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About Mobility Networks 3

Latest developments in mobility to increase passenger safety 4 By Angelo D’Urso

Table of Contents

New chapters coming in May and September 2017!

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ABOUT

Bringing together the very best in wheelchair and passenger vehicle lifts, ramps and more, Mobility Networks combines global expertise with local knowledge to ensure all specified solutions deliver unsurpassed quality, reliability and suitability. This leading multi-national business consists of a talented team that spans the world to deliver your business a range of accessible vehicle products that are unsurpassed.

Regional experts committed to providing a complete consultancy service from specification to delivery will support all fleet managers, vehicle body builders, convertors and operators so that efficient installation and operation is ensured.

To remain competitive in the accessible vehicle industry, Mobility Networks understands that your business requires product ‘life value’, legislative and safety conformity that meets all the demands of modern day transportation.

Stringent testing of all Mobility Networks solutions provides utmost reliability and reduces possible risks associated with the transfer of wheelchair passengers.

The product specialists, R&D experts and technical engineers that supply Mobility Networks all have a common ethos – to deliver pioneering products that ensure safe moving and handling with trusted performance and peace of mind. This committed approach that meets the needs of both user and operator is also inherent in the working practices of Mobility Networks personnel. Every sales advisor, service engineer, training advisor and account manager located around the world takes pride in delivering a diligent service.

Whatever scale of order from single units to the fitting of complete fleets, customers can rest assured that every Mobility Networks representative will be focused on providing the right individualized access solution every time. Through global understanding of accessible vehicles and in-depth regional experience, Mobility Networks multi-lingual members provide a synergy of expertise that is second-to-none.

Visit www.mobilitynetworksgroup.com for more information!

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EQUAL ACCESS

Latest developments in mobility to increase passenger safety

During the 2016 Paralympics, we once again witnessed how the human spirit can be strong enough to overcome most physical barriers. In defiance of their impairments, Paralympians were able to inspire the whole world with their achievements. However, many challenges are yet to be overcome in the day to day lives of millions of people with disabilities around the world.

According to the World Health Organization, one in seven people globally experience disability and 70 million require a wheelchair, but only 5 to 15 percent actually have ac-cess to one. Legislation such as the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990 (ADA) in the U.S. and other anti-discrimination laws in the European Union and other countries have created a framework in the past two decades to guarantee equal opportunities to persons with disability or reduced mobility. In addition to meeting civil rights, this legislation made it possible for people with disabilities to enter the job market, helping many organizations to advance and compete in the global marketplace with their talent.

Access to accessible buses, taxis and trains is an important aspect of community integration and citizenship. And equally important is the work done by companies in the private sector to ensure an increased level of accessibility in personal and public transportation. Ramps and wheelchair lifts have been making the journey of people with reduced mobili-ty possible for over half a century, and are increasingly safer and more sophisticated. But many people with reduced mobility do not feel comfortable on a sometimes unstable platform, being lifted several feet from the ground onto buses and coaches; because of the extra attention that they receive from the general public who might be curious about the operation of such equipment, or perhaps because of the lack of training of drivers or operators in using ramps and lifts.

But despite all of these daily struggles to get around, technological breakthroughs are making the travel experience safer and more reliable for people with reduced mobility. Manufacturers such as Mobility Networks, based in Europe with offices around the world in Australia, Denmark, Romania, Italy, United Kingdom and our largest facility in Toronto heading the North American market, have developed lifts with larger and wider platforms to make the passenger experience more comfortable. The way that passenger feels when being transported is taken into account by a top engineering team, and as a result their lifts offer a smooth speed of travel, are equipped with side guards, handrails, and the StopSafe lift barrier that includes safety belts which provide maximum usage of the lift platform and extra safety for passengers. In addition, their equipment has minimum re-flective tape, which can have the appearance of commercial lifts when used in excess and is not appreciated by passengers. The same goes for warning buzzers with lower volume and different sound tones, plus discreet LEDs used in subtle ways wherever possible.

Lifts and stretchers can be operated without the requirement to access the underside of the passenger, to ensure minimum disruption to the passenger during lift operation.

With the view of avoiding accidents, Mobility Networks have also developed the world’s first automatic door barrier, launched in the late 90’s, the new generation of barriers is more aesthetically pleasing, fitted with high visibility colors and decals. It protects both passengers and drivers when an accessible vehicle’s doors are open. The barrier arm can be automatically activated before a passenger lift is operated so that the vehicle door is appropriately blocked.

These incremental innovations in the accessible transportation industry have played a major role in making it possible for people with reduced mobility to engage in all aspects of social life, giving hope of a better future not only to those who are inspired to become Paralympians one day, but for a more equal and fair society.

Angelo D’Urso is CEO of Mobility Networks North America. Visit www.mobilitynetworksgroup.com for more information. Facts in this article were sourced from the World Report on Disability: www.who.int/disabilities/world_report.

By Angelo D’Urso

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