This post brought to you by National Mobility Equipment Dealers Association. The content and opinions expressed below are that of Baby to Boomer Lifestyle.
I don’t mention it often, and I don’t think I’ve ever called it by name here, but I have Multiple Sclerosis (MS). I usually just call it a “neurological disorder” here because I’ve been hesitant to have it become a label for me. I’ve been very fortunate that in the fifteen years since I first started having symptoms my mobility, though impaired by fatigue, numbness, and muscle weakness has never been more than an inconvenience. But that’s not the case for many MS patients, and I know at any time my status can change as well.
Because of this, I’ve paid attention to what’s going on in the mobility sector in case my physical disability advances and I need the assistance of a wheelchair or other mobility device. But while I have always known that someday I might need a scooter or wheelchair for long distances, I’ve never wanted to think about the possibility of needing either of them full-time because with that comes the question about transferring, driving, and transporting myself. For that, the MS Society has recommended the services of the National Mobility Equipment Dealers Association (NMEDA) whose goal is to improve the lives of individuals with disabilities (Source: Driving with Multiple Sclerosis (PDF), MS Society).
Who is the NMEDA?
But who is the NMEDA? They’re a non-profit trade association whose members work together to enhance the transportation choices for people with disabilities including safe driving options and vehicle modifications to fit their particular needs. It was originally formed as the Florida Association of Mobility Equipment Dealers, but in 1989 they opened up membership nationwide and became the National Mobility Equipment Dealers Association. There are currently over 600 members which include driver rehabilitation specialists, mobility equipment dealers, and other mobility industry professionals throughout the US and Canada.
The NMEDA has been working to establish industry standards for the safety, accessibility, and reliability of adaptive mobility equipment. They also serve to raise awareness of the variety of options that are available. Through the use of quality wheelchair user accessible vehicles, their goal is to unify and improve the mobility equipment industry to support people with disabilities so that they can lead happy, healthy and more mobile lives.
Getting There: Staying Mobile with MS Part 3 – National MS Society
The MS Society put together the video, Getting There: Staying Mobile with MS Part 3 – National MS Society, which includes information on maintaining your mobility including an adaptable van and the benefits its brought to several MS suffers as well as other adaptive devices designed specifically for people with MS symptoms.
Getting There: Staying Mobile with MS Part 3 – National MS Society
NMEDA can assist with wheelchair user accessible vehicles and mobility equipment that can give back a person’s independence. Through the NMEDA QAP (Quality Assurance Program™ ) they guarantee a personal Accredited Dealer will work with you so that you receive the equipment you need which can include wheelchair ramps, transfer seats and seating solutions, hand controls and steering aids, wheelchair securement and tie downs, scooter lifts, and special acceleration and braking solutions for adaptive vehicles.
What Are The Benefits of Working with an NMEDA QAP Dealer?
The benefit of working with an NMEDA QAP dealer is that members are required to adhere to current safety standards of the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration and Transport Canada as well as follow the guidelines as required by the NMEDA, and they’re required to participate in the QAP. Through this program, they provide in-person evaluations, specialized training on your equipment, plus 24-hour local emergency roadside service. They can also connect you with a Certified Driver Rehabilitation Specialist (CDRS) for additional assistance in determining the specific modified equipment needed for you and then they’ll use that information to complete your personalized modifications.
NMEDA QAP accredited technicians are located in the US and Canada, and they’re read to make sure that any vehicle that’s modified is done so to the highest standards to provide safe and reliable transportation. Additionally, once you’ve made your purchase, the dealer can assist you in applying for mobility reimbursements (when available), and because the NMEDA’s priority is to ensure the safety and satisfaction of each of their clients, they offer a mediation process should you have an issue with your dealer.
How Do I Locate an NMEDA Dealer?
Visit the NMEDA Dealer Locator, enter your postal code, and click on find. You’ll be provided with the contact information for the NMEDA mobility dealers nearest you.
I hope that if you or a family member needs services in mobility and accessibility you’ll check out the NMEDA. I think you’ll find they offer a wealth of information and services. I know they’ll be there should I need them as well.
Photo Credit: NMEDA
This is so nice. I hate to see people with physical difficulties having problems with cars. I love this technology.
It’s nice to be able to know where to go for resources if you need them. Thank you for the information in the post!
What a great company. So glad they are available here in Florida as well.
I love that more and more resources like these are becoming available. Nobody should be held back because of a disability. There should be resources available to help everyone with their needs.
Now this is what I call great service for our disabled friends. I sincerely hope these programs and volunteers don’t stop from developing and being marketed for widespread help.
This is an awesome project and it’s definitely going to help a lot of people, that’s for sure. It would be nice to be able to help out and be a part of it and raise awareness for people who need this the most!
These options are fantastic. I had a friend who had to use this as well. He was so blessed to have all of this available to him.
It’s so wonderful that mobility options are becoming easier to access for people with disabilities. Nobody should be hindered in where they can go because of transportation issues.
I would definitely make sure to go to a NMEDA dealer. I would want to make sure the safety and accessibility features are good quality.
That seems like such a great resource. I will have to pass it on to my friend with Rheumatoid arthritis.
So glad to see these type of options available! It’s nice to see and everyone deserves to have more accessible things in life.
When you are in a wheelchair, it can be so hard to go places regularly. Vehicles like this make it so much easier.
I love that they have these options available, allows everyone to lead a happier and active life!
I could not imagine having to deal with mobility equipment issues on top of MS. How wonderful that there is an organization willing to assist.
That is such a great idea! It’s so much more easily accessible that most of the setups you see most of the time. I want to see these go mainstream.
That’s great to see an automotive company that is willing to work with you to keep you mobile. I am sure that MS is tough to deal with as it is. Not being able to get around would make it that much worse.