Passenger Assessment
Passenger assessment, or access assessment for vehicles, determines how wheelchair-friendly a vehicle is in terms of getting in and out, remaining seated, and storage capacity. The assessment is unique to each person and their needs and is vehicle specific. Assessments are usually carried out by an occupational therapist or other healthcare professional in a relevant field.
The assessor will consider:
- The passenger’s physical ability
- The passenger’s medical condition
- The passenger’s prognosis
- The challenges specific to the passenger and the vehicle concerned
- The passenger’s seating position and safety in either the front or back seats
- All possible safety issues
- Storage capacity for a wheelchair or scooter
- The carer’s position in the vehicle relative to the passenger (ability to provide care is not impeded, and the carer is safely and comfortably seated)
- All adaptations possible to accommodate safety and lifestyle requirements
- Recommendations for alternative vehicles if necessary
When it comes to wheelchair accessible vehicles (WAVs), the following features are important:
Travelling position (applicable to front and back seating)
It’s important that the space be sufficient for the passenger to sit upright safely without the risk of bumping their head on anything regardless of the state of the road. Ideally, passengers should be able to see comfortably out of the windows without craning their necks or putting undue strain on any other part of their body.
Seating should allow passengers to participate in conversation with others in the vehicle, in both the front and back. The position shouldn’t be isolating.
Note: It’s often easier and cheaper to adapt a car so that the wheelchair is in the back. Front seating requires more extensive work and is usually more expensive.
Accessibility (getting in and out)
Depending on the mobility of the passenger and the type and size of the wheelchair or scooter, tailgate accessibility may be preferred to a single side door, or a sliding side door may provide the easiest access.
An important consideration here is the passenger’s level of independence and whether or not you have other people to help you assist the passenger. If mobility is severely limited and you don’t often have other people travelling with you, then you might want an automated ramp and/or lift for your passenger.
The controls for the ramp and lift should be easy to operate and easy to reach.
Space required (the size of the vehicle)
To assess this, you need to think about how many people usually travel with you. You then need to think about seating configuration. Do you need remove all of the back seats to leave space free for a large wheelchair, or will folding chairs provide enough space for a wheelchair when needed?
Where will you put things like shopping bags, equipment, and medical aid kits? These items need to be stowed safely and securely out of the wheelchair’s way.
WAVs come in all sizes and many standard cars can be adapted to accommodate one or more wheelchairs with enough space for some normal seats.
Safety
Passengers in wheelchairs need to be strapped in just like the other people in the car. Standard seat belts aren’t always an option, however, so you need to think about the best position for tie down straps.
Wheelchair users can’t fasten tie downs on their own, so either you need to be whiz with the straps or you need to travel with an assistant who can help you.
Tip: Check the tie down straps regularly to ensure they are always in good condition. Straps that are frayed should be replaced immediately. Check the buckles, hooks, and clasps to ensure they always click solidly into place. Tighten anything that’s loose and if it won’t tighten any more, replace it immediately.