NEW ENGLAND MOBILITY DEALER

Thursday, September 27, 2012

Assistive Technology Loan Programs by State

AT loan Programs by State

Our goal for the past 25 and next 25+ years here at Automotive Innovations Bridgewater, MA, Massachusetts, is to provide our customers with access to the best sales, service and repair for all the leading wheelchair accessible mobility vehicles, hand controls and devices that can offer you greater freedom and independence. We are your New England adaptive dealer and offer a full line of VMI wheelchair accessible vans, or Vantage Mobility International products, and we have a team of Certified Mobility Consultants who are always ready to help you learn about the benefits and features of full sized handicap vans, new and used wheelchair vehicles, Ricon lifts, adaptive mobility equipment, and more.

Automotive Innovations

292 Bedford St

Bridgewater, MA 02324

508-697-8324

www.bridgewatemobility.com

Alabama

Alabama Ability Loan Program
Southern Disability Foundation
P.O. Box 20752
Montgomery, AL 36120-0752
Phone: (334) 613-3480
TTY: (334) 613-3519
Web: www.alford@rehab.alabama.gov

Assistive Technology Program
Alaska Division of Vocational Rehabilitation
801 West 10th Street, Suite A
Juneau, Alaska 99801
United States
800-478-2815 or 907-465-6969.
Email: sean_obrien@labor.state.ak.us.
Web: www.labor.state.ak.us/at.

Arizona

Arizona Loans for Assistive Technology Program
Northern Arizona University
Institute for Human Development
4105 North 20th Street, Suite 260
Phoenix, AZ 85016
Phone: (602) 728-9532
Phone: (800) 477-9921
TTY: (602) 728-9536
Fax: (602) 728-9535
Email: jill.sherman@nau.edu
Web: www.azlat.org

Arkansas

Arkansas Technology Alternative Financing Project
Arkansas Rehabilitation Services
4601 West Markham
Little Rock, AR 72205
Phone: (501) 683-3008
Fax: (501) 666-5319
Email: jdmoreland@ars.state.ar.us

California

California Department of Developmental Services
1600 9th Street
P.O. Box 944202
Sacramento CA 94244-2020
Phone: 800-390-2699
TTY: 800-900-0706
Web: www.atnet.org

California Department of Rehabilitation
830 K Street Mall, Room LL3
Sacramento, CA 95814
916-324-3061
Low Interest Loans
Restricted to California residents only
Contact: Bessy Papalias

Colorado

Assistive Technology Program
601 E. 18th Avenue
Suite 130
Denver, Colorado 80203
Phone:: 800-255-3477 (Colorado only) or 303-315-1280.
TTY: 303-837-8964
Fax: 303-837-1208
Email: cathy.bodine@uchsc.edu
Web: www.uchsc.edu/atp

Connecticut

CT Tech Act Project Loan Program
25 Sigourney Street 11th Floor
Hartford CT 06106
Phone: 860-424-4881
TTY: 860-424-4839
Fax: 860-424-4850
Toll Free: 800-537-2549
Web: www.cttechact.com

Connecticut Assistive Technology Loan Fund
Bureau of Rehabilitation Services
10 Griffin Rd. N.
Windsor, Ct. 06095
203-298-2042; 203-298-9590(fax)
Low interest loans
Restricted to Connecticut residents only
Contact: John Ficarro

Delaware

Delaware Loan Program
Delaware Assistive Technology Initiative
University of Delaware
1600 Rockland Road
P. O. Box 269
Wilmington, DE 19899-0269
Phone: (302) 651-6790
Phone: (800) 870-3284
TTY: (302) 651-6794
Fax: (302) 651-6793
Email: mapes@asel.udel.edu

Florida

Florida Alternative Financing Program
Florida Alliance for Assistive Services and Technology
325 John Knox Road, Bldg 400, Suite 402
Tallahassee, FL 32303
Loan Program Director: Kristina Torrance
Phone: (850) 487-3278
Fax: (850) 487-2805
Email: faast@faast.org

Georgia

Georgia Credit
Tech-Able Inc
1114 Brett Drive, Suite 100
Conyers, GA 30094
Program Coordinator: Jackie Wilks-Weathers
Phone: (770) 922-6790
Fax: (770) 922-6769
Email: jackie@credit-able.org
Web: www.credit-able.org

Hawaii

Assistive Technology Resource Centers of Hawaii
414 Kuwili Street, Suite 104
Honolulu, Hawaii 96817
TTY: 808-532-7110
800-645-3007 (v) Toll-free Neighbor Islands
808-532-7120 (fax)
Web: www.atrc.org
Email: atrc-info@atrc.org

Idaho

Idaho Assistive Technology Project
129 West Third Street
Moscow, ID 83843
Phone: 208-885-3557
Fax: 208-885-3628
Web: www.idahoat.org/

Idaho Assistive Technology Project Loan Program
129 West Third St.
Moscow, Id. 83844-4401
208-885-5591
Low interest loans
Restricted to Idaho residents only
Contact: Richard Hunter

Illinois

Assistive Technology Project
Plaza, Suite 100, Springfield IL 62701
Phone: 217-522-7985
TTY: 217-522-9966
Fax: 217-522-8067
Web: www.iltech.org

Indiana

Attain-a-Loan Program
5333 Commerce Square Drive, Suite G
Indianapolis, IN 46237
Web: www.attaininc.org

Iowa

Iowa Program for Assistive Technology
Center for Disabilities and Development
100 Hawkins Drive, Room S295
Iowa City, Iowa 52242-1011
Phone: 800-779-2001
TTY: 877-686-0032
Web: www.iowaat.org

Kansas

Kansas Assistive Technology Cooperative
625 Merchant, Suite 205
Emporia, Kansas 66801
Phone: 866 465-2826
V/TTY: 620 341-9002
V/TTY: (620) 342-6400 fax
Web: www.katco.net

Kentucky

KATS Network
Charles McDowell Center
8412 Westport Road
Louisville, KY 40242
Toll Free: (800) 327-5287
Local: (502) 429-4484
Fax: (502) 429-7114
Web: www.katsnet.org

Louisiana

Louisiana Assistive Technology Access Network
3042 Old Forge Drive
Baton Rouge, LA 70808
Phone: 225-925-9500
800-270-6185 toll free
Fax : 225-925-9560
Web: www.latan.org
E-mail: info@latan.org

Maine

Maine CITE Coordinating Center
University of Maine System University College
46 University Drive
Augusta, ME 04330
Phone: 207-621-3195
TTY: 207-621-3482
Fax: 207-621-3193
E-mail: iweb@mainecite.org
Web: www.mainecite.org

Alpha One
85 E St. Suite #1
South Portland, ME 04106
207-623-1115
Low interest loans
Restricted to Maine residents only
Contact: Kim Wallace

Maine Independent Living Services
PO Box 269
Bangor, Me. 04402-0269
Full grants up to $5,000 per individual per lifetime
Restricted to Maine residents only
Contact: Gary McLaughlin

Maryland

Maryland Technology Assistance Program:
217 E. Redwood Street, Suite 1300
Baltimore, Maryland 21202
Phone: 410-767-3660
TTY Voice 1-800-637-4113
Phone: 1-800-TECH TAP (1-800-832-4827) Voice
TTY/Toll Free: 1-866-881-7488
Web: www.mdtap.org

Massachusetts

Easter Seals Massachusetts
800-244-2756 ext. 428 or 431 (voice)
800-564-9700 TTY
484 Main Street
Worcester MA 01608
Phone: 800-922-8290
TTY: 800-564-9700
Fax: 508-831-9768
E-mail: MassATLoan@eastersealsma.net
Web: www.massatloan.org

Michigan

Michigan Loan Funds
c/o United Cerebral Palsy of Michigan
4970 Northwind Drive Suite 102
East Lansing Michigan 48823
Phone: 800-828-2714 or 517-203-1200
Fax: 517-203-1203
Web: www.michiganloanfunds.org

Minnesota

The Minnesota STAR program
358 Centennial Office Building
658 Cedar Street
Saint Paul, MN 55155.
Phone: 651-201-2640 or 888-234-1267
800-627-3529
Fax: 651-282-6671
Web: www.starprogram.state

Mississippi

Project Start
P.O. Box 1698
Jackson, MS 39215-1698
Phone: 601-987-4872 1-800-852-8328
Fax: 601-364-2349
Web: www.msprojectstart.org

Missouri

Missouri Assistive Technology Loans
4731 South Cochise, Suite 114
Independence, MO 64055-6975
Phone: (800) 647-8557 (in-state only) or (816) 373-5193
TTY: (800) 647-8558 (in-state only) or (816) 373-9315
Fax: (816) 373-9314
Email: matpmo@swbell.net
Web: www.at.mo.gov

Montana

Montana Assistive Technology Loans
634 Eddy, 009 CHC
Missoula MT 59812
Phone: 877-243-5511 (toll free in state only)
Web: www.montech.ruralinstitue.umt.edu

Nebraska

Nebraska Loan Program
Easter Seals Nebraska
638 North 109th Plaza
Omaha, NE 68154
AFP Director: Renee Fitzke
Phone: (402) 345-2200 X1116
Email: rfitzke@ne.easterseals.com

Nevada

Nevada Assistive Technology Loan Fund
CareChest
7910 N. Virginia Street
Reno, NV 89506
Loan Program Coordinator: Robert Walker
Phone: (775) 829-2273
Fax: (775) 829-8745
Email: loans@carechest.com

Nevada Assistive Technology Loan Program
Assistive Technology Center
2820 West Charleston Blvd., B-19
Las Vegas, Nevada 89102
702-259-0789
Full & partial grants; low interest loans
Restricted to Nevada residents only
Contacts: Reggie Bennett (grants) Susan Lucia-Terry (loans)

New Hampshire

NH-ATEC
67 Communications Drive
Laconia NH 03246
Phone: 800-932-5837 or 603-528-3060
Fax: 603-524-0702
Contact: LorraineH@atechservices.org
Web: www.nhassistivetechnonly.org

New Hampshire Guaranteed Collateral Loan Fund
Institute on Disability
#14, Ten Ferry St.
The Concord Center
Concord, NH 03301
603-224-0630
603-228-3270(fax)
Low interest loans;
Restricted to New Hampshire residents only
Contact: Marion Pawlek

New Jersey

ASSISTIVE TECHNOLOGY ADVOCACY CENTER
New Jersey Protection and Advocacy, Inc.
210 South Broad Street, 3rd Floor
Trenton, NJ 08608
Phone: (609) 292-9742: (800) 922-7233 (In-State)
TTY: (609) 633-7106
Fax: (609) 777-0187
E-mail: rringh@njpanda.org
Web: www.njpanda.org

New Mexico

New Mexico Loan Program
San Juan Center for Independence
3535 E. 30th , Suite 101
Farmington, NM 87402
Phone: (505) 566-5831
Fax: (505) 566-5842
Email: lmccabe@sjci.org

New Mexico Telework Loan Program
New Mexico Technology Assistance Program
435 St. Michael's Drive, Building D
Santa Fe, NM 87505
Project Director: Andy Winnegar
Phone: (800) 866-2253
Phone: (505) 954-8521
TTY: (800) 659-4915
Fax: (505) 954-8608
Email: Awinnegar@state.nm.us

New York

Equipment Loan Fund for the Disabled
Office of Financial Management - 13D
NYS Department of Social Services
40 N. Pearl St.
Albany, NY 12243
518-474-0197
Low interest loans
Restricted to New York State residents only
Contact: Ms. Eleanor Shutter, Loan Administrator

North Carolina

North Carolina Adaptive Equipment Loan Program
1012 S Kings Dr.
Suite G2
Charlotte, NC 28283
704-375-3977
Partial grants & low interest loans
Restricted to North Carolina residents only
Contact: Larry Bauer

North Dakota

North Dakota AT Loan Program
North Dakota Association for the Disabled
1913 South Washington
Grand Forks, ND 58201
Loan Coordinator: Traci Ladouceur
PHONE (701) 795-6609
TTY: (800) 265-4728
Fax: (701) 239-7229
Email: tladouceur@ndad.org

Ohio

Assistive Technology of Ohio
445 E. Dublin-Granville Road
Building L
Worthington, OH 43085
Phone: 800-784-3425 / 614-293-9134 (voice) 614-293-0767 (TTY)
E-mail: atohio

Oklahoma

Oklahoma Alternative Financing Program (AFP, Telework)
Oklahoma ABLE Tech
1514 West Hall of Fame
Stillwater, OK 74078-2026
Loan Program Coordinator: Milissa Gofourth
Phone: (405) 744-9864
TTY: (800) 257-1705
Fax: (405) 744-2487
Email: gmiliss@okstate.edu

Oregon

Access Technologies, Inc.
Administrative Offices and Computer Lab
3070 Lancaster Drive NE
Salem, OR 97305
Toll-free voice/TTY: 1-800-677-7512
Voice/TTY: (503) 361-1201
Fax: (503) 370-4530
E-mail: info@accesstechnologiesinc.org

Portland State University
Assistive Technology Computer Lab
Branford Price Millar Library
951 SW HALL
Portland, OR 97201-1151
Voice/TTY: (503) 725-8395
Fax: (503) 725-6397
E-mail: info@accesstechnologiesinc.org

Pennsylvania

Pennsylvania Assistive Technology Foundation
1004 West Ninth Avenue, First Floor
King of Prussia, PA 19406
Executive Director: Susan Tachau
Phone: (888) 744-1938 (National)
Phone: (484) 674-0506
TTY: (877) 693-7271 (National)
Fax: (484) 674-0510
Email: stachau@patf.us
Web: www.patf.us

Rhode Island

TechACCESS of RI
110 Jefferson Boulevard, Suite I
Warwick, RI 02888-3854
Phone: 401-463-0202 (v/tdd)
Fax: 401-463-3433
In-State: 800-916-(TECH)8324
E-Mail: techaccess@techaccess-ri.org

South Carolina

South Carolina Assistive Technology Loan Program
Vocational Rehabilitation Department
1410 Boston Avenue
West Columbia, SC 29171
Project Coordinator: Denise Koon
Phone: (803) 896-6374
Fax: (803) 896-6510
Email: dkoon@scvrd.state.sc.us

South Dakota

Main Demonstration and Service Center
1161 Deadwood Ave. Suite #5
Rapid City, SD 57702
Call 1-800-645-0673 (V/TDD), or 605-394-6742 (V/TDD)
Or By Email - info@dakotalink.net

Tennessee

Commissioner's Office
400 Deaderick Street, 15th Floor
Nashville, TN 37243-1403
Phone: (615) 313-4700
Fax: (615) 741-4165
E-mail DHS
Web: www.tennessee.gov/humanserv
Texas
RampWEB, Inc.
1717 West 6th Street
Suite 270
Austin, TX 78703
Phone: (512) 350-2476
Contact Juan Antonio Lizama at (804) 649-6513
Email: jlizama@timesdispatch.com

Utah

Alternative Financing Program
Utah Assistive Technology Foundation
Center for Persons with Disabilities
6835 Old Main Hill
Logan, UT 84322
Executive Director: Marilyn Hammond
Phone: (800) 524-5152 (National)
Phone: (435) 797-2025
TTY: (435) 797-7089
Fax: (435) 797-2355
Email: uatf@cpd2.usu.edu
Web: www.uatf.org

Utah Assistive Technology Foundation
3064 E. 3835 South
Salt Lake City, Ut. 84109-3608
801-278-7653
Low interest loans
Restricted to Utah residents only
Contact: Dr. Daryl J. McCarty

Vermont

103 South Main Street
Weeks Building
Waterbury, VT 05671-2305
Phone: 800-750-6355, 802-241-2620
TTY: 802-241-1464
Fax: 802-241-2174
Web: www.dail.state.vt.us/atp/contact.htm

Funding Opportunites:
18 Pearl Street, Burlington, VT 05401-4330
800-865-8328 / 802-865-3404

Independence Fund
Opportunities Venture
18 Pearl Street
Burlington, VT 05401
Project Manager: Eldon Carvey
Phone: (802) 865-3404 Ext. 128
Fax: (802) 860-8971
Email: Ecarvey@oppsvt.org
The Vermont Development Credit Union
95 North Avenue
Suite A
Burlington, Vt. 05401
802-865-3404
Low interest loans
Restricted to Vermont residents only
Contact: Susan Fortune

Virginia

Assistive Technology Loan Fund
1602 Rolling Hills Drive, Suite 107
Richmond, VA 23229
Director: Joey Wallace
Phone: (866) 835-5976 (Toll Free)
Phone: (804) 662-9000
Fax: (804) 662-9533
Email: Joey.Wallace@atlfa.org
Web: www.atlfa.org

Washington

Washington Loan Program
Washington Assistive Technology Foundation
100 South King, Suite 280
Seattle, WA 98104
Loan Program Manager: Andrea Dimond
Phone: (206) 328-5116
TTY: (800) 214-8731
Fax: (206) 328-5126
Email: andrea@watf.org
Web: www.watf.org

Wisconsin

WisLoan
WiTelework
Independence First
600 W. Virginia St., Suite 401
Milwaukee, WI 53204-1516
WisLoan Coordinator: Patti Kraemer
WiTelework Coordinator: Kathy Meisner-Altman
Phone: (414) 226-8306
TTY: (414) 291-7520
Fax: (414) 291-7525
Email: pkraemer@independencefirst.org
Email: kmeisner-altman@independencefirst
Web: www.dhfs.wisconsin.gov/disabilities/wistech/wisloan.htm
Web: www.independencefirst.org/services/other/telework.asp

Wyoming

Wyoming Technology Access Program
Wyoming Independent Living Rehabilitation, Inc.
305 West First Street
Casper, WY 82601
Executive Director: Kenneth Hoff
Project Coordinator: Kris Smith
Phone: (800) 735-8322
Phone: (307) 226-6956
Email: khof@trib.com
Email: krissmith@vcn.com

NATIONAL PROGRAMS:

IBM National Support Center for Persons with Disabilities
P.O. Box 2150
Boca Raton, FL
1-800-426-4832
Discounts on selected computers
Contact: Mr. Paul S. Luther

Lions International
300 22nd Street
Oakbrook, IL 60570
708-571-5466
For Lions Club projects only
Call for local Lions Club number
Contact: Mr. Roy Schaetzel

Wednesday, September 26, 2012

am i ready for a wheelchair van

“I’m Not Ready…”People offer many reasons for staying away from modified vans:
“What I drive is a reflection of my personality. A seven foot high van isn’t who I am.”
“Meeting the challenge of transferring to my car and hauling my chair in behind me makes me feel good about myself.”
“I simply don’t have money for a lift and all the modifications I’d have to do to a van.”

Mostly what keeps people in their cars is the I’m Not Ready Syndrome:

I’m not ready to give up the fun car.
I’m not ready to give up the challenge.
I’m not ready to spend the money.

Eventually, two or three primary factors preserving function, maximizing options and flexibility, looking into the future in order to plan for and anticipate change drive the decision and help clarify the choices.

Despite all the good, logical reasons for continuing to drive those cars, many find it difficult to deny nagging shoulder pain, decreased tolerance for the hassles of car transfers and chair loading, or the simple fact that they don’t have the energy they once did. Making a change is a dilemma many survivors confront each day.

Reason #1: The Shoulders
The first consideration mentioned by many in the rehabilitation field for making the change from car to van is maintaining and preserving physical function. Research with those injured more than 20 years indicates that the biggest predictor of pain and fatigue two things that can get in the way of function was having experienced pain and fatigue three years earlier. Not making changes when problems first arise is an almost sure way of having them get worse.

The pain and fatigue can come from the distance of the transfer, since getting as close to the car seat as to a bed is difficult. Another consideration is the height of the transfer. Having to lift up or down in the process of doing a transfer adds considerable extra stress to shoulders. Also muscling the chair itself in and out of the car can cause more pain and do damage. And, just the sheer number of transfers continues to accumulateover time. What results from all this is usually joint pain from the neck all the way down to the wrist often arthritic in nature, and often accompanied by tendinitis. The joint pain, the arthritis, the tendinitis are the body’s way of saying that what you’re doing isn’t working very well and is causing some harm.

Researchers have also linked fatigue to future problems, including depression, lower quality of life and, in some survivors, the need for both more durable medical equipment and help from others. As car transfers and chair loading become more difficult, many people report curtailing activities in order to avoid the transfers. Too often therapists encounter aging clients who are giving up things they enjoy – fishing, traveling, even working – because of pain and fatigue. Still, even though people find themselves giving up activities, they resist making the changes necessary to avoid the hassles, the pain, the fatigue. For many it comes down to wanting to fight off the realities of aging with a disability for as long as possible. The arguments are predictable, in part, because they’re so valid: like we said before, big vans are inconvenient and hard to drive, they cost too much, people like the physical challenge of doing transfers. Often it’s an image thing.

Reason #2: ImageA vehicle is often an extension of one’s personality. Giving up part of our personality rugged or adventurous individual; sporty, fun kind of guy; or sedate, respectable, suburban family person isn’t easy. Most everyone who buys a vehicle gives some thought to image. Not everyone feels comfortable driving a big van: they can be too big, not sporty enough or they simply don’t fit our self image. While minivans are an option for some individuals, many especially big people who use big chairs find minivans too small for the lift they need and too tight inside for the necessary maneuverability.

Regaining independence following injury and rehab was for many the single most significant achievement of post-paralysis life. Giving up the car may be viewed as giving up not only by the survivor but also by those around him. Yet, making the changes and using the lift may be necessary to maintain that highly prized independence: Isn’t getting there far more important than just exactly how it’s done?

Reason #3: Somebody ElseDecisions about what to drive affect more than just the survivor, especially if someone else is doing the chair loading. A change to a van with a lift could be necessary even if your back or shoulders are just fine. Wives, husbands and caregivers age too, and they are often called on to help with many transfers, chores and tasks requiring heavy or awkward lifting. Survivors need to be not only aware but also sensitive to their needs.

Reason #4: $$$$$A switch to a modified van can add $10,000 to $20,000 or more to the cost of a vehicle. Insurance and fuel costs usually go up, and some modified vans even ones without raised roofs won’t fit in standard garages and may require modified garage arrangements as well. Yet there are costs involved in becoming less active, not going out as much and staying home more. Active people tend to be healthier, happier and less depressed. Going too long on deteriorating shoulders can leave people even more dependent, eventually making hired help more necessary.

People even some who are unemployed and on Medicaid buy vans and somehow find ways to pay for them. Worker’s Compensation, Medicaid Waivers, Vocational Rehabilitation and the VA are all government programs which may help with funding. Charitable organizations such as Easter Seals are a possibility. Fraternal organizations may provide help. Some banks issue extended loans and Independent Living Centers may offer low interest loans.

Lower cost home equity loans may also be an option. There are always fund raisers through church, civic or community organizations. And used equipment, or used modified vans are also possibilities. We tend to figure out necessities.

Thinking Ahead
Sound decisions which will provide flexibility for five to eight years need to be based on a realistic assessment of present function and trends in your strength, stamina, life-style, pain and function. Is it practical to stick with a car if strength has been decreasing and pain has been increasing for the past three years? Transfers may not be much of a problem now, but is it realistic to expect they’ll still be as easy in 5 years, when you’re 56? Can you afford not to change?

More often than not, the decision to switch from a car to a van is one of many decisions which contribute to the lifelong process of adaptation to disability. Adaptive equipment helps narrow the gap between aspiration and ability, between wants and needs, and allows us to do so comfortably and safely. Adaptive equipment can help avoid pain, preserve energy and prevent future problems. New equipment can preserve time and energy and help enhance as well as maintain both independence and quality of life.

Quality of life may be the prime consideration for switching from car to van. The switch is a matter of preventative maintenance a change which may allow us to keep the function we have and maintain the quality of life we desire. How we regard these changes can be as important as the changes themselves.

This is one of more than 20 educational brochures developed by Craig Hospital while it was a federally-funded Rehabilitation Research & Training Center on Aging with Spinal Cord Injury. The opinions expressed here are not necessarily those of the funding agency, the National Institute on Disability and Rehabilitation Research of the US Department of Education.

For a hard copy of a METS brochure, click on your selection above and hit the “print” button on your browser. If you’d like to ask for one directly from Craig Hospital, you can contact us by telephone at 303-789-8202, or you can e-mail us atHealthResources@craighospital.org

VA APPROVES GRANT INCREASE

The VA has approved an increase to the one-time vehicle grant (4502) from $11,000 to $18,000 allowing disabled veterans in need of a handicap accessible van greater purchasing power.

Any disabled veteran who has been given a power or manual wheelchair by the VA and requires a vehicle for their mobility equipment may apply for a Disabled Veterans grants. Disabled Veteran grants and programs available to qualified veterans include:

One-Time Vehicle Grant

The one-time vehicle grant may be used towards the purchase of a vehicle needed to transport a veteran’s mobility equipment. Vehicles may also be converted to include a wheelchair lift and/or a lowered floor handicap accessible ramp with the help of the vehicle mobility equipment grants.

Automobile Adaptive Equipment Program

The program teaches disabled veterans with service-related injuries to enter, exit, and operate a motor vehicle by providing the necessary equipment and training. Disabled veterans may enter the program after receiving an automobile grant, and after the completion of Driver’s Training with an approved driver’s evaluator. Even veterans who do not meet the criteria needed to operate a vehicle, due to the loss of or loss of the use of a limb or alkalosis of a hip or knee, may still receive the equipment needed to enter and exit a vehicle.

Home Modification Grants

The VA provides home modification grants up to $60,000 to eligible disabled veterans to help with the costs of making a home more accessible. Home Improvement & Structural Alterations grants are also available in the amounts of $1,200 for veterans with non-service related disabilities, and $4,100 for veterans with service related disabilities.

In addition to vehicle and home modification grants, disabled veterans may also be eligible to receive manual and powered wheelchairs, durable medical equipment, and patient lifts. Disabled veterans should contact their local VA office for more information about the benefits they may be eligible for which may make life more accessible.

Wednesday, September 19, 2012

Toyota Motor Sales USA and VMI Agree to Offer Wheelchair Accessible Sienna Minivans to Physically Challenged

PHOENIX, Sep 12, 2012 -- Executives with Toyota Motor Sales, USA and Vantage Mobility International (VMI), a leader in the manufacture and distribution of wheelchair accessible vehicles, have signed an agreement authorizing VMI to convert the top-selling Toyota Sienna into a wheelchair accessible minivan using the patented Northstar in-floor ramp system. The agreement was executed on August 23, 2012, in Torrance, California. VMI will begin accepting consumer orders for a limited number of the 2012-2013 model Toyota Sienna VMI Northstar minivan conversions through authorized VMI mobility dealers beginning October 1.

"We're pleased to have established a partnership with Toyota Motor Sales, USA," said Doug Eaton, president and CEO of VMI. "Toyota has earned a reputation for leading in customer loyalty, which is why our customers have wanted VMI to offer a Toyota Sienna for years. This agreement will give them the Toyota that they've dreamed about."

Toyota Mobility, a group within Toyota Motor Sales USA, is committed to providing solutions that serve the mobility needs of consumers to enhance their quality of life. Toyota began providing mobility solutions in 2001. This is the first time that Toyota and VMI have worked together.

"True to our brand promise, Toyota Mobility is focused on providing our customers with 'More Options, Less Compromise,' Therefore, we are very excited about the opportunity we now have with VMI as another conversion solution for the Toyota Sienna," said Mark Oldenburg, national fleet marketing, mobility and strategic planning manager. "We're also confident that our customers will be pleased once they see and experience the new Toyota Sienna with the VMI Northstar conversion."

Based in Arizona, VMI offers a full range of minivan and full-size van conversions for those in wheelchairs through a global network of dealers. For 25 years, VMI has been trusted for providing cutting-edge products, including full-size and minivan conversions, platform lifts, scooter and wheelchair lifts and transfer seats. VMI's Northstar conversion is the only in-floor ramp system currently available on all major minivan models through mobility dealers nationwide.

"VMI is pacing the build of Siennas at smaller quantities from previous product launches to ensure our commitment to quality," said Eaton. "Initially it will be harder to get one but you only get one chance to do a Toyota right."

As part of the program, Toyota Mobility will provide up to $1,000 in customer assistance to help offset the cost of any qualified adaptive equipment or conversion for drivers and/or passengers when installed on any eligible purchased or leased new Toyota.

About Toyota

Toyota TM +0.95% established operations in the United States in 1957 and currently operates 10 manufacturing plants, including one under construction. Toyota directly employs nearly 30,000 in the U.S. and its investment here is currently valued at more than $18 billion, including sales and manufacturing operations, research and development, financial services and design.

About Vantage Mobility International

VMI ( www.vantagemobility.com ) is a manufacturer of wheelchair accessible full-size and minivan conversions, as well as wheelchair lifts and transfer seats for the mobility industry. Their full line of products include domestic and import minivan conversions including the Honda Odyssey with Northstar in-floor ramp system, Dodge Grand Caravan and Chrysler Town & Country. VMI's mobility products enable consumers to travel with comfort, convenience and peace of mind.

About Automotive Innovations, Inc.

For more information, contact Jim Sanders at (508) 697-6006 or sales@bridgewatermobility.com. Follow VMI on Twitter and Facebook.

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SOURCE: Vantage Mobility International