Family Independence with a Wheelchair Accessible Van

For someone with a disability, simple every dayfor the IWK Health Centre, Lisa Scott.  Between
tasks can become challenging without thethe four of them, they were able to work out a
independence a wheelchair accessible van canprice that Roxanne could afford.  The IWK then
provide.  Independence and the ability to createraised $5,380 in donations.  Along with donations
family memories came in the form of afrom family and friends, Roxanne had enough to
wheelchair accessible van conversion for Novasupplement her grant.
Scotia residents Roxanne and her ten year-oldIndependence Made Easy with a Wheelchair
son, Justin.Accessible Van
Justin has Spina Bifida, a condition that affectsRoxanne and Justin were overjoyed when their
fetuses during early development, usually resultingsilver 2004 rear-entry Dodge Grand Caravan
in varying degrees of paralysis.  In Justin's case,arrived home in New Glasgow, Nova Scotia on
he is paralysed from the waist down.January 26th, 2009.
Although Roxanne is often home with Justin,"When Justin got in all by himself, I stood in the
opportunities for them to take part in activitiesyard with my neighbour and cried tears of joy. 
outside the home were restricted due to the lackIt was the first time in a long time that I felt
of suitable transportation.  Both mother and sonindependent to be able to do the things we both
were able to use their local para transit servicewanted and needed to do together."
known as the CHAD bus.  Run by the CentralOn their very first trip in the modified van,
Highland Association of the Disabled, Justin neededRoxanne and Justin invited his cousin, Kane, to
the CHAD bus for transportation to and fromcome along.
medical treatments; however, the CHAD buses"It was the first time they'd ever been able to go
were simply too expensive and time-consuming.anywhere together.  It was an amazing feeling
"It costs $200 to go on the CHAD bus everyfor them to sit together and pop a movie into
time we have to visit the IWK Hospital in Halifaxthe DVD player!  We never heard a peep out of
and it must be scheduled well in advance", noteseither of them", recalls Roxanne.
Roxanne.The children's enthusiasm continued when they
The Frustrating Hunt for a Handicap Minivanarrived at the store.
In 2008, Roxanne was granted $20,000 from"It was the first time for Justin and he was going
President's Choice Children's Charity to helpup and down the aisles, picking things off the
purchase a wheelchair accessible van, but hershelves by the armful!  Before that van, I would
location made it almost impossible to test drive orgo by myself and ask if he wanted anything. 
purchase an accessible handicap minivan.  AfterNow, he can go with me!"
many difficult experiences using a side-entry van,Peace of Mind with a Rear-Entry Wheelchair
Roxanne knew she needed better options. Accessible Van
Through her research into local dealerships thatThe wheelchair accessible van has given the
sold unmodified vans, Roxanne discovered thefamily the independence they desired and
cost of converting a van with a ramp was costly.Roxanne has gained peace of mind as a parent. 
At just the right time, Roxanne met LisaJustin faced many challenges at school before his
Conway.  Lisa had just recently been through thewheelchair van conversion.  Justin's illness caused
process of purchasing a handicap accessiblehim to have bladder and bowel problems and so
minivan.  The two women became good friendshe had to be catheterized each day at noon. 
when Lisa offered to give Roxanne and Justin aWhen his school ended the lunch time bus,
ride to a Halloween party at the local YMCA. Roxanne had no simple way to transport Justin
When Lisa arrived with a rear-entry wheelchairhome for the necessary treatment.  She was
accessible van that allowed Justin to enter quicklyforced to reserve, wait for, pay for and take the
and safely, Roxanne was convinced she'd foundCHAD bus to school to complete his daily
her answer:treatments.  One day when Justin was suffering
"Lisa had this folder with her – it was all abouta bad urinary tract infection, Roxanne had to call
Liberty Motor Company!  Before I had Lisa's help,her sister to come to the school and help her lift
I didn't know where to go or who to ask.  Itand transport Justin home. This incident confirmed
helped a lot to find a person who understoodher worst fears as a mother.
what I was going through.""Because of my son's situation, he could have
Armed with the information about accessiblebecome very sick.  With the van, I know I can
handicap minivans from Liberty Motor Co,get him home or to treatment, and that's a huge
Roxanne called the company's toll-free line inrelief for both of us!" notes Roxanne.
October, 2008 and spoke with Mobility Specialist,Before their special rear-entry wheelchair
Dave Mandic.accessible van, converted by Liberty Motor
"I found Dave wonderfully helpful!  He sent meCompany, travel was time-consuming, expensive
e-mails and kept me updated often.  He wasand difficult.  Now the family has the
easy to talk to and he understood the problemsindependence to take Justin wherever he wants
we faced.  He was very willing to help and thatto go.
made a big difference in my being sure I was"Justin is very outgoing, and he's non-stop now! 
purchasing the right van for Justin and I," RoxanneFor the first time in our lives, I'm not dependent
notes.on someone else to stay with him while I run
After discussing Roxanne and Justin's needs, Daveerrands or asking someone to pick up things for
sent various quotes on in-stock vehicles, includingus.  A lot of the fear is gone and our
what he thought would be best for Justin.  Toindependence is back.  We're doing everything
meet Roxanne's budget, Dave worked with thethat other people take for granted.  Our van has
family's social worker and the funding coordinatorgiven us so much liberty!