Posts Tagged ‘handicap van’

Handicap Van Given By Ride Away

Ride Away, America’s largest dealer for handicap vans recently had a ceremony where their Vice President gave an accessible handicap van to Isaiah Gomez. Isaiah has been living with Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy for the last 9 years. Although Ride Away gets dozens of requests for handicap conversion vans, it isn’t possible to help everyone. They do however contribute over 10 percent of corporate earnings to non-profit efforts, and 85 percent of their employees volunteer.

“Our corporate culture is one built upon always doing the right thing and making a difference in the communities we live and work in,” Ride Away’s Vice President said. “I knew about Isaiah Gomez’s story, so when I heard that Isaiah was in need of a handicap access van, I knew we needed to do what we could to get them the vehicle they so desperately needed and deserved.”

DMD is a genetic disease which causes muscle wasting and weakness, causing degeneration of the muscles over time. Symptoms first appear between the age of 2 and 6, and affects mostly boys. By early teenhood, heart and respiratory muscles become affected. People with DMD rarely survive past the age of 30, and as they age, handicap vans or other accessible vehicle becomes necessary for transport.

Even though Isaiah has had many obstacles throughout his life, he has fought back to enjoy life. He advocates for other families and works to create awareness about DMD. His new handicap conversion van will make it easier to get around and help others. He is also well known in the MDA community, even serving as an official ambassador at times. The 2004 MDA New Hampshire bike ride was even dedicated to him because of his selfless efforts toward others.

“This handicap access van is amazing,” said Isaiah. “I now have the freedom to do things that I haven’t been able to do before.”

With their new handicap van Isaiah has the ability to do things he once couldn’t. Isaiah and his family are going to take a family vacation for the first time ever. He also loves to go to the movies, an activity that once required a lot of planning and hassle.

A happy story like Isaiah’s can give people hope, especially when economic times have so many sad stories. Many disabled people think no options exist for living a better lifestyle, and Isaiah’s story should inspire those who are disabled to find handicap conversion vans or other means of improving their lives.

Handicap Accessible Van Manufacturers Thrive During Downturn

The automotive industry as a whole has suffered during the recent economic downturn as evidenced by lower sales and government bailouts. One Phoenix, AZ disabled vehicle maker fills a nice niche in the automobile market, and helps people in the process.

Vantage Mobility International modifies Honda Odyssey minivans into handicap accessible vans. VMI has about 200 employees and is in the process of adding engineers and assembly workers to fill new accessible handicap van orders.

In September, the 2011 Odyssey from Honda is going to be available for purchase as a handicap van, and VMI is gearing up for the high demand in the handicapped vehicle market. Over the past 18 months, VMI has been engaged in a “lean manufacturing” process which lowered costs, but resulted in the layoff of around 30 employees.

BraunAbility of Winimac, IN is also gearing up to release new product lines. Their own version of the handicap accessible van, the Toyota Rampvan, is due for release. These Toyota Sienna minivans have also been modified for disabled access. Braun has about 100 additional employees compared to just 9 months ago. Rumors in the industry say Braun will also release a Honda Odyssey accessible handicap van soon.