Posts Tagged ‘handicap vehicle’

Handicap Vehicle Manufacturer VMI Donates Dodge Grand Caravan

Vantage Mobility International of Phoenix, AZ is a handicap vehicle manufacturer with a heart. It shows in their design, engineering, and manufacturing process, which brings thousands of disabled people the accessible vehicles they need for independent lifestyles.

It also shows in the actions of VMI outside their “business” operations. VMI recently donated a handicap access vehicle to Heather Grossman. Grossman runs Heather’s Haven of Hope. The Dodge Grand Caravan with the VMI Summit access handicap vehicle conversion features a folding ramp for access. This handicap access minivan will allow Grossman to lead a more independent lifestyle.

Heather’s story is truly amazing. Her ex-husband hired gunmen to shoot and kill her, leaving her dead on the scene of the crime. She was resuscitated, only to learn of paralys from the neck down—a condition which would require the assistance of an expensive handicap access vehicle for day-to-day activities. Grossman’s then husband mentally and physically abused her for four years.

Rising above all this adversity, she started Heather’s Haven of Hope, a charitable foundation which raises awareness of domestic violence. Heather also mentors other spinal cord patients in her role, consults with the Office for Victims at the Justice Department in Washington, DC, and is a guest speaker at seminars and conferences.

In 2009, Grossman had to deal with another setback; her handicap vehicle was wrecked in an accident. Jon Kyl, Arizona Senator, heard about her plight and contacted Vantage Mobility International and Phoenix International Raceway to see if they could help.

The new access handicap vehicle was given to Heather on April 10 at the Phoenix International Raceway. Disabled access is offered through an 11 inch lowered floor and power ramp.

“I had the pleasure of meeting Heather three years ago at the Ms. Wheelchair Arizona pageant and was instantly touched by her tenacity and positive outlook on life,” said Doug Eaton, VMI’s CEO. “When I heard that Heather had been without transportation for 11 months, I knew we had to do something for her, because she does so much for the community as a mentor for other abuse victims. Donating the Summit fold-out ramp conversion on the Dodge Grand Caravan will thankfully get Heather back on the road doing what she loves and what our community needs.”

Grossman said: “I feel like I’ve been let out of jail. I can now go and visit my son at Pepperdine University in California. I can go back to church and back to the hospitals to mentor other abuse victims.”

For more information on Vantage Mobility International and their handicap vehicles, go to www.mobilitysales.com.