I have a friend here in ohio that has been a quad for about 14years. He is one of those that got a generous legal settlement. He is also very frugal when it comes to vans. He bought a 4year old Custom raised roof van that a mechanic checked out as in perfect shape. He got it for $14,000. He then had a braun lift installed and universal tie downs and a belt to restrict him in case of an accident. Altogether it was under 19 grand and it. He paid almost the same amount for his chair.
The nice thing about vans is they loose value on the market very fast in the first few years. This makes it easy to find good deals on vans a few years old. Most states have programs to assist you in altering transportation to be used for him.
Many states will help much faster if he decides to goto college. Often they pay the entire bill since public transportation for handicapped is usually just a political money toss and so few ever live up to the stickers that they have stating they are accesible.
good luck
john
In a message dated 9/8/2006 1:43:54 PM Eastern Daylight Time, [EMAIL PROTECTED] writes:
Hello, well we are looking for a used van,"not for him to drive"but to take him to his therapy andto the doctor when needed, and to the park when needs to get out. This is the hardest thing that anyone should have to go through"as you all know". I cry everyday. but im just so glad he is still alive. Just a quick overview of what happend.
My son was involved in a 2 car accident in he was in a coma with a brain injury and broke C1-C2 and C6-C7.. the doctors gave us no hope. He came out of his coma right after they were trying to make us make the decision.. he was on a ventilator for two months in ICU. They fused his neck from the base down to C-7 no movement at all.. We then sent him to Craig Hospital in Denver Colorado on our own dime.. where he got thee best quality care available. they weened him off the vent,no more treich, and re-did his fused neck and tookthe hardeware out down to C-5 he has alot more neck movement now.
he has movement with his right arm and can work his power chairwith a joy stick and feed himself at times. He is getting some feeling down his left arm now. His spirit is highand he is a fighter thank god. We pray for him everyday. we are saving money and having garage sales as fundraisers.But i was curious if there might be any foundations that help out with this sort of thing? i read all your post and have learned alot and am very very glad i found you...
thank you and god bless........ Dennis [EMAIL PROTECTED]
[EMAIL PROTECTED] wrote:
Hold your horses, Partner!
You just might be buying the horses before you've seen the cart, kart or van. With a post injury of only 6 months, he is more interested in regaining his strength, stamina and his confidence. I'd wait atleast 3 years before you decide on a new van that may cost in excess of $43,000 dollars. Now if you are merely looking for a used transporter to haul him to physical therapy... that is one thing. But if you want to place him in the driver's seat at 6 months post-injury, I ask that you reconsider... at this time.
Voc Rehab is one agency. But they won't consider him... or her for atleast 2 years post.
Voc Rehab pays for the modifications, but not the base van.
Tell us a little about your son and how he was injured. We will then have alot more credible info for you.
Best Wishes
W
In a message dated 9/7/2006 4:14:12 PM Central Daylight Time, [EMAIL PROTECTED] writes:
hi everyone, my son has just recently got out of the rehabilitation hospital. He had a brake at c1-c2, c6-c7... they said he is more a c5-c6 complete .. his injury was in march 06. he is 23.. I have a question about mobility vans and if there is any type of help or grants that someone could get to assist financially for a van. we dont have the money to buy one outright at this time and its hard to see him staying home all the time. i am so full of questions. this is an elite group we joined. thank you very much for any info provided........ dennis [EMAIL PROTECTED]
