John, Each situation is different and unique. Each state varies as to their requirements and in Ill. it sometimes comes down to each office's budget for this equipment. You need to do some research locally with spinal cord groups, third party funding sources, etc. If you get factual information from a source, be sure to get their name and their sources for back up. You do not want to find yourself an unmodified van owner with no source to pay for the upfit. Some mobility dealers should assist you also in researching funding sources. Don't buy something you can't afford and by that I mean to fix it, insure it, possibly garage it, etc. Don't buy somebody elses problems. Good Luck! Tom
--- On Sat, 12/5/09, John S. <[email protected]> wrote: From: John S. <[email protected]> Subject: Re: [QUAD-L] information about mini vans versus full size and wheelchair To: [email protected], [email protected] Date: Saturday, December 5, 2009, 12:54 PM Here is my problem. When I worked I never earned enough to afford even the insurance. I worked 4 blocks away and it didn't make a big difference. I use public access to go to doctors and shop. I have lots of time out on these trips because public access is always late. Hypothermnia can be a problem so I can't recommend this to anyone that gets impatient. I have known C-3 quads that got completely converted vans from BVR. i was told I didn't qualify. I was never told why or how I could qualify. Now I'm told that if I buy a van thats less than 5 years old and excellent condition, I might qualify for modifications. I'm not allowed to own a vehichle worth over $2500 or have over $2000 in savings. Is there some assistance program? Am I simply screwed again?. Best Wishes, john From: "[email protected]" <[email protected]> To: [email protected]; [email protected] Sent: Thu, December 3, 2009 4:46:47 PM Subject: Re: [QUAD-L] information about mini vans versus full size and wheelchair John, just look for the motorized doors on the side of the van. And hope for a motorized ramp too. Best Wishes In a message dated 12/3/2009 3:40:49 P.M. Central Standard Time, [email protected] writes: What line do you guys get in to get these vans? Am I doing something seriously wrong? Curious, john From: Don Price <[email protected]> To: RONALD L PRACHT <[email protected]>; [email protected] Sent: Mon, November 30, 2009 12:05:35 PM Subject: Re: [QUAD-L] information about mini vans versus full size and wheelchair I'm a c5-6 and drive from my powerchair. I have reduced effort braking and steering, and mechanical hand controls [MPD.] My first vehicle was a full size van ['84 Ford Econoline,] with a Ricon lift. After that I got a '90 Dodge Caravan minivan with a passenger-side ramp. And my current vehicle is a '06 Honda Element, with a passenger-side ramp. All of the vehicles had dropped floor conversions to accomodate my height. The full-size van was great for long trips, and the minivan was great for short trips. My Honda Element is the funnest to drive, and gets the best gas mileage of the three. The Honda conversion was done by Freedom Motors: http://www.fminow.com/?gclid=CK2l4ZGmnJwCFShRagod_FBPdg They also convert Scions, PT Cruisers and Toyota Siennas. Mobility technology has improved dramatically over the years and from vehicle to vehicle, but the more high-tech things become, the more difficult [and expensive] they are to repair or replace. The EZ Lock system seems to be the industry standard and is crash tested for saftey. With the side-entry vehicles I've learned to park 'defensively,' meaning park at the ends of rows or in spaces that prevent others from parking me in. Still, it happens from time to time, and that's a major source of frustration.
