Wheelchair van funding

[Juliah]

We have a lowered-floor minivan to transport our two DDs who use power chairs, but it is on its last legs. When we got it, there was a state program to help with the cost of the adaptations, but that program has fallen victim to budget cuts.

Does anyone know of any funding, other than the rebates from the auto companies, available to help with the adaptations? I'm wondering if there's a foundation out there that might help, but I haven't had any luck searching on the internet.

The cost of the adaptations on top of the cost of the van is more than our budget will take.

Thanks!

 

[Michigan]

Check with your state's children's special health care insurance program. In Michigan we have a trust fund that is run through the program that will pay for a lift.

Cindy

 

[Chuck S]

Check with different car mfg dealerships. GM has a $1000 rebate on specific equipment. I don't know what other manufacturers may have.

http://www.gm.com/automotive/vehicle_shopping/gm_mobility/fa_eligible.html

 

[Karalynn]

Do you have Knights of Columbus in your area? They have grants available that you apply for and can use for this. It may not cover everything, but it'll help! Good luck!

 

[Juliah]

Thanks, everyone. I will check into all those. We would be very happy if we could find funding to pay for even some of it. It's so expensive.

 

[Biscuitsmom31]

We got one through Vocational Rehabilitation. We bought the van and they paid to modify it. I don't know if it would work for you?

 

[Juliah]

Thanks for your response, Biscuitsmom31. VR turned DD1 down for services because she is starting her own business instead of getting a job. DD2 gets VR to go to college, but they refused to cover transportation because they said she could ride the bus (never mind that the closest bus stop is at the college she is trying to get to!) We could possibly appeal, though, so thanks for the reminder that VR might be an option.

 

[shoegirl1020]

This isn't what you asked for, but a few years back someone I babysat for needed a handicapped accesible van, so they held a fundraiser. It was a dinner at a local family style rest. and I think they charged $20-25 per person. They made about $10,000 which was a huge help

 

[shovan]

We have just received the good news that our state is going to help pay for the modifications to a new van for us! We'll purchase the van & they will pay for the modifications. The program is for people who are working to help them continue to work. Here in Louisiana it's called Rehabilition Services. Hope you find something to help out, the cost are outrageous!!! Good Luck!

 

[SueM in MN]

We have just received the good news that our state is going to help pay for the modifications to a new van for us! We'll purchase the van & they will pay for the modifications. The program is for people who are working to help them continue to work. Here in Louisiana it's called Rehabilition Services. Hope you find something to help out, the cost are outrageous!!! Good Luck!

glad to hear your good news.

 

[dclfun]

The program in Louisiana is also Voc. Rehab. Their services are only given to people who are currently working or intend to return to work, thus they do not cover children. It sounded like the OP did not have someone in the family who would qualify for this program. I would contact Easter Seals or any agency dealing with developmentally disabled children, etc. to see what funding is out there- even if there is no one who qualifies in this realm they might be able to direct you to a source of funding. I know in Florida there is a program for assistive technology low-cost loans that covers vans up to 20K but have no idea if there is something similar in other states. It's a shame there isn't a one-stop phone number or website where people could apply for help no matter where they live. ---Kathy

 

[Juliah]

Thanks to everyone for all your ideas. dclfun is correct--only one of my two DDs qualifies for Voc. Rehab, and they are saying that she doesn't qualify for help adapting a van. Easter Seals didn't know of anything besides VR. I have asked DDs' case manager and others familiar with programs in our state, but no one can come up with anything else (other than doing fund raising ourselves). I have found some things on the internet, but they were for people in other states only. I was just hoping that someone might know about a national organization that no one around here had heard of.

Thanks for the tip on assistive technology--I know we have an AT center in our state, so I will check to see if they have loans. Anything that would bring our out of pocket cost down even a little would be great.

I've long thought that if I ever won the lottery, I'd like to set up a foundation that would help families buy adapted vans, because that's such an unmet need. But since I don't buy lottery tickets, it's not looking like that's going to happen any time soon!

 

[Karalynn]

I've long thought that if I ever won the lottery, I'd like to set up a foundation that would help families buy adapted vans, because that's such an unmet need. But since I don't buy lottery tickets, it's not looking like that's going to happen any time soon!

The thought is sweet though!!!