Wheelchair Friendly

New Jersey is an excellent wheelchair accessible state, with plenty of locations and attractions built to meet the unique needs of all its visitors. In this post we will go over a few of those attractions, and discuss what there is to do in NJ during the winter months.

Finding the Best Wheelchair Accessible Locations

Finding the best wheelchair accessible locations is challenging at any time of the year. Even more so during winter when the weather is colder, the ground is wetter, and spending time outdoors is less desirable.

Although no one wants to spend their time cooped up inside either. So what we have done is rounded up some of the best wheelchair accessible locations to visit around the city as the weather gets colder.

Best Indoor Locations

New Jersey State Museum
This accessible location is in the state’s capital city of Trenton. It’s easy to spend an afternoon or an entire day exploring the contents of the museum. Its state-of-the-art facility is host to a planetarium, sculptures and photographs, over 12 thousand paintings, cultural history exhibits, and an archaeological exhibit. General admission entry into the museum is free.

Adventure Aquarium
This accessible location located in Camden is formerly known as the New Jersey State Aquarium. It is a for-profit educational entertainment attraction. Visitors to the aquarium can explore nearly 200,000 square feet of sea life and wildlife. Staying open during the winter months, this is an NJ attraction worth keeping on your list for repeat visits. There’s so much to see, you couldn’t possibly do it the first time around.

Liberty Science Center
New Jersey’s largest museum is fully ADA-compliant, which makes this an ideal attraction to add to your list of places to visit in NJ in the winter. Liberty Science Center is an interactive science museum and learning center located in Liberty State Park in Jersey City.

Best Outdoor Locations

Anywhere you go looks a little bit nicer this time of year thanks to the fall colors in the sky, the leaves on the ground, and the minimal amounts of snow tying everything together. New Jersey has many state parks which can be just as well maintained in the winter months as they are in the spring and summer months.

Many locals and tourists alike visit these parks at all times of the year to relax and take in the scenery. Witnessing the change of seasons from summer-to-fall-to-winter in NJ is something that should be experienced at least once in a lifetime.

Conclusion

We find that the more you look for wheelchair accessible locations in NJ, the more you find that it’s harder to come up with locations that do not meet today’s accessibility standards. NJ is an accommodating city, both indoors and outdoors, which is why we have always been proud to do business here. Certainly don’t let the worry of accessibility keep you from enjoying all the city has to offer in the coming seasons.

Aging in place, as defined by the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, refers to the ability of an individual to live independently in their own home and community. Being able to age in place also means living safely and comfortably regardless of age, income, or level of ability.

Aging in Place Means Planning Ahead

Planning ahead will prepare you for the challenges to come — challenges such as changes in your health, ability level, or social supports. In order to plan ahead you must start with the end goal in mind. Visualize what you want your lifestyle to look like as you get older, then work backward outlining the steps you need to take to achieve that goal.

Planning ahead means planning for the unexpected as well. It’s wise to have a fallback plan in case any unforeseen emergencies occur. This can include the sudden development of a chronic illness or disability, or a change in income. The more smart choices you make now, the greater control you will have over your independence and quality of life as you get older.

Here are the key things to consider as you plan for aging in place.

What to Consider as You Age in Place

Home
The first thing to consider is your home, and whether or not it is equipped to meet the needs and challenges of someone who is aging in place. Here are some questions to ask yourself:

• “What modifications are needed to help me remain safe in my home?” These can include stair lifts, ramps, emergency response systems, security alarms, and so on.
• “If I have to leave my home temporarily, who will maintain it in my absence?” Depending on where you live, there might be community services available. Otherwise, you’ll need to have some emergency funds saved away to pay for the services.
• “What are some alternative options if my home does not adequately serve my needs?” Consider the costs and whether or not you have enough money to move if you need to.

Community
Aging in place does not literally mean staying in one place all the time. Getting out and becoming engaged in your local community is highly encouraged. You should learn as much as you can about the community you live in, because it could have a profound impact on your ability to age in place. Ask yourself the following questions:

• Is my community age-friendly?
• Does my community have supports and services in place to help me stay independent as I get older?
• Are there any neighboring communities that offer more of the supports and services I need?
• What kinds of government assistance are available where I live?

Safety
Having all the supports and services available at your fingertips means precious little if you don’t feel safe in your own community. Unfortunately, older adults are among the most vulnerable to fraud and financial abuse. To ensure your safety, ask yourself the following questions:

• How safe do I feel in my own community?
• Do I feel confident about being able to protect myself from fraud and financial abuse?
• What do I do if I feel as though my safety is being compromised?

Where to Find More Information about Aging in Place

Williams Lifts Company is dedicated to providing individuals with the equipment they need to maintain their safety and independence in their own home. We recommend looking into our stairlifts, ramps, and reclining lift chairs. For any other questions, you’re always welcome to contact us anytime.  

Traveling is an arduous task for anyone, even those who travel frequently for work or pleasure run into stressful situations from time to time. When it comes to traveling with a wheelchair that stress is multiplied, but that doesn’t mean you can’t have an enjoyable time.

Wheelchair travel can be made less stressful with proper planning. In this post we’re going to go over some of the most helpful tips wheelchair-bound travelers can follow to make their next trip go as smooth as possible.

Top 4 Tips for Wheelchair Travel

Plan Excessively
There’s no such thing as too much planning when you’re traveling with a wheelchair. If you have a destination in mind for your next trip, do your homework and look up as much information as you can about the location. Research how accessible the location is in general and make note of the spots that offer full wheelchair accessibility. This way, when you’re out sightseeing or grabbing a bite to eat, you’ll know exactly where to go.

With that said, it’s also a good idea to plan accessible routes to get to the places you want to visit. Before embarking on your trip, know where you’re going, when you’re going, and how you’re going to get there. This also applies to getting to your hotel from the airport. It’s a good idea to have transportation arrangements made in advance because there’s no guarantee there will be wheelchair accessible vehicles there for you.

Planes & Airports
A pro tip for wheelchair travel is to ask for a seat behind the bulkhead when booking your flights. These seats offer extra leg room, which makes getting in and out of your seat much easier. The majority of major airlines offer pre-boarding for passengers with disabilities, so getting on the plane should not be a hassle. Having a comfortable seat once you get on the plane is the major concern. It’s a good idea to book direct flights whenever possible, it will be a much more pleasant trip since you won’t be boarding and unboarding multiple planes throughout the day.

Another little known fact about wheelchair travel is that the airline will ask for the dimensions of your wheelchair, as well as what type of battery is in it (if it’s powered). Airlines need this information to determine whether or not your wheelchair will fit in the cargo hold. Have this information ready at the time of booking so you can provide it right away, instead of having to call back and complete the booking later. It’s also good to have this information on you while you’re at the airport, because you might be asked for it again when you check in.

Accessible Hotels
When planning for wheelchair travel, it’s a must that your home base (i.e., hotel, Airbnb, etc.) be completely wheelchair accessible. Once you have decided where you’re going, make your hotel booking as soon as you can because it’s not uncommon for accessible rooms to get booked fast. If you’re unsure of where to book, look on some travel websites to see if any disabled travelers have left a review for the hotel. If you still have specific concerns in mind, there’s no harm in contacting the hotel by phone and asking them what you need to know. Ideally an accessible hotel should have a ramp at the front entrance, an elevator, and roll-in showers. If possible, opt for a hotel that’s relatively close to the places you will be visiting. This will make getting around the city a lot easier.

Have a Backup Plan
In addition to planning for what you expect to do on the trip, plan for the unexpected as well. What happens if your wheelchair malfunctions, breaks down, or just plain stops working? You don’t want to be stuck in that kind of situation without a plan, so keep those kinds of things in mind when planning your trip. To solve issues you might have with your wheelchair while traveling, it’s a good idea to bring a small repair kit with you. Also look into repair shops nearby that deal with mobility devices. We hope that’s not somewhere you’ll ever have to go on a trip, but it’s better to plan ahead than be stuck without a working wheelchair.

Conclusion
If there’s one takeaway to walk away with after reading this post it’s to have a well organized plan for your next trip. Traveling with a wheelchair doesn’t have to be a challenge. If you plan for everything in advance you’ll be prepared to make the most out of your trip. If you have any other tips for traveling with a wheelchair that we didn’t cover in this post, please share by leaving a comment below.

Mobility aids are typically reserved for one or two purposes: either the person needs them as part of a rehabilitation program when recovering from an injury, or they’re needed for long-term assistance when an individual has a difficulty with walking that’s more permanent.

Mobility aids are designed to perform one or more of the following functions:

• Allow for greater stability and balance through providing a wider base for support.
• Assist an individual with maintaining an even walking pattern.
• Help with maintaining an upright posture.
• Restore confidence in one’s walking ability.
• Redistribute weight carried by the legs to reduce joint and muscle pain.

In this post, we’ll provide information on the types of mobility aids that are available, beyond what’s available at Williams Lifts. We know you may need assistance throughout the day beyond what a stair lift and ramp can provide, and we want to help point you in the right direction.

Types of Mobility Aids

Walking Sticks
Walking sticks are well suited for those with slightly reduced balance. How it’s held will depend on the individual and whether they have one leg or one side stronger than the other. Walking sticks are available in metal, wooden, and folded varieties. There are even some walking sticks that can fold out in a seat so breaks can be taken when needed.

Tripod Cane and Quad Canes
These mobility aids are similar to walking sticks, but they have a three or four point base on the bottom for added stability. Because of this, they are able to stand on their own and are overall more stable than your standard walking stick. They are all made of some type of metal, usually aluminum or steel, and are fully adjustable thanks to spring-loaded catches on the shaft.

Crutches
Crutches are usually used after being recommended by a medical professional. In fact, we wouldn’t recommend the use of crutches unless you have spoken with your doctor or another healthcare professional about it first. These mobility aids are designed to be used in pairs, which means you need good coordination in order to use them correctly.

Walkers
These mobility aids are typically used by individuals with poor balance and/or weak legs. Walkers can transfer 64% of a person’s body weight throughout the arms of the frame, while a walking stick can only transfer 24% of the person’s body weight. Walkers are available in a wide variety of models, including models with 4 wheels, 2 wheels, or no wheels. For more information about walkers we recommend, please read our blog post on all the different types of walkers.

Conclusion

In addition to stair lifts, ramps, and power lift recliners, these are some of the major types of mobility aids available. If you’re still not sure which one is right for you, you can always visit a medical equipment supply store to try the various types of equipment for yourself.

Keep in mind that no matter what type of equipment you buy, regular maintenance of the equipment is highly recommended. We also recommend that you make sure your home is equipped for safe use of the equipment before bringing it home — that includes removing all potential hazards that might get in the way.

If you have questions about any of the mobility aids mentioned in this post, please contact us or leave a comment below.

A handicap parking permit can be issued to eligible individuals by the New Jersey Motor Vehicle Commission. You’re eligible to apply for a permit that allows you to park in handicap spaces if you have a permanent or temporary disability.

You Are Eligible to Apply for a Handicap Parking Permit If:

• You can no longer use one of your limbs, either because of paralysis, amputation, or another permanent disability.
• You cannot walk without the use of, or assistance from a brace, cane, crutch, another person, prosthetic device, wheelchair or other assistive device.
• You have a heart condition in which your ability to function is classified in severity as Class III or Class IV according to standards set by the American Heart Association.
• You have an arthritic, neurological, or orthopedic condition that limits your ability to walk.
• You are unable to walk 200 feet without needing to rest.

Types of Handicap Parking Permits

If you meet one or more of the eligibility requirements above, you can apply for either a permanent or temporary parking permit. These are easily identified with the permanent placard being blue, and the temporary placard being red. Keep in mind that before applying for a permit you must provide certification from a medical professional regarding your disability.

Here is some more information about the two types of parking permits:

1. Temporary Parking Permit

Those with temporary injuries or disabilities are best off applying for a temporary permit. It’s important to note that when applying you must do so in person to your local New Jersey police chief, not at the Motor Vehicle Commission as many would assume.

To apply, you must submit a completed Application for Temporary Placard (Form SP-68). With this application you must include the certification from your medical professional. There is also a $4 fee involved with submitting the application.

The temporary permit is valid for six months. If after that time you feel as though you’ll still need the permit, you can apply for another temporary permit for another six months. To do this you will need to have your doctor re-certify your injury, complete another application, and pay another $4 fee. If you lose or need to replace your temporary permit for any reason you must contact your local police chief in order to do so.

2. Permanent Parking Permit

Those with long-term disabilities are best off applying for a permanent permit. There are a few key differences between applying for a temporary permit and applying for a permanent permit. First off, the permit is issued by the Motor Vehicle Commission, not the local police chief. In addition, when applying for the permit you can do so either in person or by mail.

When you apply for a permanent parking permit you will also receive a “Person with a Disability” ID card, which is just as important to keep with you as the permit itself. To apply for the permit, you’ll need to submit The Application for Vehicle License Plates and/or Placard for Persons with a Disability (Form SP-41). With this application you’ll also need to attach the certification from your medical professional. If you’re applying for a wheelchair symbol license plate you will also need to provide a copy of your vehicle registration.

When everything is completed and put together, take it all to your local NJ MVC office or mail it to:

MVC
Special Plate Unit
P.O. Box 015
Trenton, NJ 08666

The benefit of applying in person is that you will receive the handicap parking permit on the same day. A mailed-in application could take up to 6 weeks to process.

Permanent permits are valid for up to 3 years. After 3 years you must renew your certification, which is completely free to do. All you have to do is get re-certified from your medical professional, complete another application, and submit it to your local NJ MVC office.

Conclusion

Applying for a handicap parking permit is so easy there’s no excuse not to do it. If you’re of limited mobility you deserve one of these permits to make parking one less obstacle in your life. If you have any other questions about how to apply for a handicap parking permit in NJ, please leave a comment below.

When looking for wheelchair friendly cars, there are a few key features you’re going to want to have on your checklist. In this post we’ll provide you with a basic overview of what makes a car wheelchair friendly, as well as suggest a few models that are known for their accessibility.

Your Checklist for Wheelchair Friendly Cars

If you want the best possible driving experience, look for these features which make vehicles more accessible:

• Keyless ignition systems
• Automatic transmission
• User-friendly console, preferably with touch screen controls
• Automatic locks and windows
• Automatically controlled seats
• Adjustable pedals
• Keyless entry
• Remote starter

In addition to these basic features, it’s also important to consider the cabin height of the vehicle. The individual in the wheelchair needs to have enough headroom to be able to comfortably enter and exit the vehicle.

If the wheelchair is going to be used while driving then the vehicle needs to come with removable front seats. You also need to consider whether there are enough tie-down points to keep the wheelchair upright while the vehicle is in motion. With these considerations in mind, let’s go over some of the wheelchair friendly cars on the market today.

Honda Odyssey
The Honda Odyssey is one of the most recommended vehicles for wheelchair-bound individuals because it can be easily modified to meet the accessibility needs of almost anyone. Not to mention it’s reliable and affordable for most people’s’ budgets. The VMI Summit edition Odyssey even comes standard with a foldout ramp.

Chevy Silverado
The Silverado’s unique hinge doors and wheelchair lift capabilities make it an attractive wheelchair-friendly option. Another reason why the Silverado comes highly recommended is because of GM’s Mobility Reimbursement Program, which will reimburse up to $1,000 for any mobility equipment installed on the vehicle.

Ford Mustang
For those looking for a little more speed and power under the hood, the Mustang is an unexpected contender for one of the most wheelchair friendly cars available. With features like hand controls, lifts, parking brakes, and steering devices the Mustang meets a lot of the requirements of our checklist. Like GM, Ford also has a reimbursement program for up to $1,000 on any mobility equipment installed on the vehicle.

Jeep Grand Cherokee
Looking for something for extended road trips? Then don’t rule out the Grand Cherokee built by a company who has demonstrated it has a vested interest in the accessibility market. This is made clear through the Grand Cherokee’s ability to be outfitted with almost anything you could need. Whether it’s lifts, running boards, removable seats, tie downs, and so on; nothing is out of the question.

No matter which of these wheelchair-friendly cars you decide to go with, pay careful attention to the terms of their reimbursement program. Every manufacturer is different. With some you’re eligible for a rebate for up to a year, with others it’s only 6 months. To get a quote on our equipment which is compatible with accessible vehicles, contact us for a free quote today.

Wheelchair exercises are designed for people with limited mobility to get the full benefit of a fitness routine. By adopting a creative approach, wheelchair exercises can help you overcome your physical limitations with a variety of enjoyable new ways to exercise.

Whether you have full mobility or limited mobility, a fitness routine should contain three distinct types of exercise. This is no different for wheelchair exercises — your routine should contain these essential exercise types:

• Cardiovascular: Also referred to as the abbreviated “cardio”, this includes exercises that raise your heart rate for an extended period of time.
• Strength: Includes exercises that involve the use of weights and other types of resistance training, designed to build muscle and bone mass.
• Flexibility: Includes exercises that help to improve your range of motion — such as stretching and yoga.

Wheelchair Exercises: Before You Begin

Before beginning any type of exercise routine you should always speak with your doctor and get their medical clearance. In addition, they may be able to suggest specific types of exercises you should focus on, and which you should stay away from.

“How often and how long should I exercise for?”

Since sedentary lifestyle are common in people with disabilities or long-term injuries, it’s important to make exercise a part of your regular weekly routine.

According to the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, adults with disabilities should aim for:

• At least 150 minutes a week of moderate-intensity, or 75 minutes a week of vigorous-intensity cardiovascular activity (or a combination of both), with each workout lasting for at least 10 minutes.
• Two or more sessions a week of moderate- or high-intensity strength-training activities involving all the major muscle groups.

If it’s not physically possible for you to meet those recommendations, do as much as you feel comfortable with. The important thing is getting some kind of regular physical activity.

Recommendations for Wheelchair Exercises

If you can, when performing wheelchair exercises try to use a chair that keeps your knees at 90 degrees when seated. If in a wheelchair, secure the brakes and ensure the chair is immobilized. Sit up straight while exercising, use your core (ab) muscles to keep good posture.

With that in mind, you’re ready to begin. Here are some suggestions for wheelchair exercises broken down by the three types listed above.

Cardiovascular Wheelchair Exercises

A series of repetitive movements while seated will raise your heart rate, burn calories, and also help to loosen up stiff joints.

Here are some recommendations:

• With a lightweight resistance band wrapped under your chair, you can perform rapid resistance exercises as a form of cardio exercise. Try starting with chest presses for a count of one second up and two seconds down with 20 to 30 reps per exercise.
• Simple air-punching, with or without hand weights, is an easy cardio exercise from a seated position, and can be fun when playing along with a Nintendo Wii or Xbox 360 video game.
• If you have some leg function, many community pools and health clubs offer pool-therapy programs for wheelchair users.
• Some gyms offer wheelchair-friendly cardio machines that allow you to do arm-bicycling and rowing.

Strength Training Wheelchair Exercises

Most of the traditional upper body exercises can be done from a seated position. All you need to have on hand is dumbbells, resistance bands, or anything else with weight that provides some kind of resistance.

Here are some recommendation:

• Shoulder presses, bicep curls, and triceps extensions. Aim for two to three sets of 8 to 12 reps for each, adding weight as necessary.
• Use resistance bands for pull-downs, shoulder rotations, and arm and leg-extensions. Follow a similar routine as noted above.

Flexibility Wheelchair Exercises

Our recommendation for a tremendous flexibility exercise is wheelchair yoga. This can help increase flexibility, improve your range of motion, and reduce the pain in your muscles that results from long periods of sitting.
For more information about wheelchair exercises, see our article about wheelchair yoga.