Custom Sprinter Wheelchair Conversion Van Can Also Be Used as a Camper
Recently we filmed a video with Luc showing how his Dodge Sprinter conversion van can be used as both a wheelchair passenger van and a camper alternative to an expensive and gas-guzzling motor home. The van is equipped with a wheelchair lift and an EZ-lock system to securely lock a wheelchair in the passenger side of the van. The van has a few basic camper facilities such as a microwave, a refrigerator, a sink, a water tank with an external water hookup for refilling at a campground, a ceiling fan, storage cabinets, window shades, 110V electrical power outlet and two solar panels on top of the roof to keep the batteries charged. There is room for two people to sleep in the back of the van and a ceiling lift makes it easy to do transfers between a wheelchair and the bed.
Luc and his wife have two dogs that can safely come along for the ride because there is room underneath one of the beds to secure two dog crates. The Sprinter van is quite a bit larger than standard minivans, which leaves Luc some room to maneuver around in his wheelchair, something he hasn’t been able to in any other van.
Watch the video below to check out the interior of the conversion van and the wheelchair accessible features. And for more information read our earlier article about Camping in a Dodge Sprinter Van.
Wheelchair or Tank?
I’m not sure whether this should be classified as a wheelchair or a tank… take a look and let us know what you think!
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hsyDqlRrSWE&feature=fvsr
More Extreme Wheelchair Stunts with Aaron Fotheringham
Aaron Fotheringham has taken a fact of life for him – being in a wheelchair – and converted that into something that can show others the power of resilience. In the first 20 seconds of this video, Aaron falls or crashes several times. It’s not the crashes that are important, though. It’s that he gets back up, keeps trying new tricks, and has almost single-handedly created the extreme sport of hardcore sitting.
We think Aaron is great and hope he keeps trying tricks and keeps living his dream.
Turn Your Wheelchair into a Hand Cycle in 30 Seconds
Ok, this one is short and sweet, but I think it’s an awesome demonstration of a really great device. Rio Mobility makes the Dragonfly – a hand cycle wheelchair attachment that takes less than 30 seconds to connect – and you can connect it while you are in your wheelchair.
Rio Mobility also makes an electric hand cycle attachment and seems to be creating some really innovative wheelchair products. We definitely recommend taking a look at their site just to see some of the cool stuff they’ve come up with.
What do you think? Would you want to use a hand cycle attachment like this one? Let us know!
A Thought-Controlled Wheelchair
Sometimes you see things that make you believe the Sci-Fi future is coming along much more quickly than we expected.
This thought-controlled wheelchair is one of those things. With just a week of training, a computer system can be synced to a person’s brain patterns, allowing that person to control a wheelchair through thought alone.
With approximately 95% accuracy, and fail-safe mechanisms built in, this invention could potentially provide increased ease of mobility to persons with severe spinal cord injuries. Although it isn’t ready to be introduced to the general public yet, the prospect that this type of device is on the horizon is really encouraging.
What do you think – would you be willing to trust a machine controlled only by your thoughts? I think it’s exciting, but kind of scary too.
What’s YOUR Excuse?
I need to keep this video queued up to watch every single time I am feeling sorry for myself, or feeling like saying “I can’t” or “no.”
Normally I can’t stand commercials but this one is brilliant. Have a look:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=myDYE49KPlQ&feature=related
Disabled Sports USA
I love coming across videos like this because what you see is the power of the human spirit, and the willingness of people to help others improve their outlook and their lives.
“Disabled Sport USA’s mission is to provide national leadership and opportunities for individuals with disabilities to develop independence, confidence, and fitness through participation in community sports, recreation and educational programs.”
Take a look at the video, and if you feel inspired, you may want to take a look at the Disabled Sports USA web site.
Disabled Sports USA from Shannon Falter on Vimeo.
Wheelchair Dancing with the Axis Dance Company
A few years ago I had the opportunity to see a performance of the Axis Dance Company. I’m not usually the type of person that really enjoys modern dance performances, but the premise of the Axis Dance Company really intrigued me: blending performers in wheelchairs and with mobility disabilities with able-bodied dancers. Their mission is to make dance accessible to all – and they do it in a creative, innovate, and often beautiful way.
They have several videos up on YouTube so I’ll let the dancing speak for itself, but I will encourage you to take a look and see what is being done to push the boundaries of the perceived limitations of the disabled. The work of the Axis Dance Company is inspiring to watch.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IMIgEO4vmcY&feature=related
Disabled Breakdancers You Have to See to Believe
These guys not only overcome their disabilities – they take advantage of them and create something new in their art form.
I was just blown away when I watched this video. You have to see it to get how amazing these guys are – it’s disabled guys breakdancing. And kicking butt at it, too. The crowd is going nuts for some of the moves they are pulling off, and seeing these guys maximize their abilities, and make the most of what they have to work with is totally inspiring.
I’ve had a grin on my face all morning since watching this.
You can see the video on Youtube here: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0b_9rhnn1r4
How Do You Select the Right Wheelchair?
Greg is a quadriplegic who has put a lot of videos up around his disability and how to modify his home and lifestyle to better accommodate his needs. We’ve found a lot of benefit from watching these, and wanted to share this one on how to select a wheelchair, and Greg even demonstrates his standing wheelchair. We hope you find it useful – and if you have any tips or experience you’d be willing to share from your own experiences with choosing wheelchairs, leave a comment! We’d love to hear from you!
