Get In Gear for People In Motion

By Tracy Fawcett-Bell

Where can you find a wheelchair accessible motorcycle, the latest in vehicle conversion technology, a fishing rod that retrieves itself and a line on a new job all under one roof?

People in Motion 1990!

The largest Canadian exhibition specifically for disabled and elderly persons will be at Exhibition Place in Toronto, on June 1 and 2, featuring the best and brightest in new products, services, and technology.

Co-sponsored by the Ontario Ministry of Transportation and Volkswagen Canada Inc., People in Motion is geared to a wide range audience. There is something in this show for every interest, whether you have a disability, have a friend or relative with limited mobility, or you work in the business.

“People in Motion is the only major event in Canada that will combine mobility, or you work in the business.

“People in Motion is the only major event in Canada that will combine mobility innovations with an important venue for career options available to both health care professionals and disabled individuals in one location at the same time,” says exhibits chairman and show producer, Dave Abbott.

Exhibit categories include new technology, innovative transportation, walking and mobility aids, barrier-free living, recreation, clothing, and career training.

Volkswagen will feature prominently in the show with their new vehicle conversion program that enables disabled persons to enjoy the driving pleasures of a Volkswagen. On display will be two fully converted Vanagons – a dual entry adaption and multi-purpose model that opens the door to increased recreational opportunities.

While focusing primarily on safety, the Ministry of Transportation will also provide information on their accessible taxi program, the driver’s guide for disabled persons and the new disabled persons parking permit program. There will also be exhibits where driving skills and knowledge can be tested.

“Technical devices, computer applications and a variety of inventions by smaller companies will generate a lot of interest for general participants, as well as manufacturers and distributors who will also be in attendance,” Abbott said.

New product offerings in wheelchairs, along with prototypes of personal transportation devices for airports, train stations and bus terminals will also be exhibited at the show.

The Employment Equity section of People in Motion will feature a wide variety of corporations and government agencies interested in informing disabled persons of their policies and practices in this area. Canadian Broadcasting Corporation, the Bank of Montreal, and Consumer’s Gas will be among the participants.

“Some companies will actually be present to recruit applicants on site,” says Abbott, adding that others will be on hand to provide information on training and educational requirements.

The recreational area will highlight unique products and services such as a six wheel all-terrain vehicle and stabilized canoes designed to enhance accessibility to the outdoors.

Para Med Exercise Equipment of Mississippi will be offering their para Gym 1000 as a draw prize. Anyone who registers at the Para Med display during the show will get a chance to win this state-of-the-art system, described as the first affordable upper body exercise program designed for the independent-minded wheelchair user.

The show site (the Art, Crafts and Hobbies Building, Exhibition Place) is fully wheelchair-accessible, including lowered telephone and special washroom facilities. And in keeping with the People in Motion’s access theme, admission is free.

Interested? Get yourself in gear and come on out to People in Motion June 1 and 2. It’s a show you just can’t afford to miss.

Ontario Made Accessible

Since 1987,the Ontario Ministry of Transportation has been working with provincial municipalities and private industries to provide a wide range of transportation services for disabled and elderly persons.

The most exciting breakthrough has been the launch of The Ministry’s Wheelchair Accessible Taxi Program.

“We’ve started a whole new industry in Ontario. It’s good for the people…and ultimately will be good for business,” says project manager Dave Hanes, adding that the programis an integral part of the Ontario Government’s commitment to improve transportation services for individuals with special mobility needs.

Designed to compliment existing transportation services, the taxis’ greatest plus is the advantage of organizing “last minute” excursions without having to book ahead of time. And for many patrons, it’s a relief to know a ride is available 24 hours a day-weekends and holidays included.

To help get the accessible taxis on the road, the Ministry of Transportation offers incentive grants to operators to encourage them to incorporate the vehicles into their fleets.

“The taxi program offers economic benefits to the private sector and at the same time creates the opportunity for potential cost savings in the delivery and improved efficiency of traditional provincially-funded transportation systems. They compliment each other, really,” Hanes said.

The accessible vehicle is based on a Chrysler mini-van Chassis. It can provide transportation for two wheelchair patrons, three ambulatory passengers or a combination of both. The vehicles are manufactured in Cambridge, Ontario, by Creative Carriage and Mount Royal, Quebec, by Care Concepts.

The vehicles’ manual ramps make them wheelchair accessible. Special devices secure both the wheelchair and the passenger during the trip, so there is no need to transfer from a wheelchair.

In addition, the low step facilitates boarding for patrons who have difficulty climbing up onto the first “big step” of a conventional bus. The spacious interior and wide entrance allow all passengers, disabled or not, to board easily and in a dignified manner.

“From the start, the response from the disabled community,, operators and municipal officials across the province has been very encouraging,” said Hanes.

Rental Vehicles

Thrifty Car Rental in Kitchener-Waterloo has also joined the barrier-free band wagon with its launch of the province’s first accessible rental vehicle.

“We sensed there was a genuine need for this kind of vehicle that could be rented by individuals or organizations wishing to transport relatives, friends and those in chronic care institutions to special functions. But the response from as far afield as Saskatchewan and the United States, from disabled persons who are planning holidays in Ontario, has encompassed a far larger field than we originally envisaged,” said President Ross MacLean.

While the accessible rental vehicle is now only available from Thrifty Car Rental in Kitchener-Waterloo, if successful, the program could be introduced in other areas of the province.

It started with accessible taxis. Now, barrier-free rental vehicles. Together with existing transportation systems, the Ministry of Transportation will continue to provide accessible travel options for Ontario’s disabled citizens-options that will keep this province on the mobility map.

Designed for individuals who use wheelchairs, Cottle Industries of Muscatine, Iowa presents the Chariot. Powered by a Honda engine, this three-wheeled vehicle can reach speeds of 50 km/h. The Chariot is distributed in Canada by Hunt’s Convalescent of Rexdale, Ontario.

(Below), Dutcher Corporation of San Marcos, California will be attending the show to reintroduce their PTV. The new vehicle has undergone extensive redesign for the Canadian market.

(Above left), this accessible taxi, manufactured by Creative Carriage Ltd. of Cambridge, Ontario provides transportation for two wheelchair patrons, three ambulatory passengers or a combination of both. Accessible taxis are available in 21 cities across the province.

Smith Falls resident Elain Wolfe gets behind the wheel of her newly converted Chevrolet Blazer. The conversion, by K.V.B. Manufacturing of Smith falls, Ontario, does not significantly change the original appearance of the vehicle.

For more information:

David Hanes
Transportation for Disabled & Elderly Persons
Ministry of Transportation
1201 Wilson Avenue
Downsview, Ontario M3M 1J8
Voice (416) 235-3983
TDD: (416) 235-4986