Justin Timberlake Buys A Wheelchair Accessible Van For Tennessee Teen

Posted on March 9, 2021December 1, 2023 by Richard Maxwell

Justin Timberlake Buys Tennessee Teen a Wheelchair Accessible Van

Honk If You're Happy!

While most around the world would label 2020 as one of the worst years of recent history, the Stitt family of Morristown, TN would disagree.

(Warning: This story will touch your heart and ultimately just might strike a tear in the toughest of men.)

It’s the day before Thanksgiving, a day like any other in the small town of Morristown, TN. Here sits a teenager, Jake Stitt, a seventeen old with cerebral palsy going about his routine. It’s one of the highlights of his day, sitting on his front porch with signs to “Honk if You’re Happy” displayed, spreading cheer to others passing by.

However, on this day there so happened to be a news crew on hand from WJHL, a local TV station. Jake had thought they were there to do a story on him and his family who have been trying to raise money for a wheelchair accessible van. Unbeknownst, this day was about to take a different turn, and change the lives of the Stitt family forever.

As Jake sits, in the distance, sirens are heard. Unusual to Jake, he turns to look down his street, just as a caravan of vehicles approach. Unsure what he is seeing, it soon was announced by those surrounding Jake, that the caravan was for him. It was being led by a black Dodge Caravan from, Superior Van & Mobility with the town of Morristown following, lights and sirens blaring. There was about to be a special delivery, of a very special gift, from a very special, famous friend. Unfortunately, from here words cannot describe the excitement and feeling that ensued as the caravan reached Jake’s home, you must watch the video.

Now the conclusion to this amazing story… Jake’s, “Honk If You’re Happy” display and need for a mobility van story first got attention from a local online news article. Many in the community knew about Jake, but not his need. The family did not have a wheelchair accessible van and they currently depended on his father, who needed back surgery, to physically transfer him from his wheelchair to their vehicle for transport; a task that had become dangerous for both Jake and his father as he had grown. As word got out about their need, the community came together. A Go Fund Me was established to help raise the $35,000 needed to purchase the family a much-deserved wheelchair accessible van.

Actor, Michael Abbott, Jr. who now lives in New York. but from Morristown, Tennessee, clicked on a link about his upcoming movie release and stumbled upon Jake’s story. Next steps, Michael reached out to Superior Van & Mobility wanting to learn more about mobility transportation options and what could be a possible solution with the budget they had. After receiving the information he needed, Michael reached out to the Stitt family and promised them that somehow, someway Jake would have his van by Thanksgiving. Unsure how that might happen, Michael went to sharing the story with additional news outlets and was able to get them to video and showcase the families van need which then he quickly shared on social media. The story was even picked up and shared by Professional Surfer, Kelly Slater!

As the short time progressed, it happened, donations had started to come in from the community and those as far as Australia. It looked like the Thanksgiving delivery, Michael Abbott, Jr. had hoped for would actually happen. And he was right! Right before Thanksgiving, the Stitt family had met their goal.

However, this story doesn’t end here. At the last minute , Grammy Award Winner and Tennessee-native, Justin Timberlake found out about the initiative to raise money for the Stitt family and the wheelchair accessible van. Needless to say, Justin was very touched by, Jake and the community’s efforts. So much in fact, Justin reached out to the father via Zoom, to let him know that he would be purchasing the van for the family. But, Justin’s request did not stop there, Justin told Jake’s father that they were to also keep the $35,000 raised to help cover the ongoing, expenses associated with Jake’s care as long as Jake got to use the van while driving around town to spread his, “Honk If You’re Happy” message.

Thank you Jake for your inspiration and unselfish effort to brighten the day of others. You truly are a gifted young man who we look forward to knowing for the many years to come. We truly applaud your efforts!

From the Stitt Family:

Thank you Justin Timberlake for your generous donation and for changing the Stitt’s family’s life!
Thank you to actor, Michael Abbott Jr., for your passion to raise and spread awareness!
Thank you to the Morristown / Knoxville area community for returning the favor & smiles to Jake and his family!
Thank you to our Superior Van & Mobility – Knoxville team for making this memorable delivery possible!

2021 Toyota Sienna Wheelchair Vans Available Only as Gas/Electric Hybrids Beginning 2021 Model Year

Posted on November 9, 2020December 7, 2023 by Richard Maxwell

Are You Ready for the 2021 Toyota Sienna Hybrid Wheelchair Accessible minivan?

Beginning with the 2021 model year, Toyota Sienna will no longer be available as a gas only minivan.

Toyota has officially announced the Toyota Sienna, one of the top-selling minivans in the U.S. and a popular chassis for wheelchair accessible van conversions, will only be available in a gas/electric hybrid model beginning with the 2021 model year. “This is an all-new vehicle from the ground up, including a new chassis platform as well as a new electrical platform,” said Monte Kaehr, Toyota Chief Engineer. “ The development of the fourth generation Sienna was a huge undertaking but we always worked towards one single mission—to make the best van yet.”

Aiming to redefine the segment, the fourth generation Toyota Sienna, in Toyota’s words, “reimagines the minivan to support a wider array of life stages and activities”. With a standard hybrid powertrain consisting of a 2.5-liter gasoline-powered four-cylinder engine and a pair of electric motors producing 243 horsepower, the new Sienna is available in four trim levels, and boasts an array of new tech and amenities in addition to an impressive estimated combined fuel economy of 33 mpg.

Initially, Toyota’s decision to go full hybrid cast the beloved vans future as a candidate for wheelchair accessibility in doubt, but since then BraunAbility and Vantage Mobility, two of the world’s largest producer of handicap accessible vehicles, announced their converted Siennas should be available June 2021.

While the new Sienna’s SUV-inspired look and multiple upgrades in comfort, safety, drivability, and entertainment are getting rave reviews, the price of the hybrid model is rumored to be several thousand dollars more than the current models, which has caused a rush on existing new 2020 Sienna stock and older pre-owned vehicles.

If you would like more information on the new 2021 Toyota Sienna Hybrid Wheelchair Van, click the button below!

To view Superior’s Toyota Sienna handicap van inventory, click below.

Dodge Discontinues Grand Caravan, the “Workhorse” of Wheelchair Accessible Vehicle Platforms

Posted on June 27, 2020September 7, 2023 by Richard Maxwell

Dodge Discontinues Grand Caravan, and Introduces The Chrysler Voyager!

Swan Song of the Most Popular Wheelchair Van in the U.S.

1984, the Dodge Grand Caravan and Plymouth Voyager pioneered the minivan concept. U.S. sales of the Grand Caravan peaked at 300,000 in 1996 & 1997, then hovered around the 100,000 to 150,000 range. The Caravan lived through five design updates, the most current dating back to 2008. It remained virtually unchanged for its remaining 12 years.

As far as the mobility industry was concerned, the Dodge Caravan was the gift that gave many the blessing of affordability and mobility. It was the means that allowed customers with average incomes to afford their first wheelchair van. But what was going to happen now that the Caravan would be discontinued? The Chrysler Pacifica had already replaced the Town & Country, but the Pacifica’s MSRP was about $8,000 higher than the Caravan. $8,000 is a massive jump for many to afford!

CHRYSLER MAKES AN ANNOUNCEMENT

During the delayed termination of the Dodge Caravan, which Dodge continued to build longer than anticipated, Chrysler finally announced its replacement. Chrysler was going to build the Chrysler Voyager, a lower-cost version of the Chrysler Pacifica, to help fill the need of its large category of business being left aside. The first year of this replacement would be 2020. The year the Dodge Caravan would be discontinued. It was great news! However, this is where it gets interesting.

With the production of the Chrysler Voyager, the mobility industry could again provide customers with an affordable option once driven by the Dodge Caravan. While not exactly priced the same as the Caravan once was, the costs were closer than the Pacifica, and the vehicle was safer and much more technologically advanced.

Everything again seemed good in the industry, then Chrysler made another announcement. After the 2021 model year, they were going to discontinue the production of the Chrysler Voyager as a vehicle for sale to the general public. After the 2021 model year, Chrysler Voyagers would not be available for sale on a local car dealer’s lot. A huge blow and scare once again to the mobility industry, or was it?

After making the dramatic announcement, Chrysler quickly added that while it would end production of consumer sales, it would continue to build the Chrysler Voyager for its fleet customers. These customers are mainly rental companies, but BraunAbility and VMI are also considered fleet customers. This end of the Chrysler Voyager will not affect the mobility industry unless a manufacturer does not have fleet status. Then that manufacturer will no longer be building a new Chrysler Voyager wheelchair-accessible van after the 2021 model year.

Mobility dealers like Superior Van & Mobility, who are dealers for both BraunAbility and VMI, will continue to have the Chrysler Voyager wheelchair van for many years. And, to make things even better, the chassis price was reduced further for the 2022 Chrysler Voyager LX, making it less than a comparable Dodge Caravan SXT in 2020! It’s a huge win for the mobility industry and its customers.

Shop for your next wheelchair-accessible vehicle today!

Richard W. Maxwell, MBA

Richard Maxwell, is a seasoned automotive marketing executive with over two decades of experience. Starting in 1999 with his advertising agency, Maxx Design & Marketing, he has consistently delivered innovative marketing solutions. After earning his MBA, Richard shifted focus to adaptive technology, serving as Marketing Manager for Superior Van & Mobility. Today, he leverages his expertise to promote and educate others about adaptive equipment in transportation and drive change in accessible mobility.

Superior Van and Mobility Purchases Presidential Conversions in Arkansas

Posted on February 13, 2020April 25, 2023 by Richard Maxwell

Superior Van and Mobility Purchases Presidential Conversions in Arkansas

Contact: Dawn McCool, Director of Business Development
Company: Superior Van & Mobility  
Direct: 317.464.7111 
Email: dmccool@superiorvan.com

FEBRUARY 13TH, 2020 – FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Superior Van & Mobility Expands to Offer Arkansas Wheelchair-Users Expanded Access to Affordable Handicap Accessible Vehicles

Superior Van & Mobility acquires Presidential Conversions to become the largest family-owned wheelchair-accessible vehicle provider in the U.S.

LOUISVILLE, KENTUCKY – Superior Van & Mobility, the largest family-owned wheelchair-accessible vehicle dealer group in the United States, recently announced the acquisition of Arkansas-based Presidential Conversions, and its locations in Fayetteville, Jonesboro, and Little Rock. All began operating under the Superior banner on Monday, February 10th.

“Presidential Conversions has a great reputation and loyal customers,” says Sam Cook, owner and president of Superior Van & Mobility, “We look forward to meeting them and exceeding their expectations, and we’re thrilled to provide Arkansas wheelchair users expanded access to one of the nation’s largest inventories of affordable wheelchair accessible vehicles, wheelchair lifts, and mobility aids.”

The recent acquisition of Presidential Conversion’s three locations expands Superior to sixteen stores and adds Arkansas to the list of locations in Indiana, Kentucky, Tennessee, Louisiana, Nebraska, Alabama, and Florida. Family-owned since its founding in 1976, Superior offers its customers a unique “no haggle” sales model focused on a purchase experience that is, according to Cook, “as simple and as stress-free as possible”. “We do things differently at Superior,” he says. “Every day we come to work we have the opportunity to change peoples’ lives, and that’s not something everyone can say about what they do for a living. Our mobility specialists don’t work on commission, so our customers know they get the lowest pricing possible, and we have an absolute passion for helping them regain their freedom of mobility.”

Founded by Arkansas-native John Wilson, Presidential Conversions began as a luxury van converter in 1977. The company switched exclusively to mobility vehicle conversions in 1981, and eventually added mobility scooters, wheelchairs, and home-modifications to its product line. While Superior has acquired Presidential Conversion’s name and its accessible vehicle business, John and his team will continue to offer personal mobility aids and home modification services under the name Presidential Mobility. “I’ve known Sam Cook for many years and have great respect for Superior’s business philosophy,” says Wilson. “As I began to consider semi-retirement, it was very important I find the ‘right’ company to hand the vehicle business off to, one that would continue to take great care of our customers. I’m thrilled things are aligning with Superior because I know our clients will continue to be in good hands.”

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Superior Van & Mobility provides new and used wheelchair accessible vehicles, mobility seating options, hand controls, scooter and wheelchair lifts, and other driving aids, all of which meet or exceed Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standards (FMVSS). Each Superior location is certified by the National Mobility Equipment Dealers Association (NMEDA) and supports and advocates with local community groups to promote disability awareness. Superior Van & Mobility’s sixteen sales and service centers are located throughout Indiana, Kentucky, Eastern Tennessee, Louisiana, Nebraska, Alabama, Florida, and Arkansas. For more information, visit www.SuperiorVan.com.

Superior Van & Mobility Acquires Phase III Vans with Locations in Alabama & Florida

Posted on January 14, 2020April 25, 2023 by Richard Maxwell

Superior Van & Mobility Acquires Phase III Vans with Locations in Alabama & Florida

1.6.2020

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:

Superior Van & Mobility announces the acquisition of Phase III Mobility with locations in Alabama and Florida. The addition of these two stores will mark the 13^th “brick and mortar” Superior Van & Mobility QAP dealership with in-stock and ready to deliver mobility vans, wheelchair lifts and driving aids, as well as certified on-site technicians offering 24/7 service assistance.

Phase III Mobility has been serving Montgomery, Alabama and surrounding areas with wheelchair accessible products and service since 1994, but began converting full size vans in 1980. The Pensacola, Florida location was added 8 years ago and serves those in Northeast Florida as well as Southern Alabama. Superior Van & Mobility is a family owned company providing mobility transportation solutions to the consumer and commercial industry since 1976.

Phase III Mobility owners Bodie and Debbie Ingram shared thoughts on the acquisition, Bodie stated, “Our customers are like family and we will truly miss working and assisting those with mobility challenges in our communities. However, we know given Superior’s presence as an industry leader in the mobility industry, our customers will be well taken care of.”

Sam Cook, President and owner of Superior Van & Mobility, shared his thoughts, “Our main focus is making mobility possible to all who need our products. The strategic growth expansion into Alabama and Northern Florida lessens the distance between our Tennessee and Louisiana locations, while also increasing our volume of mobility solutions available.” Sam continued, “Phase III Mobility has a great foundation and we look forward to continuing to grow what Bodie started in 1994.”

Superior Van & Mobility provides wheelchair accessible vehicles, mobility seating options, hand controls, Scooter and Wheelchair Lifts, and a variety of other driving aids, all of which meet Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standards (FMVSS). Each location helps and supports local community groups on disability awareness issues. Superior Van & Mobility now has thirteen sales and service centers throughout Indiana, Kentucky, Eastern Tennessee, Louisiana, Nebraska, Alabama and Florida. For more information, please visit www.superiorvan.com.

Pennzoil, BraunAbility and PVA Provide Veterans the Gift of Mobility

Posted on June 9, 2014April 25, 2023 by Richard Maxwell

Pennzoil, BraunAbility and PVA Provide Veterans the Gift of Mobility

Daily, thousands of Americans put their lives on the line serving in the military for our freedom. This past Memorial Day, we remembered those whose lives were lost and reminded ourselves that for many returning home, a new battle begins. In an effort to assist those who have sustained a paralyzing injury while active, Paralyzed Veterans of America (PVA), BraunAbility, and Pennzoil® teamed up to retrofit three vehicles in an effort to give back the gift of mobility to paralyzed veterans.

Hank Ebert, was one of those veterans who received a retrofitted BraunAbility Toyota Sienna minivan, featuring the latest technology in assisting paralyzed drivers, as part of Pennzoil’s “Love Your Car” program, a partnership they created with the PVA. Hank was a U.S. Navy veteran, and served four years in the Navy as a crewman on a rescue helicopter in Vietnam. Today, despite his injury, Ed stays active as he participates in the Veteran’s Wheelchair games, is a fishing guide, and an die hard drag racing fan. Ed was lucky enough to have been nominated by his local PVA chapter in Minnesota to receive the custom vehicle, and as you can see from the video, he was overwhelmed by the generosity.

“I’m incredibly excited. It hasn’t even sunk in yet how excited I am,” said U.S. Navy veteran, Hank Ebert. “From winning this vehicle, to being flown to Charlotte to see my first NASCAR race, to being here with all my friends to celebrate, it’s just awesome.”

Today, there are more than 44,000 American veterans living with paralysis and the effects of rising healthcare costs. These are veterans, who have been here for us, and are now in a great need of support. Which has led to the mission of the PVA’s “ABLE” campaign, which was developed to help the nation’s paralyzed veterans rebuild their lives. With support from companies like Pennzoil, Mission: ABLE will continue to provide American disabled veterans with the tools to help them regain their mobility.

How Can You Help Catch Handicap Parking Violators In Your Community

Posted on September 10, 2013May 1, 2023 by Richard Maxwell

How Can You Help Catch Handicap Parking Violators In Your Community

Revised and updated from an article I posted on our blog back in May 2013

Many of us have experienced, or heard comments from customers and friends in wheelchairs of how hard it is to find a handicap parking space, or one where they can safely deploy their wheelchair ramp. In fact, I hear all the time how it always seems the spots designated for vans with ramps are always occupied by vehicles without ramps, or worst, those without permits, motorcycles or even grocery carts!!

Whatever you’ve heard or experienced, the problem is big, and most outside the disabled community don’t seem to really acknowledge. Despite the passing of The Americans with Disabilities Act in 1990, we still seem to find ourselves coming up short in enforcement and the availability of accessible parking. When the act was instituted, the prescribed formula for determining the number of accessible spaces in a parking lot depended on the number of total spots. For example, a lot with up to 400 spaces must have at least eight handicapped parking spaces, but ONLY ONE has to be van accessible marked with hash marks to signify the need to keep the area clear.

Twice As Many Permits
Interesting note: there are 1.2 million active handicapped parking permits in Ohio, according to the latest figures from the Bureau of Motor Vehicles. That figure represents twice as many accessible parking plates and placards compared to a decade ago.

Why is this becoming a problem? The number of spaces required by the ADA has remained the same. This influx has left drivers with various degrees of disability competing for limited real estate in local parking lots, and it’s not just Ohio.

Violators – Still a Problem
There have been parking violators as long as there have been handicapped parking spaces, despite the threat of fines. The sad truth is, handicap parking violation is considered a low-priority offense, with many Police Departments issuing less than one ticket per day on average.

Regardless of how well any one city enforces their disabled parking spaces, their enforcement agents (police, etc.) cannot be everywhere…all the time. Even in cases where a violation is called in to the authorities, most enforcement agents cannot arrive at the location in time to ticket the offender. The fact is, people with disabilities would make the best enforcers of parking violations because they experience it everywhere they go.

What’s the answer? – How can you make a difference?
There’s an App for that!
Parking Mobility (parkingmobility.com) is a new smartphone app that allows users to report parking violators. The app cues the user to take a set of photos of the vehicle in violation and it marks the date, time and location. The app then sends a report to local authorities, if the city has approved and adopted the practice of using the app. Normal citizens, through the use of the Parking Mobility application, are now empowered to help make a difference.

Let’s face it… Disabled parking is needed by 20% of the population, and cities are responsible for ensuring that these parking spots remain accessible and are not being abused. Parking Mobility is the answer, empowering its citizens and their assisting local government in addressing disabled parking abuse. After all, who is better to spot a violator than those who depend on it daily?

To learn more about the Parking Mobility app. please visit www.Parkingmobility.com.

How to Get Your City to Adopt Parking Mobility
So you want your city to adopt Parking Mobility? That’s great, but where to start? The following is a checklist to help make it easy for you. This will show you how to engage with your city to demonstrate why Parking Mobility is good for you, your city and your community:

1. You’re not alone!
You may ask yourself: how can I get my city to adopt Parking Mobility by myself? Well, the answer is power in numbers. Governments are far more responsive to an organized group than one individual. Through organizing a group of fellow citizens who are passionate about addressing disabled parking abuse, you will be more convincing to your city that: Disabled parking abuse is a real issue affecting a significant percentage of the community and Parking Mobility is the best answer to that problem by allowing the individuals who need disabled parking to report violations.

2. Leverage our partner organizations
Your first step is to let Parking Mobility know that you want to help with your city. Call them at (512) 981-9628 or email them at contact@parkingmobility.com. They will connect you with their partner organizations in your community which is also endorsing Parking Mobility, including but not limited to:

• Christopher and Dana Reeve Foundation
• Easter Seals
• Paralyzed Veterans of America
• United Cerebral Palsy
• United Spinal Association

3. Emphasize the key benefits
City officials are strapped for time, and so it is important to quickly identify how the city will benefit from Parking Mobility:

• Generates significant additional revenue for your city without any cost
• Reports to cities include all violation information required of enforcement (photos, GPS coordinates, time stamp, and user info.)
• Law enforcement cannot be everywhere…all the time
• People with disabilities are best suited to report violations since they are the ones using the disabled parking
• Improves accessibility in your city and engages citizens

4. Advocate
Inform your community – your personal network, local newspapers and radio and TV stations – that disabled parking abuse represents a real issue affecting a significant percentage of the community. Discuss how even if enforcement was a priority for the city, law enforcement cannot be everywhere…all the time. In fact, the best way to tackle disabled parking abuse is to put the reporting power in the hands of the people who need disabled parking. This is what Parking Mobility does.

5. (AGAIN) you’re not alone!
If you are running into roadblocks or need more material, always remember that Parking Mobility supports you throughout the process. They talk to cities regularly and can assist with your local community effort we can support your discussions and engagement with your city to get Parking Mobility in place.

What is a Driver Evaluation, and Do You Need One?

Posted on July 12, 2013April 25, 2023 by Richard Maxwell

What is a Driver Evaluation, and Do You Need One?

A Prescription from a CDRS Might be Needed to Purchase Mobility Equipment

There are many reasons why an individual might require a driving evaluation, however before we address the reasons why, lets review what exactly is a driver evaluation.

WHAT IS A DRIVER EVALUATION?

A driver evaluation is a comprehensive set of physical and/or cognitive assessments, performed by a Certified Driving Rehabilitation Specialist (CDRS). The assessment is designed to evaluate an individual’s cognitive and/or physical limitation related to safely operating a motor vehicle.

WHO CAN BENEFIT FROM AN EVALUATION?

• Any individual that has a physical and/or cognitive limitation or impairment that is interested in regaining their independence by operating a motor vehicle.
• Any person where a physician or family member has questioned an individual’s ability to safely operate a motor vehicle.

WHAT CRITERIA IS USED IN THE EVALUATION PROCESS?

When undergoing a driving evaluation, the following skills are addressed and performance must be deemed acceptable by a CDRS.

• Physical Function – Range of motion, strength, coordination, endurance and sensation.
• Vision – Visual acuity, depth perception, contrast sensitivity, peripheral and color recognition.
• Cognition – Attention, judgment, memory, spatial, perception, problem solving.
• Reaction Time – Ability to respond timely and accurately with regards to driving tasks.
• Self Control – Ability to modulate oneself in response to demands in the environment.

WHAT IS THE PROCESS ORDER OF AN EVALUATION?

A driver evaluation usually consists of the following steps and can last 2 to 3 hours. However, each case being unique results in a variance of time allotted.

• Clinical – Portion of evaluation consists of a variety of screening tools, assessments and standardized tests of skill related to physical, cognitive, visual and reaction time.
• Behind the Wheel – Portion of evaluation assesses the clients’ abilities to control the vehicle over various road situations. This step is only performed if the client demonstrated the necessary physical, visual, cognitive and reaction times during the clinical assessment. Use of adaptive equipment will be used and introduced if deemed necessary from the clinical evaluation. Client must have previous drivers license or permit to participate in this part of the evaluation.
• Results/Outcomes – Summary is provided of the evaluation and will detail the clients’ abilities with list of recommendations.
• Equipment Prescription – If warranted, a written prescription that includes the recommendation of adaptive equipment is provided, and referral to an appropriate vendor/vehicle modifier is made.
• Fitting and Inspection – After the vendor modification / Install, a final fitting is conducted to ensure that the prescribed equipment or modification is positioned properly and adjustments are made.
• Driver Rehabilitation Training – If necessary, training begins in the operation of modification / installation of equipment. The duration of this training is determined by the therapist and will vary based on clients needs.

WHAT TYPE OF MODIFICATION/EQUIPMENT MIGHT I BE PRESCRIBED?

Obviously, everyone’s needs and situation are different; however the most popular vehicle modifications and installation of adaptive equipment are as follows:

• Lowered floor, wheelchair accessible van
• Wheelchair or scooter lift
• Hand controls
• Transfer seat
• High tech, electronic driving systems
• Wheelchair restraints
• Docking systems

DOES INSURANCE PAY FOR THE EVALUATION?

Unfortunately, these services are not often covered by insurance plans. Please make sure you check with your insurance provider to determine your exact coverage.

DOES INSURANCE PAY FOR THE MODIFICATION / INSTALLATION OF ADAPTIVE EQUIPMENT?

Most insurance companies do not cover the modification / installation of adaptive equipment, however there are many sources that do provide assistance, and you might qualify. To see if you qualify, you should research the following services for assistance availability as they are the most common:

• Vocational Rehabilitation Services (for your state)
• Workers Compensation (if qualify and applicable to your situation)
• Veteran Administration (if qualify and applicable to your situation)
• Insurance Provider
• Medical Assistance Programs

As you can see, a driver evaluation is not only very important, but it is a process. A process that is best started as soon as possible in a situation where time is an essence on regaining mobility.

If you think you might be a candidate or just interested in learning more about driver evaluations, please DO YOUR RESEARCH and contact a CDRS in your area. Most rehabilitation facilities will have a list of CDRS in your area and can provide contact information to you. We also work with numerous CDRS in Indiana, Kentucky, Ohio, Illinois, Tennessee, Nebraska, Iowa, Arkansas, Alabama, Florida and Louisiana, so feel free to contact any one of the, Superior Van and Mobility locations in those markets.

Wounded Warrior Receives Camo Accessible Van

Posted on May 28, 2013April 25, 2023 by Richard Maxwell

Wounded Warrior Receives Camo Wheelchair Accessible Van

A very deserving disabled veteran was presented with an accessible van converted by BraunAbility, a manufacturer of wheelchair accessible vehicles.

Lance Corporal Michael DeLancey was presented a camo-wrapped accessible van alongside BraunAbility employees who have served in the military.

Winamac, IN (PRWEB) May 23, 2013

A very deserving wounded veteran was presented with a customized camouflaged accessible van on behalf of BraunAbility, a leading manufacturer of wheelchair accessible vehicles based in Winamac.

Lance Corporal Michael DeLancey, a native of Pinellas Park, Florida, was injured in Iraq in 2006 when a sniper’s bullet pierced his spinal cord, leaving him paralyzed from the waist down and critically damaging his lung. Despite the life-altering injury, DeLancey has been a force of positive change. He serves as an ambassador for Wounded Warrior Project and speaks with fellow veterans recovering from serious injuries.

“As a Marine, Mike has built his life upon the three Corps Values: Honor, Courage and Commitment,” said Kevin McMahon, Executive Vice President of Sales and Marketing. “These are values that our founder Ralph Braun believed in – and they are values that the people of this company hold true.”

The completely camouflage-covered vehicle will transport DeLancey to his volunteer work with veteran organizations and events in his home state of Florida and nationwide.

BraunAbility, founded in 1972, has a long history of serving veterans with disabilities. Many of the company’s first customers were newly injured veterans returning from the Vietnam war at a time when people with disabilities had very few mobility options.

Held at BraunAbility corporate headquarters in Winamac, the presentation was an opportunity for the company to not only honor Lance Corporal DeLancey, but current employees who had served in the military as well. In honor of DeLansky’s visit to the company and all company veterans, BraunAbility employees wore red, white and blue.

“Thank you for your service, for your commitment, and we celebrate the many ways you continue to serve our country,” added McMahon.

The presentation, appropriately, occurred just before Memorial Day weekend and during National Military Appreciation Month.

Reversing paralysis with a restorative gel

Posted on May 15, 2013April 25, 2023 by Richard Maxwell

Reversing Paralysis with a Restorative Gel?

Posted By News On May 13, 2013 – 4:30pm
https://www.sciencecodex.com/reversing_paralysis_with_a_restorative_gel-112053

Some parts of the body, like the liver, can regenerate themselves after damage. But others, such as our nervous system, are considered either irreparable or slow to recover, leaving thousands with a lifetime of pain, limited mobility, or even paralysis.

Now a team of Tel Aviv University researchers, including Dr. Shimon Rochkind of TAU’s Sackler Faculty of Medicine and Tel Aviv Sourasky Medical Center and Prof. Zvi Nevo of TAU’s Department of Human Molecular Genetics and Biochemistry have invented a method for repairing damaged peripheral nerves. Through a biodegradable implant in combination with a newly-developed Guiding Regeneration Gel (GRG) that increases nerve growth and healing, the functionality of a torn or damaged nerve could ultimately be restored.

This innovative project is now gaining international recognition. Its initial successes were reported recently at several renowned scientific congresses, including the World Federation of Neurological Societies and the European Neurological Society. And the therapy, already tested in animal models, is only a few years away from clinical use, says Dr. Rochkind.

Like healing in the womb

A nerve is like an electrical cable. When severed or otherwise damaged, power can no longer be transferred and the cable loses its functionality. Similarly, a damaged nerve loses the ability to transfer signals for movement and feeling through the nervous system.

But Dr. Rochkind and Prof. Nevo found a way to breach the gap. In their method, two severed ends of a damaged nerve are reconnected by implanting a soft, biodegradable tube, which serves as a bridge to help the nerve ends connect. The innovative gel which lines the inside of the tube nurtures nerve fibers’ growth, encouraging the nerve to reconnect the severed ends through the tube, even in cases with massive nerve damage, Dr. Rochkind says.

The key lies in the composition of the gel, the researchers say, which has three main components: anti-oxidants, which exhibit high anti-inflammatory activities; synthetic laminin peptides, which act as a railway or track for the nerve fibers to grow along; and hyaluronic acid, commonly found in the human fetus, which serves as a buffer against drying, a major danger for most implants. These components allow the nerve to heal the way a fetus does in the womb — quickly and smoothly.

Keeping cells safe for transplant

The implant has already been tested in animal models, and the gel by itself can be used as a stand-alone product, acting as an aid to cell therapy. GRG is not only able to preserve cells, it can support their survival while being used for therapy and transplantation, says Dr. Rochkind. When grown in the gel, cells show excellent development, as well as intensive fiber growth. This could have implications for the treatment of diseases such as Parkinson’s, for which researchers are actively exploring cell therapy as a potential solution.

Source: American Friends of Tel Aviv University

Justin Timberlake Buys Tennessee Teen a Wheelchair Accessible Van

Honk If You're Happy!

Thank you Jake for your inspiration and unselfish effort to brighten the day of others. You truly are a gifted young man who we look forward to knowing for the many years to come. We truly applaud your efforts!

From the Stitt Family:

Are You Ready for the 2021 Toyota Sienna Hybrid Wheelchair Accessible minivan?

Beginning with the 2021 model year, Toyota Sienna will no longer be available as a gas only minivan.

To view Superior’s Toyota Sienna handicap van inventory, click below.

Dodge Discontinues Grand Caravan, and Introduces The Chrysler Voyager!

Swan Song of the Most Popular Wheelchair Van in the U.S.

CHRYSLER MAKES AN ANNOUNCEMENT

Shop for your next wheelchair-accessible vehicle today!

Richard W. Maxwell, MBA

Superior Van and Mobility Purchases Presidential Conversions in Arkansas

Superior Van & Mobility Expands to Offer Arkansas Wheelchair-Users Expanded Access to Affordable Handicap Accessible Vehicles

Superior Van & Mobility acquires Presidential Conversions to become the largest family-owned wheelchair-accessible vehicle provider in the U.S.

Superior Van & Mobility Acquires Phase III Vans with Locations in Alabama & Florida

Pennzoil, BraunAbility and PVA Provide Veterans the Gift of Mobility

How Can You Help Catch Handicap Parking Violators In Your Community

What is a Driver Evaluation, and Do You Need One?

A Prescription from a CDRS Might be Needed to Purchase Mobility Equipment

WHAT IS A DRIVER EVALUATION?

WHO CAN BENEFIT FROM AN EVALUATION?

WHAT CRITERIA IS USED IN THE EVALUATION PROCESS?

WHAT IS THE PROCESS ORDER OF AN EVALUATION?

WHAT TYPE OF MODIFICATION/EQUIPMENT MIGHT I BE PRESCRIBED?

DOES INSURANCE PAY FOR THE EVALUATION?

DOES INSURANCE PAY FOR THE MODIFICATION / INSTALLATION OF ADAPTIVE EQUIPMENT?

Wounded Warrior Receives Camo Wheelchair Accessible Van

Reversing Paralysis with a Restorative Gel?

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