Accessible adaptive vehicles Pennsylvania

We struggled for longer than we should with Patti’s failing ability to transfer from wheelchair to our car. In part this was ignorance of options. Caregiving does not always leave a lot of time for searching especially when you are not exactly sure what you are searching for.

These days while out and about using our wheelchair accessible van we often attract inquiring minds and answer questions as best we can.

It occurred to me that since the journey from need to finding an adaptive vehicle is still pretty much a needle in a haystack compared to conventional auto shopping that I should compile a list of Pennsylvania adaptive vehicle facilities offering modifications and service. Most additionally sell wheelchair accessible vehicles both new and previously owned.

So, if you want to ask some questions AND kick some tires …

VCI Mobility

www.vcimobility.com

Norristown, PA

800-784-8267

Galbreath Mobility

www.galbreathmotorco.com

New Castle, PA

724-656-1075 / 724-656-0866

Haveco

Harrisburg, PA

717-558-4301 

Keystone Coach Works

www.keystonecoachworks.com

Bethel Park, PA

412-833-1900

MITS Corporation

www.mitscorp.com

Glen Rock, PA

800-243-6487

MobilityWorks

www.mobilityworks.com

Wall, PA

877-275-4907 / 412-824-8091

Ride-Away handicap equipment corp

www.ride-away.com

Norristown, PA

888-743-3292

Spliter, Inc

www.spitlerinc.com

Montoursville, PA

570-368-1771

Total Mobility Services

www.tmservices.com

Boswell, PA

814-629-9935

WEBB Medical Systems

www.webbmedicalsystems.com/adaptive-driving-systems.asp

Shillington, PA

800-266-6633

While more random, it is not impossible to find an adaptive vehicle on a local car lot, and you can find adaptive vehicles through classified advertising both local and interstate such as Disability Dealer Magazine.

Money is ALWAYS a factor and “The Pennsylvania Assistive Technology Foundation (PATF) is a non-profit organization that provides low-interest loans for people with disabilities so that they can buy the assistive technology devices and services they need”.

Pennsylvania Assistive Technology Foundation  www.patf.us/

King of Prussia, PA

888-744-1938

Realizing this blog is also read outside of Pennsylvania, click on Alternative Financing Technical Assistance Project for assistive technology loan programs in other states.

Caregivingly Yours, Patrick Leer

web site: http://caregivinglyyours.com/ 

videos: http://www.youtube.com/daddyleer 

musings: patrick ponders

living with MS / a grant of freedom

THANK YOU National Multiple Sclerosis Society Central Pennsylvania Chapter!

Through their financial assistance program we have been fortunate to receive a 2009 grant that helps pay 15% of our yearly payments on our wheelchair accessible van!

A special shout out to Carla Hecker, Information Resource Center Specialist with National Multiple Sclerosis Society, Denver, CO who ‘was there’ over the holidays to answer questions and get the paperwork started.

And, of course, thanks to the NMSS Central Pennsylvania Chapter President, Margie Adelmann and Director of Programs & Services, Robin Unangst for wrapping it all up and signing the check.

If you ever wonder what Multiple Sclerosis fundraising such as MS Walk is all about … Patti’s freedom is a good example!

Wheelchair confined and unable to transfer Patti’s life would be dramatically different without our van. For whatever reason accessible vehicles are priced comparable to luxury vehicles, living with progressive MS for over two decades does not really leave you economically in the luxury car class.

Between a discounted vehicle loan rate brokered by Pennsylvania Assistive Technology Foundation (PATF) and these grants from NMSS it helps to make freedom a bit more affordable.

Caregivingly Yours, Patrick Leer
web site: http://caregivinglyyours.com/
videos: http://www.youtube.com/daddyleer
musings: Patrick Ponders ...

Caregiving: Pennsylvania Assistive Technology Foundation (PATF)

“Pennsylvania Assistive Technology Foundation (PATF) is launching an exciting new effort on the world wide web with the PATF blog … “

               http://thepatfblog.blogspot.com/

 is a non-profit organization that provides low-interest loans to Pennsylvanians with disabilities and older adults so that they can buy the assistive technology devices and services they need.

Our wheelchair accessible van loan was made possible by them. … PATF rocks!

Scootering through a field of robins yesterday, enjoying 72 degrees and sunny skies is a part of Patti’s more accessible life BECAUSE of assistive technology.

… and a dash of caregiver to make it possible. <grin>

Caregivingly Yours, J Patrick Leer 

website: www.CaregivinglyYours.com

videos: http://www.youtube.com/daddyleer

musings: Musings from the lair of Cachalot

Tags: caregiving, spouse caregiver, PATF, assistive technology

Caregiving: PATF press conference

"We the People ... "

We were invited to speak Tuesday at the Rotunda of the Pennsylvania State Capitol at a press conference for the release of the 2006 Pennsylvania Assistive Technology Foundation (PATF) Report.

They are the wonderful people who helped us to help ourselves in the purchase of our wheelchair accessible van. 

Caregiving families tend to have lower income than non-caregiving families. According to the US Surgeon General’s Office, “out of pocket” medical expenses for caregiving families average 11% of income vs 4% for able bodied families. Unlike able bodied families we cannot assume or depend on upward economic mobility. The majority of Americans who need assistive technology cannot afford it.

Wheelchair accessible vehicles cost the same as luxury vehicles. It’s tough to get an auto loan for that kind of money when a bank or lender looks at such factors.

"The Pennsylvania Assistive Technology Foundation is a non-profit organization whose mission is to provide financing opportunities to individuals with disabilities and their families that enables them to acquire the assistive technology devices and services they need to improve the quality of their lives. PATF services are available all across Pennsylvania regardless of the the borrower's age, income, or type of disability. ... PATF buys down the interest rate on all loans, provides extended repayment periods, and guarantees loans for borrowers who do not have a traditional credit history...."

With their help Pennsylvanians have benefited from adapted vehicles, home modifications, hearing aids, computers, low vision aids, wheelchairs/scooters, and more.

Beginning with simply believing in us through successful loan negotiations with Sovereign Bank they were a Godsend. … And I’d be remiss not to thank Sovereign Bank for believing caregiving families are worth the risk.  

We were glad to step and roll in front of the microphone and cameras and share. After all, if it were not for the accessible van we couldn’t even have gotten there. <grin>