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| Q: What is a lowered floor minivan? |
A: A lowered floor minivan (L-FM) is a Minivan that has been second stage manufactured to accommodate wheelchair accessibility for both for passenger and driver applications. This gives consumers a broader range of choices when selecting a new vehicle. The van undergoes a process of lowering the floor 10 to 12 inches and integrating a side or rear entry ramp providing greater head room and ease of access respectively. Most L-FM's have more head room and floor space than a stock full sized van. The L-FM's offer a variety of options such as manual or power ramps and doors, kneeling systems to reduce ramp angle, multiple riding positions for wheelchair passengers , transfer seats and many more features to allow for improved functional for your needs. L-FM's are truly modular vehicles that is as your needs change your van can be adapted to meet those needs in the most cost effective way.
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| Q: What is the Quality Assurance Program (QAP)? |
A: The Quality Assurance Program, or QAP, is a nationally recognized accreditation program for the adaptive mobility equipment industry. It is based on
the guiding principle that quality is the ultimate key
to operating a successful business. The program
was developed to assist consumers in the process
of selecting dealers to meet their transportation needs. QAP was also established to assist third party payers in the choice of quality vendors. NMEDA's Quality Assurance Program, in fact, is the only accreditation program within the adaptive equipment industry governing personal transportation.
The QAP designation enhances vehicle modification and adaptive equipment installation in a manner consistent with the highest standards available in the industry. It binds dealers to industry best practices, an in-house crash testing program and proven shop practices that assure the highest level of performance and safety. That kind of work, that kind of care, that kind of integrity are what establish customer trust, and customer trust is a key to business success. All QAP Dealers have proven their ability for quality by virtue of successfully navigating the QAP process.
Dealers who participate in the QAP are held to extremely high standards:
- They are required to maintain four types of insurance for liability purposes.
- They need to have certified welders on hand if they perform any type of structural modifications to vehicles. These dealers are also required to have their technicians certified in the equipment they sell, install and service.
- They must keep records of all adaptive work.
- Finally, they are required to undergo an inspection and audit process at
least annually by an independent engineering firm to ensure compliance
to the NMEDA Guidelines and the requirements listed above.
QAP Dealers also uphold the "Triple S" for consumers:
- Selection
QAP Dealers are knowledgeable and educated on a wide variety of products, features/benefits and applications. Appropriate product applications provide improved quality of life. In addition, informed QAP Dealers are aware of the funding opportunities to procure mobility products.
- Safety
QAP Dealers are knowledgeable in FMVSS (accepted practices and industry standards) and are trained in the products they service and install. Regulated audits keep dealers accountable to ensure that only the best are QAP accredited.
- Service
Inspected facilities ensure quality and a positive experience for you, the consumer. Trained and certified technicians resolve technical issues on the first visit.
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| Q: Is your dealership QAP certified? |
| A: YES! QAP stands for "Quality Assurance Program." QAP is the highest level of certification provided by the National Mobility Equipment Dealers Association. To make a long story short, when you work with a dealer who is QAP certified, you are assured of that dealer's workmanship and integrity.
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| Q: Have your service technicians been factory trained and certified? |
| A:YES! Factory trained and Certified Technicians ensure that the wheelchair accessible vehicle you buy has been thoroughly inspected. It also ensures that any additional modifications that are necessary will be done to factory specifications, which in turn meet all government requirements. Return to Top
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| Q: Have your mobility consultants been factory trained and certified? |
| A:YES! Factory trained and Certified Mobility Consultants ensure unbiased information based on your needs, not what they have to sell. Factory trained consultants can make recommendations on quality products which would work well, as well as products to stay away from. Return to Top
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| Q: Will AutoCrafting accept a trade in (wheelchair accessible or non accessible)? |
| A:YES! AutoCrafting will give you a value you could expect to get on your trade. We will even take a non-accessible vehicle on trade. We will work with you and this means you don't have to deal with the hassle of selling your current transportation.
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| Q: What are some of the things I need to know and decide before purchasing my new vehicle? |
A: Prior to making a purchase the following must be considered:
- Your Wheelchair or Scooter
The size, dimensions and features of your wheelchair or scooter can greatly influence the vehicle and equipment that will work best for you and can therefore greatly affect the cost of your adaptive equipment and vehicle modifications. It is always preferable to contact a dealer and discuss your needs and desires for your vehicle prior to purchasing your wheelchair or scooter. If you already have your wheelchair or scooter, inform your dealer if you plan on buying a different one soon. This may allow the dealer to recommend adaptive equipment that may be useful for your current and future wheelchair or scooter.
- Will you be using the vehicle independently or with fulltime assistance?
The answer to this question can greatly alter what vehicles and equipment will be appropriate for you. If you have fulltime assistance, you can possibly save considerable money by buying manually operated products as opposed to automatic products. If you will be using the vehicle alone, the dealer will offer you adaptive equipment suited to your specific needs and abilities.
- Will you be remaining in your wheelchair during ingress and egress from the vehicle, and while the vehicle is in motion?
This question can also be dependent on your answer to the previous question. Again, your equipment and vehicle options greatly vary depending on whether you remain in your mobility aid or not when entering, exiting or traveling in the vehicle. Your physical abilities play a significant role in the options that are available to you.
- Are you driving the vehicle with adaptive equipment or riding as a passenger? Driving a vehicle with adaptive controls can vary from relatively simple inexpensive modifications such as spinner knobs and hand controls to more complicated and expensive systems costing as much as the vehicle. The process of driving a vehicle with adaptive controls is a serious matter and needs to be undertaken in a very thorough manner with many considerations that only industry professionals can assist you with.
- Where and how are you going to use the modified vehicle?
Consider issues such as road conditions in your usage area, weather, number of passengers and cargo weight and size requirements.
The answers to these questions are important to determining options that are available to you. Consulting with NMEDA dealers, manufacturers, driver trainers/evaluators and other members of the disabled community is essential for you to get the best value and the appropriate vehicle/modifications to suite your circumstances. Your NMEDA dealer will help you navigate through the maze of options and decisions that you will be faced with. Return to Top
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