As a Personal Assistant (PA) and carer, my priority is ensuring the safety, comfort, and well-being of the person I support. Being a PA for a disabled person is a deeply rewarding role, but it comes with significant responsibilities, especially when it comes to travel. From preparing for health episodes to managing long drives, the logistics can be complex. That’s why access to a high-quality wheelchair accessible vehicle (WAV) is a game-changer.
The Need For Accessible Vehicle Hire
Planning trips isn’t always simple. For us, it involves navigating accessibility challenges, managing complex care needs, and ensuring we always have two PAs available for longer journeys. With Open Road Access (ORA), we’ve found a transport partner that understands these realities. Their WAV rental service is flexible, responsive, and truly tailored to the needs of both disabled passengers and their carers.
Having a reliable, spacious vehicle takes the pressure off, allowing us to focus on enjoying the journey rather than just surviving it.
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Comfort, Safety, And Space
What sets ORA apart from other vehicle hire companies is the attention to comfort, space, and safety. Their WAVs are designed not only to accommodate a wheelchair securely but also to make the experience better for everyone onboard — drivers and passengers alike.
The layout provides ample room for stretching out, featuring secure wheelchair restraints, accessible seating, and space for luggage or medical equipment. Knowing that the person I support is seated safely and comfortably, with a carer close by, gives me peace of mind on long trips.
And as a driver, I appreciated how smooth and car-like the ride felt — a big difference from the bulky, van-like WAVs we’ve hired in the past. They offer automatic and manual transmissions, as well as driving adaptations in some vehicles, providing more people with access to independence on the road.
Visibility And Support
One of my biggest concerns during travel is not being able to see the person I support, especially in the event of a health episode. ORA’s team helped me choose a WAV, which allowed me to stay close and responsive, and that kind of peace of mind is invaluable.
Having enough space for carers and passengers to sit side by side means that medical care, reassurance, or even just a hand to hold is always within reach. That makes a massive difference during longer journeys or unfamiliar routes.
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Seamless Experience From Start To Finish
The whole vehicle hire experience with ORA was designed to be stress-free. Their courtesy calls, vehicle tracking, and friendly delivery drivers made everything simple. Because I couldn’t leave the person I support unattended, the ability to have the WAV delivered and collected from our door, fully fueled, was not just convenient; it was essential.
The ORA team was patient, knowledgeable, and went the extra mile to demonstrate how to use the wheelchair ramp, fasten the restraints, and safely secure the chair. That human touch matters – especially for carers who may be hiring a WAV for the first time.
Summary
Hiring a wheelchair-accessible vehicle from Open Road Access has transformed my perspective on travel. It’s no longer something we dread or avoid. With ORA, travel is more comfortable, more flexible, and far less exhausting.
I could also ensure younger PAs were part of the trip, as the driving could be shared — something that’s not always possible with more complex vehicles. Knowing that we had support, safety, and comfort built into our travel plans changed the experience for all of us.
For carers and families supporting individuals with disabilities, ORA’s WAV hire service is not just practical — it’s empowering. They understand the full picture, not just the transport bit. And that understanding makes all the difference.
