Mobility van

Purchasing an accessible vehicle is expensive and necessary when you get a power wheelchair. We chose a side entry Chrysler van.

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Description

Shortly before I received my power chair, we purchased our mobility van. We worked with the vocational rehabilitation team from the Commonwealth of Kentucky because I was still working at team. They agreed to cover the cost of the accessibility upgrades if we bought the vehicle. We worked with Superior Van & Mobility in Lexington, KY, to purchase and configure our vehicle.

Side or rear ramp?

We ultimately chose a side entry. The rear entry option’s main advantage is finding a parking space. Side entry vehicles have the primary advantages of the rear seat and additional storage. We wanted the rear bench and the storage.

Locking pin?

The locking pin allows you to lock your chair into the van without needing the tie downs. We chose not to do this because the pin on the chair tends to get caught on things and can dig into the dirt and grass. The convenience in the van wasn’t worth the limitations outside of the van.

We are happy with our van. Always explore your options before finalizing any purchase whether new or used, from a dealer or an individual. We have had a good experience working with Superior and recommend them if they service your area.

Parking with a side entry accessible vehicle can be challenging and sometimes downright frustrating. Often the few van accessible handicap spaces that are available are taken, if they exist at all. 

The ramp needs 8 feet to operate and use safely. This is the width of a standard parking space.

When no space is available, we seek out spots that are in not prime and sparsely used. For example, there are rarely handicap spaces available at our clinic. We will go up a few floors in the parking garage looking for a bunch of open spaces together. Having many open spaces around us minimizes the likelihood that someone will block the ramp.

I added a couple of pictures of bad parking at the Mall of America while we were at the Walk to Defeat ALS which was hosted there.

We also bought stickers from Amazon to let people know we need the space.

Additional information

Steve’s ALS stage

Late, Middle

ALS toolboxes

We are using these stages to help you understand when these tools and apps were most effective for Steve.

EARLY STAGE | July 2021 – November 2022

From first symptoms to the walker

Key points
• No ventilation
• Able to walk without help
Limited upper limb function

MIDDLE STAGE | November 2022 – August 2023

From walker to power chair

Key points
• Limited ventilation with an NIV
• Help needed to transfer
Limited upper and lower limb function
• Work transitions
Supplemental nutrition through feeding tube

LATE STAGE | August 2023 – Current

Power chair

Key points
• 50% to full time ventilation
• From NIV to tracheostomy
Lift transfers
Loss of limb function
Most nutrition through feeding tube

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