NMEDA: An Invaluable Resource for Caregivers and Their Loved Ones

This is a Sponsored Post written by me on behalf of NMEDA. All opinions are 100% mine.

Are you a caregiver for someone with a disability? If yes, then you should get to know The National Mobility Equipment Dealers Association (NMEDA), where you can get tons of useful information about driving and equipment safety for disabled people. Even if the situation doesn't apply to you now, I think it wise to bookmark their website for future reference.

NMEDA is a non-profit trade association of mobility equipment dealers, driver rehabilitation specialists, and other professionals dedicated to broadening the opportunities for people with disabilities to drive or be transported in vehicles modified with mobility equipment. They educate consumers on buying products from a NMEDA qualified dealer.

All NMEDA members are required to adhere to the safety standards of the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration. NMEDA dealers (members) are the ones who sell handicap vans and vehicle modifications for disabled people. All members work together to improve transportation options of people with disabilities.

NMEDA provides a step-by-step purchase guide on their website, along with advice for drivers/passengers who use a wheelchair or scooter, and their caregivers. Since no two people with a disability are exactly the same, they suggest having a personalized “in-person” evaluation to make sure you are getting the right driving solution customized to your specific lifestyle and needs. If you need additional training or product refinements, you can ask a NMEDA dealer near you for help.

NMEDA also has a Quality Assurance Program (QAP), the only nationally recognized accreditation program for the Adaptive Mobility Equipment Industry. It is based on the principle that in order to satisfy customers consistently, companies must have a systematic and documented approach to quality. QAP dealers are held to the highest industry standards. When you buy from a QAP dealer, you can expect enhanced vehicle modification and adaptive equipment installation with the highest level of performance and safety.

You can easily find a qualified NMEDA dealer near you by using the dealers locator on nmeda.org. I'm happy to find out that there are five dealers in my vicinity, four of which are QAP dealers. Feel free to let me know if you have any problem locating one.