Losing the freedom to travel and perform daily errands can be the most frustrating thing to many that suffer from a disability.  Relying on others to provide transportation, as well as assistance getting in and out of vehicles, can be discouraging.  Aside from the difficulties that you experience with regular vehicles, there is also the matter of storing your wheelchair or scooter while riding.

You can find a solution that works for you, as long as you're willing to do a little searching and a little sacrificing.  There is certainly a wheelchair van that can fit your specific needs, and you just need to find it.  Wheelchair vans can be almost any size and style, from full size conversion vans, to sport utility vehicles, to minivans.  These handicap vans are regular vehicles that have been customized to create extra room for wheelchairs, as well as mobility solutions for the disabled.

You can certainly find many of these handicap vans available for purchase.  Several of these vans even come luxuriously appointed with upgraded interiors and mobility accessories.  Of course, they can be very expensive, so you might consider purchasing a used version or a more functional version, with assurances that these offer safety features that are just as effective as those found in the more expensive models.  Even with the less expensive options, you might find that you just can't afford the purchase of a new vehicle.  After all, automobile purchases are major expenditures.

There is another way.  If you foresee the need for a handicap van only on rare occasions, then you might consider wheelchair accessible van rentals.  There are many Iowa dealers and rental car agencies that can provide accessible vehicles for hours, weekends, or even full weeks.  This can allow you to take the guesswork out of financing a vehicle, and start concentrating on other ways to achieve your independence.

If you're looking for wheelchair accessible van rentals in Iowa, you can turn to the Internet, or you can find dealers and rental agencies in the phone book.  Be sure to ask all of the pertinent questions about safety and mobility features, and even schedule a time when you can test drive the vehicle.  It is important that you are comfortable and familiar with all of the mobility products, including any hand controls, seat transfers, and wheelchair lifts that the wheelchair accessible van rental may include.