NOVA Facilitates Financial Assistance for Family In Need of Mobility Vehicle.
Martin has full-time custody of her two teenage granddaughters, one of whom is Bailey, a full-time wheelchair user diagnosed with myotonic dystrophy, a genetic disorder that affects muscle function.
After undergoing knee surgery, Martin couldn’t continue lifting Bailey in and out of her wheelchair into her van. And her van needed significant repairs – costing more than it was worth. After some Internet sleuthing, Martin discovered a funding source – the National Organization for Vehicle Accessibility (NOVA), and with other low-interest loan programs for people with disabilities, Martin was able to gather the funds needed to purchase a wheelchair accessible van.
“Financial concerns continue to be the largest hurdle that mobility customers must clear, and access to traditional and non-traditional funding sources is critical for those with mobility challenges to enjoy freedom and independence for a good quality of life,” said Maurice Linnens, president, Kansas Truck Mobility.
The Mobility Rodeo on Friday, September 8th, brings the funding resources together for people with disabilities. Six of the 26 exhibitors at the Mobility Rodeo this year provide either outright financial grants, disability payments to help people get back to work, low-interest loans, tax-advantaged savings accounts for individuals with disabilities and their families, and traditional financing.
Andrea Vrobel, executive director, NOVA (National Organization for Vehicle Accessibility (the organization that gave Martin a $5000 grant) will give the keynote speech at 11:30 am at the Mobility Rodeo. For information on exhibitors, presentation times, and more see www.mobilityrodeo.com. The event is free and open to the public.
– by Betty Martin, Jamestown, KS, needed reliable transportation.
