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Family Independence with a Wheelchair Accessible Van

For someone with a disability, simple every day tasks can become challenging without the independence a wheelchair accessible van can provide.  Independence and the ability to create family memories came in the form of a wheelchair accessible van conversion for Nova Scotia residents Roxanne and her ten year-old son, Justin.

Justin has Spina Bifida, a condition that affects fetuses during early development, usually resulting in varying degrees of paralysis.  In Justin's case, he is paralysed from the waist down.

Although Roxanne is often home with Justin, opportunities for them to take part in activities outside the home were restricted due to the lack of suitable transportation.  Both mother and son were able to use their local para transit service known as the CHAD bus.  Run by the Central Highland Association of the Disabled, Justin needed the CHAD bus for transportation to and from medical treatments; however, the CHAD buses were simply too expensive and time-consuming.

"It costs $200 to go on the CHAD bus every time we have to visit the IWK Hospital in Halifax and it must be scheduled well in advance", notes Roxanne.

The Frustrating Hunt for a Handicap Minivan

In 2008, Roxanne was granted $20,000 from President's Choice Children's Charity to help purchase a wheelchair accessible van, but her location made it almost impossible to test drive or purchase an accessible handicap minivan.  After many difficult experiences using a side-entry van, Roxanne knew she needed better options.  Through her research into local dealerships that sold unmodified vans, Roxanne discovered the cost of converting a van with a ramp was costly.

At just the right time, Roxanne met Lisa Conway.  Lisa had just recently been through the process of purchasing a handicap accessible minivan.  The two women became good friends when Lisa offered to give Roxanne and Justin a ride to a Halloween party at the local YMCA.  When Lisa arrived with a rear-entry wheelchair accessible van that allowed Justin to enter quickly and safely, Roxanne was convinced she'd found her answer:

"Lisa had this folder with her – it was all about Liberty Motor Company!  Before I had Lisa's help, I didn't know where to go or who to ask.  It helped a lot to find a person who understood what I was going through."

Armed with the information about accessible handicap minivans from Liberty Motor Co, Roxanne called the company's toll-free line in October, 2008 and spoke with Mobility Specialist, Dave Mandic.

"I found Dave wonderfully helpful!  He sent me e-mails and kept me updated often.  He was easy to talk to and he understood the problems we faced.  He was very willing to help and that made a big difference in my being sure I was purchasing the right van for Justin and I," Roxanne notes.

After discussing Roxanne and Justin's needs, Dave sent various quotes on in-stock vehicles, including what he thought would be best for Justin.  To meet Roxanne's budget, Dave worked with the family's social worker and the funding coordinator for the IWK Health Centre, Lisa Scott.  Between the four of them, they were able to work out a price that Roxanne could afford.  The IWK then raised $5,380 in donations.  Along with donations from family and friends, Roxanne had enough to supplement her grant.

Independence Made Easy with a Wheelchair Accessible Van

Roxanne and Justin were overjoyed when their silver 2004 rear-entry Dodge Grand Caravan arrived home in New Glasgow, Nova Scotia on January 26th, 2009.

"When Justin got in all by himself, I stood in the yard with my neighbour and cried tears of joy.  It was the first time in a long time that I felt independent to be able to do the things we both wanted and needed to do together."

On their very first trip in the modified van, Roxanne and Justin invited his cousin, Kane, to come along.

"It was the first time they'd ever been able to go anywhere together.  It was an amazing feeling for them to sit together and pop a movie into the DVD player!  We never heard a peep out of either of them", recalls Roxanne.

The children's enthusiasm continued when they arrived at the store.

"It was the first time for Justin and he was going up and down the aisles, picking things off the shelves by the armful!  Before that van, I would go by myself and ask if he wanted anything.  Now, he can go with me!"

Peace of Mind with a Rear-Entry Wheelchair Accessible Van

The wheelchair accessible van has given the family the independence they desired and Roxanne has gained peace of mind as a parent.  Justin faced many challenges at school before his wheelchair van conversion.  Justin's illness caused him to have bladder and bowel problems and so he had to be catheterized each day at noon.  When his school ended the lunch time bus, Roxanne had no simple way to transport Justin home for the necessary treatment.  She was forced to reserve, wait for, pay for and take the CHAD bus to school to complete his daily treatments.  One day when Justin was suffering a bad urinary tract infection, Roxanne had to call her sister to come to the school and help her lift and transport Justin home. This incident confirmed her worst fears as a mother.

"Because of my son's situation, he could have become very sick.  With the van, I know I can get him home or to treatment, and that's a huge relief for both of us!" notes Roxanne.

Before their special rear-entry wheelchair accessible van, converted by Liberty Motor Company, travel was time-consuming, expensive and difficult.  Now the family has the independence to take Justin wherever he wants to go.

"Justin is very outgoing, and he's non-stop now!  For the first time in our lives, I'm not dependent on someone else to stay with him while I run errands or asking someone to pick up things for us.  A lot of the fear is gone and our independence is back.  We're doing everything that other people take for granted.  Our van has given us so much liberty!"

 

About the Author

Liberty Motor Company is a leading manufacturer of wheelchair accessible Minivans; providing safe, comfortable and affordable mobility solutions that fit your needs. Their strong dealer network has helped them serve thousands of satisfied customers across North America.Click here to request your Liberty Motor Company Brochure.