-term rental that meets their exact needs. 

For the Chef

From a cookbook recommendation to tools to make cooking easier, we’ve got a few gift ideas for your consideration. Adaptive cutting boards (some with spikes to keep food in place while chopping) and bowls with non-slip bottoms can be great gifts for people who love to cook. Jules Sherred’s Crip Up The Kitchen, which was released in mid-2023, is also a great option. With tips for organizing the kitchen and ideas to make cooking a bit more accessible, the book also offers recipes organized by how much prep and effort are required. 

For the Fashion Icon

Need a gift for the fashion lover in your life? There are plenty of options. Nine West and Kohl’s recently announced a new adaptive clothing collaboration, which will add even more adaptive apparel to the retailer’s growing list of fashion options.

Victoria’s Secret and PINK also released their first-ever adaptive collection this fall, offering intimates in a variety of colors and prints that feature magnetic closures, front strap adjusters and more. Looking for footwear?

Sorel, in collaboration with Zappos, has released an adaptive version of its popular Out n About III Classic Waterproof boot, just in time for cooler weather. The shoe features an adjustable strap and an enlarged heel loop, making the shoe easier to take off and put on. People with disabilities tested the shoes, providing vital feedback to ensure quality and functionality. 

Looking for more options? Check out this gift guide from our friends at New Mobility Magazine or this one from BraunAbility.

The post Last Minute Holiday Gift Guide for People with Disabilities appeared first on NSM — National Seating & Mobility.

Did you know that 55% of all senior fall injuries happen inside their house?*

As people age, they often lose some level of mobility, strength, vision and coordination. Unfortunately, this can cause their home to become a dangerous place to navigate. According to a 2020 report published by the University of Michigan 32% of seniors aged 65-80 have to go to the emergency room at least once in the past two years. That number goes up to 45% if someone is in poor physical health.

Family members need to be aware of the potential dangers that seniors may face in the home environment and take adequate steps to prepare their homes to meet their needs. The good news is there are some steps you can take right now to improve your loved one’s quality of life and ensure their safety inside the comfort of their own home.

Making stairs safe for seniors

For many seniors, moving around safely can be a major issue in homes with stairs. It doesn’t matter if it is a single step or a staircase to a second floor, one wrong step can be an issue. When considering solutions for stairs, think about all the places in which you or your loved one may encounter them.

• Ramps – Ramps are primarily used for people in wheelchairs to enter and exit their homes. Or they may use them for a small step down in their home, for example into a bonus or living room. However, ramps aren’t just for those in wheelchairs. In some cases, a gently sloping ramp can be easier to navigate than steps, especially if someone has trouble lifting their legs very high. Ramps allow people to take smaller steps and minimize the time they need to balance on one leg. 

• Stair Lifts – For longer staircases, the most trustworthy solution is a stair lift. With these, seniors sit in a chair and then safely ride them up or down. What most people may not realize is how versatile stair lifts are. You can have them installed on both straight or curved stairs, and even outdoors. Stair lifts are an excellent tool for helping someone age in place, giving them access to their upstairs whenever they want it. 

Make bathrooms safe for seniors

It’s especially important to check bathrooms for hazards. Many falls happen in bathrooms because water can make the environment slippery and flooring surfaces are usually slicker. Bathrooms are also crowded with hard surfaces: the floor, the toilet, and the counter all represent places where someone could hit themselves and do additional harm if they fell.

• Barrier-free showers – Barrier-free showers and walk-in tubs allow seniors to not have to step up and into the tub. Like stairs, the act of having to step up and balance on one foot — even just briefly — is often when disaster strikes. Barrier-free showers make it so seniors can step directly in, but are designed in such a way that the water still flows conveniently down the drain.

• Inclined toilet lifts – Many aging seniors have difficulty lowering themselves down onto a toilet or standing back up when they are done. Inclined toilet lifts solve this problem and let people have their dignity back as they are able to use the restroom all by themselves. 

Essentially, these motorized lifts extend up to meet someone as they stand and then lower down to a comfortable position. Whenever they are done, the inclined toilet lift can be engaged to lift them back up into a standing position.

Making rooms safe for seniors

The bathroom and the stairs are the places you need to check first, but they only represent a small part of the whole house. There are plenty of other precautions you can take to ensure your loved one’s home is hazard-free.

• Remove tripping hazards such as rugs and clutter in walkways. 
• Rearrange furniture to create ample open space and clear passages.
• Place all items properly so that they are easily accessible. 
• Ensure bright lighting to avoid tripping hazards.
• See that outdoor walkways, doorways, stairs and entrances are clear.
• Keep electrical or telephone cords out of areas that are frequently used.
• Make sure that all staircases in the house have a non-slip surface and good lighting with switches at the top and bottom.

As people become older, their safety needs also change, and that’s okay. The important thing is that we adjust their living spaces accordingly so that they can age safely in the comfort of their own home.

You can help make your loved one’s home safer

Everyone has different mobility needs. Whether it is a wheelchair ramp to get inside or bathroom modifications to help make it less hazardous, we’re here to help.

Limited Time Offer on Bruno Stair Lifts:

For a limited time only, you can save $200 on all Bruno stair lifts.* Enter your information below for a free quote!

*Offer valid on all new BRUNO stairlifts (Straight, curved and OUTDOOR) purchased between September 1 and October 31, 2024.  Medicare and Medicaid beneficiaries are not eligible for these offers.

The post Making a Home Safe for Seniors appeared first on NSM — National Seating & Mobility.

Talking to your aging loved ones about their mobility challenges can be difficult. After all, you’ve likely spent your whole life seeking advice from your older relatives — be they parents, aunts, uncles, or grandparents. Discussing the dangers of a loss of mobility can feel like an odd role reversal that not everyone is comfortable with having. Some older people may feel hesitant to even admit they have trouble going up and down stairs, but the reality is that even a small trip or fall on the stairs can be hazardous.

Here’s what you can do to broach the conversation. 

• Choose the Right Time and Place – This may go without saying, but try and choose a time when there are no distractions. You want to have their full attention. Ideally, you want to have this conversation in their home. You can use their staircase as a visual aid, showing where the stair lift would be installed and use references to give them an idea of what it might look like. For some, all it takes is being able to visualize the stairlift to make it less intimidating.

• Be Empathetic – Start the conversation by thinking about how you would feel if the roles were reversed. It’s not pleasant being told that you can’t move as well as you once did. Leading with empathy, respect, and understanding will go a long way in getting your loved one on board. Just acknowledging that this may be a challenging topic can help clear the air and make way for a productive discussion. 

• Do Your Research – Your loved one is likely going to have lots of questions. It’s in your best interest — and theirs — for you to have the answers whenever you start the conversation. How much do stair lifts cost? Can they be installed on curved staircases? How long do they take to install? The answers to all of these are readily available, but you don’t want to bog down your conversation by looking them up. By being prepared, you are helping to instill confidence and alleviate your loved one’s concerns.

• Don’t Forget to Listen – You are going to go into this conversation with a lot you want to say. Don’t forget to take time to listen to your loved one as well. If they feel like they are being talked at instead of talked to, they may reject the case for a stair lift before you even begin. Remember, this is a conversation, not a presentation. If your loved one is being quiet, ask them what they think. Their perspective and concerns are important.

• Present Options – Stair lifts are not a one-size-fits-all solution. There are several choices you need to make as you consider what kind of lift you want. Involve your loved one in this discussion. The more ownership they have in it, the more agency they will have.

• Offer Support – This will look very different for everyone. Some people have highly independent loved ones who will want you to only step in when absolutely necessary. Others will prefer to hand off the project and not worry about the details. You know your family better than anyone, so be prepared to offer the appropriate level of support for what they need.

• Respect Their Decision – Ultimately, the decision should be your loved one’s to make. Respect their choice, even if it differs from your initial suggestion. There is always the chance to circle back and ask them about it again later. Or they may very well change their mind after they’ve had time to think about it. The last thing you want is for them to feel forced into something they don’t want to do.

• Follow Up – Once the stair lift is installed, be sure to check back in and see how they like it. See if they have any questions or if there’s anything you can do to help them operate it better. A stair lift isn’t going to do them much good if they never use it.

Remember that the key is patience and open communication. This conversation is a delicate balance between empathy and prioritizing their safety, but it is a conversation well worth having.

Want to learn more about getting a stair lift?

Getting a stair lift is a big decision, but our team is ready to support you in your research and answer any questions you may have. If you’re ready, we can even provide you with a free quote. Reach out today!

Limited Time Offer on Bruno Stair Lifts:

For a limited time only, you can save $200 on all Bruno stair lifts and 40% off upgrades.* Enter your information below for a free quote!

Click to learn more.

**Offer valid on all new Bruno stair lifts (straight and curved stair lifts) purchased between November 15, 2023, and December 31, 2023. Offer excludes stair lift rentals. Stair lift upgrades include power and larger footrest upgrades, larger seat pads, seat color options, and additional repeater remote and control upgrades. Medicare and Medicaid beneficiaries are not eligible to receive this offer.

The post How to Talk to Aging Loved Ones About Getting a Stair Lift appeared first on NSM — National Seating & Mobility.

As creator of the iAccess.Life app, Brandon Winfield is used to giving elevator speeches. When it comes to the lifestyle app, his speech is short and to the point. 

“We’re the Yelp of accessibility,” Winfield says. “Yelp rates places based on ambiance, culture and experience, and we rate them on how easy it is to get around and access them.” 

iAccess.Life is a lifestyle app that allows users to research, rate and review locations—think everything from restaurants and retail stores to parks and public spaces. Built upon the Google Maps platform, the app gives users the chance to weigh in on a location’s accessible parking, bathrooms and entrances as well as how easy it is to get around once they’re inside. While rating, users can also note the types of mobility equipment they use to get around. 

“For people using iAccess.Life to research new locations, this allows them to see how the person who wrote the review gets around and if it pertains to how they get around,” Winfield says.

The idea for the app, Winfield says, came from his own experience. 

“I grew up racing motocross at the competitive level,” he recalls. “When I was 14, I got hurt in a race. It wasn’t the first time I got hurt, but it was the most severe and life-changing.” 

The accident left Winfield paralyzed from the chest down. A wheelchair user since then, he quickly realized that not all accessibility is created equal. 

“As I got older and able to venture out in my own community, I began to realize how inconsistent access is from place to place,” Winfield says. “Sometimes, you’d get to the restaurant just to see that there were steps to get in the front entrance or you’d go to the bathroom but wouldn’t be able to fit in the stall. I just knew there had to be a better way to allow people to know more about a place’s accessibility before they go.” 

The idea for an app, Winfield says, came after a church service. 

“I went to church one day with my mom, and it was a New Year’s Eve service,” Winfield remembers. “They were talking about ways that you could help your community, and I had one of those cartoon lightbulb moments, and I realized I needed to develop an app.” 

Bringing that idea to life took a few years and involved a lot of trial and error, Winfield says. The startup officially launched the app in 2019. With rated locations in all 50 states and more than 30 countries, iAccess.Life is one of the more successful accessibility apps available. 

“We just hit 10,000 unique locations rated in our app,” Winfield says. “It’s so cool to come to the dashboard and see all these ratings come in from different locations—Canada, the UK, South Africa and South America. We are the most successful accessibility app out there and one of the first with international reach.” 

Winfield and his co-founder, Sayeed Mehrjerdian, have plenty of plans for the future of the app. The startup recently partnered with Passport Parking, a move that allowed them to roll out in-app pay-for-parking at a limited number of partner parking lots. 

“You can pay from the comfort of your car,” Winfield says, “and won’t have to deal with kiosks.” 

Winfield and the iAccess.Life team are also working to develop a companion product that will allow them to come alongside businesses seeking to improve accessibility. 

“We’re working on a business-to-business product, an analytics tool that will help businesses find out what people are saying about their accessibility and make changes to become more accessible,” Winfield says. 

Most of all, Winfield wants to encourage users to keep adding ratings to the app. 

“iAccess.Life is catered toward community,” Winfield says. “We want people to share their experiences. We want to show the world that we’re a community that loves to go out, that we have a social life and a love life. Our goal is to keep getting users onto the application and keep getting ratings in so that our voice can be amplified.” 

The iAccess.Life app is available in the Apple App Store as well as Google Play. 

The post All Accessibility Isn’t Equal appeared first on NSM — National Seating & Mobility.

These include:

• Door Detection, a navigation feature on iPhone and iPad for users who are blind or low vision. The tool helps users navigate the last few feet to their destination, providing detailed information about the door location, type and more.
• Apple Watch Mirroring, which allows users to control their Apple Watch remotely from a paired iPhone, including assistive features such as Voice Control and Switch Control and allows for alternatives to tapping the Apple Watch display.
• Live Captions for iPhone, iPad and Mac for the deaf and hard of hearing community.
• Increased support for VoiceOver, Apple’s screen reader, with 20 additional languages and locales added.

Microsoft celebrated the expansion of the Microsoft Inclusive Tech lab, as well as several adaptive accessories, such as:

• Microsoft adaptive mouse, which can be customized to fit user needs;
• Microsoft adaptive hub, allowing users to replace or augment traditional keyboards with a central hub and wireless buttons;
• Microsoft Adaptive button, which can be paired with the adaptive hub and topped with a variety of button toppers (d-pade, joystick or dual button) to meet users’ specific needs.

On Broadway

Martyna Majok’s Pulitzer Prize-winning play, Cost of Living, made its Broadway premiere this fall at the Samuel J. Friedman Theater.

The post On the Horizon appeared first on NSM — National Seating & Mobility.

BUDGET FRIENDLY IDEAS FOR CREATING ACCESSIBLE HOMES

Inaccessibility tends to show itself in the details, and they’re often hardest to spot at home. Since it’s a place that’s filled with the flurry of daily tasks and the comfort of treasured memories, it can be hard to notice when these spaces aren’t exactly welcoming to a range of bodies.

“An accessible home is for people of all ages,” says Cindi Petito, a home accessibility expert based in Jacksonville, Florida. “It doesn’t matter if you’re a child, someone with a disability, or a senior. An accessible home is a liveable one.”

Perhaps steps to a front door lack a railing, or there’s a bathtub with high edges. Maybe door frames are too tight for wheelchairs, or furniture is too low to the ground. Once you begin to pinpoint all the ways a home could be more accommodating, it can seem like a very long list—and an expensive one at that. Thankfully, Petito knows how to approach this task on a budget, using three solutions she describes as low-tech but high-impact. “If people can be proactive about access, it saves them the trouble of potentially being reactive later,” she says. Read on for her insights.

1. PAY ATTENTION TO WHAT’S ON THE FLOOR.

The fastest way to remedy a home’s hazards is to ensure that there’s enough storage to keep clutter off the floor. “The first thing I think about is how to prevent falls,” she says. After that, account for other low-hanging aspects of a possible obstacle course. Is the corner of a rug turned up, or is one needed to cover a slippery surface? Is there a loose board or stone in a walkway? Keep in mind that smooth transitions are best for everyone

2. MAKE SURROUNDINGS EASY TO SEE.

“A lot of homes, especially older homes, don’t have enough lighting,” Petito says. Adding table lamps to living rooms, sconces beside beds, or even LED strips under kitchen cabinets can illuminate surfaces and make edges more apparent. Don’t forget about lighting outdoor pathways and entrances, too, and consider installing timers for well-trafficked areas.

3. PLACE POPULAR ITEMS FRONT AND CENTER.

“If it’s too cumbersome to prepare a meal because ingredients or tools are out of reach, then that’s dangerous physically and nutritionally,” she notes. Store everyday utensils and spices in a grab-and-go location, and put the microwave closer to the ground. In fact, this habit should be a part of every room. “The things we use and wear everyday should always be easily accessible,” Petito says

The post Easy as 1, 2, 3 appeared first on NSM — National Seating & Mobility.

A reliable portable ramp can help make living your life to the fullest a little easier, no matter where you travel. Portable ramps come in a variety of different styles, are easy to transport for on-the-go use and are designed to work in a number of environments

PORTABLE RAMPS

VEHICLE LIFTS

Vehicle lifts allow you to fully experience life the way you want by empowering you to go wherever the road may be calling you. A number of options are available to suit your needs.

PLATFORM LIFTS

A platform lift allows you to access upper levels of your home without leaving your chair, providing a safe, economical and space effective solution to a wide variety of access challenges.

• Hamar Sierra Incline Platform Life
• Bruno Residential Vertical Platform Lift
• Bruno Commercial Vertical
• Platform Lift

STAIRLIFTS

Living an active life means being able to enjoy every square inch of your home, top to bottom, indoor and out. Stair lifts can be fitted to any existing staircase and offer compact, ergonomically designed options that are made to last.

• Bruno Indoor Sre-3050 Straight Stair Lift
• Bruno Outdoor Elite Straight Stair Lift
• Bruno Indoor Elite Cre 2110 Curved Stair Lift
• Bruno Outdoor Elite Cre 2110 Curved Stair Lift

The post On the Go and at Home appeared first on NSM — National Seating & Mobility.

• Protect Against Falls – Icy weather can increase the risk for falling. Chronic conditions like joint pain, arthritis or changes in weather conditions can increase the risks of falling among seniors. Improve your living environment by using accessibility equipment like grab bars, bed rails, non-slip bath mats, portable ramps and stair lifts.
• Clear Away the Leaves – Keep walkways clear of leaves, which can become slick when it rains. Make sure sidewalks and porches are cleared of leaf piles, ice and snow as these can pose further risks for dangerous falls. Leaves soaked in water could have the same effect as ice, potentially causing slip and fall injuries while walking.
• Wear Sensible Shoes – Don’t wear shoes with high heels or slick soles as it can increase risks of falls. Wear comfortable, non-skid footwear that offers plenty of traction to avoid slipping or tripping. It is important that the soles are not too thin or too thick.  Walk on stairs or floors in socks or in shoes and slippers with smooth soles.
• Use the Handrail: Not using a handrail is one of the most common reasons for falls on a staircase. Always use the handrail when going up and down stairs inside and outside your home.
• Use an Assistive Device – Appropriate use of canes, ramps and walkers can prevent falls. If the physician recommends using a cane or walker, make sure it is the right size. This is particularly important when walking in areas that you are not familiar with or where the walkways are uneven. A physical or occupational therapist can recommend the right type of accessibility device and provide instructions on how to use it safely.
• Choose the Right Type of Accessibility Equipment – Outdoor stairs can be filled with wet leaves which can increase the risk of falling. Accessibility devices such as exterior stair lifts can help improve mobility and prevent falls.

Mobility issues can indicate life changes for seniors and they become more susceptible to slips and falls. Following these safety tips can improve safety during the autumn season. People who are feeling anxious about using stairs in their home can get in touch with National Seating & Mobility. The company provides high quality accessibility equipment such as stair lifts, wheelchair lifts and ramps. They can provide you with the right option to improve your mobility and quality of life.

The post Safety Tips for Fall Prevention in Autumn appeared first on NSM — National Seating & Mobility.

Are you thinking of having a lift installed in your commercial building?

Installing a lift in your commercial building can make a huge difference to your business. Welcoming clients or customers of every ability to your commercial establishment is not only good for the business, but is also the right thing to do. Everyone deserves to enjoy a local coffee shop or restaurant or any other commercial establishment that they love without having a lot of difficulties navigating around the building. However, persons with mobility issues who use wheelchairs or mobility scooters face real challenges when it comes to accessing the commercial establishments they love. Installing commercial wheelchair lifts is the perfect option that would eliminate these barriers and provide safe access in low-rise buildings. These devices allow users to enjoy a safe and smooth floor-to-floor travel without leaving the comfort of their wheelchair. When compared to other accessibility devices, wheelchair lifts are quite easy to install and configure, and require less space than ramps and other devices.

Here discussed are some of the top benefits of installing a wheelchair lift in commercial buildings –

• Full Access – Providing access to people with mobility issues is not just about installing accessibility equipment at the front of the building. Rather, it is important to ensure that the device provides full access to as much of the building as possible. The main benefit of installing a wheelchair lift is that it will help people access every floor in a building with ease, which improves comfort and provides a sense of independence.
• Safety – A wheelchair lift helps people to remain safe by reducing the risk of falls or injuries. In addition, it also helps them to maintain their independence. When choosing a lift for a commercial building, it is important to keep the safety aspect in mind. Leading accessibility equipment dealers like Bruno offer wheelchair lifts that are equipped with advanced safety features like weather protected controls and switches, platform safety panel, paddle landing controls, interlock system, emergency stop button, constant pressure controls on platform, and audio-visual alarm.
• Reduce Stairwell Traffic – Wheelchair lifts can divide the amount of foot traffic in the building by offering alternative access to the different floors of the building, apart from the stairs. Directing all people towards the stairs increases the likelihood of an accident happening when a huge crowd of people are using the stairs at the same time. With the use of a wheelchair lift, only a limited number of people need to use it at one given time. This provides a safer and more orderly mode of transport so that there will never be a buildup of traffic.
• Space Saver – Commercial lifts are also major space savers. Having several stairwells in buildings can take up a lot of room, whereas lifts are compact and can be designed to fit the aesthetic of the specific space. Using lifts is quicker and more efficient.
• Customization – Different commercial establishments will require different features, designs and styles depending on their type of work or needs. Reputable accessibility equipment dealers provide lift designs that perfectly match the individual needs and aesthetics of the commercial establishment. For instance, Bruno offers top-quality commercial wheelchair lifts that are built to accommodate wheelchairs of varying sizes, and can be used both indoors and outdoors. Right from enclosed wheelchair lift models to 3-Gate VPL, these devices can be installed in offices, restaurants, or any commercial business establishments that plan to make their environment more accessible.
• Cater to All Needs – By installing a wheelchair lift in a commercial space, you can provide access to all groups of people. Apart from people with mobility issues who require wheelchair access, other people who suffer from heart conditions or who otherwise aren’t able to climb flights of stairs will also find these devices useful. Pregnant women also need access to a lift so that they aren’t put under any unnecessary strain for over-exertion.
• Improve Reputation – Modifying a commercial building to make it more welcoming can boost a company’s reputation. A mobility-challenged customer will definitely appreciate all the efforts to provide accommodation. They will love visiting a commercial building with widened pathways and doors, motion sensor features, and a wheelchair lift that can improve accessibility.

Commercial wheelchair lifts make public or commercial buildings accessible and compliant with ADA and state building codes. These systems allow wheelchair users to enjoy reliable, safe low-rise travel in these buildings without leaving the comfort of their assistive device.

The post Benefits of Installing Wheelchair Lifts in Commercial Buildings appeared first on NSM — National Seating & Mobility.