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Last June, Jack and Betsy Kerns  met with E.J. Dulina, a senior mobility consultant at Carolina Mobility Sales in Charlotte, N.C. The Kerns were in need of a wheelchair accessible van for their son, John Ross. As he’s gotten older, it’s become a little more difficult to transport him in and out of the family car to get to school, doctor visits and therapy appointments.

Those regular transfers were especially taxing on his mother, Betsy, who suffers from chronic back pain. As a father of a son who is also a wheelchair user, E.J. Dulina has a personal understanding of mobility challenges. â€śI get it,” shared Dulina. “I live it in my personal life and I understand the needs of other families.”

That understanding was obvious to Betsy as well. â€śWhen we met with E.J., I knew I had met a consultant who cared,” she said. “He was well trained and he had experience. He was concerned for John Ross and his needs, but he also understood that we as a family wanted to travel together. E.J. vowed to help us solve our mobility needs, and he did!”

With Dulina’s help the Kerns family apply for assistance grants, loans and state programs – and unfortunately the family was denied several times. But when Dulina heard that the Ralph Braun Foundation was offering grants of up to $5000 off the price of mobility equipment for any qualifying family or individual, he and Betsy worked on an application right away.

Dulina also realized that Braun was offering another $1111.11 for any military veteran toward the purchase of a BraunAbility wheelchair accessible van in commemoration of Veterans Day. Because Jack Kerns is a vet, this additional discount seemed serendipitous! Dulina and Betsy moved ahead and applied for a loan to cover the balance needed.

In December, the Kerns family were informed they were one of 14 recipients of a Ralph Braun Foundation grant award. The Kerns family drove off in their 2011 Chrysler Entervan on Christmas Eve. Perhaps, they crossed paths with Santa… who knows? What the Kerns family does know is that Santa couldn’t possibly bring a present greater than the gift of mobility.

The Ralph Braun Foundation recently finished its first grant program, which funded up to 25% of the total mobility transportation equipment (a maximum grant of $5,000). Several different projects were funded and the grantees were asked to send their story of what the grant meant to them. Please visit the Ralph Braun Foundation’s website to learn about future programs. 

 

Submitted by: Megan / Ability Voice Blogger
Category: wheelchair accessible van
Published: Feb 21, 2012

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Last year Toyota launched its 100 Cars for Good program, which awarded 100 vehicles over the course of 100 days to 100 deserving nonprofit organizations based on votes from the public. Toyota just made the announcement that they’ll offer the program again in 2012!

Nonprofits can choose any vehicle in Toyota’s line-up, including a Sienna van converted with a BraunAbility conversion. Last year five BraunAbiliity Rampvans were given to deserving nonprofits, and another 10 organizations requested Toyota’s AutoAccess seat installed for their vehicles. That means that in total 15% of the 100 donated vehicles were installed with mobility equipment of some sort – a telling statistic of a nationwide need for mobility!

Organizations can apply by submitting an application on the Toyota 100 Cars for Good Facebook page beginning March 12. Applications will be accepted for two weeks or until 5,000 applications have been received. Winners will be determined each day by popular vote. The organization receiving the most votes at the end of the day will receive the vehicle of their choice. The four remaining organizations will each receive a $1,000 cash prize.

We know you know some deserving disability-related causes who could use a BraunAbility Rampvan! Please share this post and help us spread the news!

Submitted by: Megan / Ability Voice Blogger
Category: toyota
Published: Feb 15, 2012

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With over 500,000 visitors, the Houston Autoshow is a great opportunity to show the general public what automotive choices are available for people with physical disabilities. “We continue to meet new people every year who are amazed by these products and are excited to see these options for their friends and family members,” said ADA owner Tom Poole.

ADA proudly displayed a variety of BraunAbility accessible vans including a Honda Entervan, Toyota Rampvan, Chrysler Entervan XT, Dodge RE CompanionVan and a full size van outfitted with a Braun UVL.

“We hear from people all year long that met us at the show,” said ADA’s General Manager James Norris. “They didn’t need our service at that time, but due to events in their lives…they suddenly need our help.”

Like many BraunAbility customers, the visitors at this show may not think they’ll ever need our product (and hopefully they don’t!), but thanks to efforts like ADA’s in Houston – they’ll at least know these mobility solutions exist.

Submitted by: Megan / Ability Voice Blogger
Category: rampvan
Published: Feb 08, 2012

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It’s been 40 years since Ralph Braun cemented his name to a company that would grow to transform mobility as the world knew it. Since then we’ve seen mobility evolve from the privilege of a select few to a staple of public transportation and a more “accessible”, viable option for individuals and families across the country.

Our President, Nick Gutwein, spent some time with Mobility Management magazine discussing how society, the mobility industry and our company have evolved in the past 40 years. They talked about Braun’s major milestones in wheelchair vans and wheelchair lifts…as well as plans to make the world more accessible to more people in the decades to come. What unfolded was a very enlightening – and very necessary – reminder of how this industry was born by innovators who – like our founder, Ralph Braun – viewed mobility as a right, not just a convenience.

Click here and read on!

 

Submitted by: Megan / Ability Voice Blogger
Category: Wheelchair Vans
Published: Feb 06, 2012

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BraunAbility dealers have incredibly close relationships with the professionals who help wheelchair users find the mobility products they deserve and the resources to purchase that equipment. A terrific example of that was shared earlier this month when the crew at United Access in Dallas helped the Texas Rehab ACTion Network organize a fundraiser for a woman named Belinda Kirkland.

Belinda had worked as a DARS (Department of Assistive and Rehabilitative Services) counselor out of Arlington, Texas for years. She worked tirelessly to help families find a way to overcome all types of disabilities and improve their quality of life. Aside from her work as a counselor, she also served as a secretary of TRAN (Texas RehabACTion Network), where she led several committees and actively worked to advance programs in the workplace for persons with disabilities.

Belinda was diagnosed with a form of t-cell cancer, and the single mother was consequently out of work for several months as she fought the aggressive disease.

Laura Klaus, a member of the United Access team in Dallas, had never met Belinda in person, but through their work with TRAN and planning the fundraiser, Laura felt like Belinda was a friend she’d known for years. As a newcomer to the state in the last year, that friendship was especially helpful to Laura. “Belinda gave so much to me in my short seven months here in Texas,” said Laura. “She guided me through DARS, brought me to TRAN, and always had such positive things to say about how to find my way here.”

Laura and her team of coworkers at United Access planned a very successful fundraiser, an event called “A Benefit for Belinda – a TRAN Chili Cook-Off” held at the world-class Cowboys Stadium. Over 20 teams participated, and well over 200 tasters paid to enjoy the work of the chili chefs and participate in a silent auction. United Access also used the opportunity to train DARS counselors on mobility equipment, from new wheelchair vans to driving equipment.

In total nearly $7,000 was raised to help Belinda and her family with medical bills and the cost of living. The family and friends were incredibly grateful for all the work that went into the event, and most of all, for the showing of support for such a beloved woman.

Unfortunately, as much as all the prayers and the love from her friends and colleagues helped her spirit and her finances, they could not change the course of her disease. Belinda passed away last weekend, and the disability and rehabilitation community lost a tireless advocate and friend.

“The impact she had on so many lives is tremendous – especially for this new Texan,” said Laura. “Our thoughts and prayers are with all of those who were touched by the grace of Belinda and her family.”

We sincerely and deeply appreciate the work and the relationships that Belinda helped build over the course of her career. If you are interested in contributing to her fund, you can contact Laura Klaus at United Access (lklaus@unitedaccess.com, 972.240.8839).

Submitted by: Megan / Ability Voice Blogger
Category: United Access
Published: Jan 25, 2012

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Like so many of our customers, getting from Point A to Point B was never easy for Jason Roberts and his mother, Phyllis. Jason was diagnosed with Duchenne muscular dystrophy at the age of five and began using a wheelchair at nine. Since day one his mother, Phyllis, has been his primary caregiver, and after their many other medical expenses, they’ve never been able to afford an accessible vehicle.

While their mobility was limited, they never let that slow them down completely. It hasn’t been easy, but for decades Phyllis has transferred her son into and out of a vehicle. And while Jason has never been heavy, it’s still work to get him in and out of a car….a LOT of work. Every trip involves Phyllis lifting up Jason, transferring him into the car, and then stowing his power chair. The transfer process can be very stressful on Jason’s body, so once he’s secured, she’ll give him a breathing treatment to help him regain his strength and help him breathe on his own again. The whole process can take up to 45 minutes each way.

That was life, for Jason and Phyllis, and while it wasn’t easy, they made it work. They’ve taken some remarkable trips in recent years, including a drive out to Las Vegas and a visit to Bob Marley’s burial site in Jamaica. But trips like this will become much, much easier after the surprise they received this past October, all thanks to a customer of Advanced Mobility Systems in Texas who had contacted the dealership and informed them that he no longer had a need for his accessible van. His wife had recently passed away from ALS, and he wanted to donate the Entervan to a family in need. With the help of Advanced Mobility, the customer was able to donate the wheelchair van to the nonprofit Camp Craig Allen (a camp for adults with physical disabilities), who in turn surprised Jason and his parents with the new vehicle.

The family was overjoyed. Not only would simple trips become easier, but now Jason had an added peace of mind knowing that his mother, who had suffered two heart attacks, would not have to exert so much of her energy just to take him into town. “The ease of getting into and out of the vehicle is so much simpler for them now,” said Jennifer Satery of Advanced Mobility. “What took two hours before takes just two minutes.”

With the BraunAbility van – and the big hearts of everyone involved – Phyllis and Jason have freedom they’ve never experienced before. They can do more, go more places and enjoy life more with a little less worry…and that’s exactly what you get with the BraunAbility brand on your van and a BraunAbility dealer there to keep you on the road!

Submitted by: Megan / Ability Voice Blogger
Category: wheelchair van
Published: Jan 24, 2012

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According to recent statistics, it’s going to get even harder for me to find a handicap parking space for my wheelchair van!

The San Francisco Chronicle recently noted that life expectancy has increased to 78.7 years…especially in the disability community. People with middle age disease-related disabilities are living longer – thus increasing their population. Current government statistics indicate the number of people with a disability (broadly defined as impairments, activity limitations, or participation restrictions) now reaches 40 to 50 million.

What usually coincides with good news? Bad news! Because of this growing population, handicap parking spaces, accessible bathrooms and other technologies catering to disabilities are quickly filling up. The Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) of 1991 strives to provide solutions for this growing populace.

Ralph asked the owner why he didn’t have a ramp, and the owner replied, “Because people in wheelchairs don’t come here to eat.” Ralph just rolled away in wonder.

Promoting the ADA can be essential in creating more accessible surroundings for those with disabilities. For instance, if enough people have difficulty entering a movie theater because of uneven pavement, difficult ramps, etc., the ADA will support the change to make the venue safe and easily accessible. Because there are an increasing number of people with disabilities, there will be an increasing outcry to address these needs.

Ralph Braun tells the story of a popular local restaurant that did not have a ramp leading into its front entrance. Ralph asked the owner why he didn’t have a ramp, and the owner replied, “Because people in wheelchairs don’t come here to eat.” Ralph just rolled away in wonder.

With the ADA in force and a larger population of wheelchair users in the country, hopefully the close-mindedness of business owners like this one will continue to be a think of the past. Until then, it’s important to be aware and vocal – kindly letting venues know when they lack handicap parking spaces, accessible bathrooms and other handicap user-friendly technologies! The future will hold many more assistive tools as the demand increases, but it’s never too early to update the everyday stuff that helps us stay active in our everyday lives!

Submitted by: Karen / Ability Voice Blogger
Category: wheelchair van
Published: Jan 23, 2012

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Several weeks ago we received a letter from Art Gilman, a retired investment banker from Monterey, CA. According to Art, he had never written a positive testimonial in his 72 years. “I must be getting soft in my old age”, he said, “but I’ve never purchased an investment as rewarding as this.”

When his wife suffered a stroke in 2008, Art desperately searched the Internet for a transportation solution for his wife’s new mobility needs. His online search led him to Access Options in Watsonville, CA, where he met mobility specialist Thom White…and the BraunAbility Rampvan.

The couple made the investment in their first wheelchair van and never regretted it. Art still remembers picking up Jacqueline from a rehab appointment and being amazed at how easy it was to get in and out of their Toyota. The next time Art picked up his wife from an appointment at the same facility, he watched (and timed!) another patient as she awkwardly loaded and unloaded a wheelchair from a car and make her way into the facility. The transfer process took that person over 9 minutes; the same process for the Gilman’s in their Rampvan took just 24 seconds!

“I must be getting soft in my old age,” he said, “but I’ve never purchased an investment as rewarding as this.”

At the Access Options Customer Appreciation BBQ last year, Art decided it was time to make another investment…this time in a new 2011 Toyota Rampvan (the couple sold their 2008 wheelchair van at a great value to a family in need of mobility).

Today they love their second Rampvan as much as their first, and it’s still allowing them to keep up with their busy lifestyle. “I see the better part of life as being able to travel,” said Art. “This vehicle has let my wife and I continue out travel, and that’s been a major part of her recovery!”

Art and Jacqueline stop by to visit the team at Access Options periodically (Thom even stocks butterscotch candy just for them). Art acknowledges had it not been for them, he wouldn’t have known where to start with selecting the right mobility vehicle. “They were so sensitive, attentive and knowledgeable about my wife’s wants and needs,” he added ” and that is what’s most important”.

Sarena Wahl is a friend of BraunAbility and will help us share stories about our customers, our dealers and our industry from time to time.

Submitted by: Sarena / Ability Voice Blogger
Category: wheelchair van
Published: Jan 09, 2012

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Ask Gary Hefty about his new Toyota Rampvan, and you’ll have to give him a minute. “It about brings me to tears to talk about it,” says the 68 year-old.

Since he began using a power wheelchair in 1979 – over 32 years ago – he’s made his own transportation. He knew mobility vehicles existed, he just never thought he could afford one. Even so, the veteran wasn’t about to stay confined to his home. Gary had a full-sized van, and he asked a trusted friend with a fabrication shop to help him lower a portion of the floor and figure out a way to install some makeshift rails make it accessible. it wasn’t pretty, but it worked…for a while.

Last year he finally decided to purchase a wheelchair van, and a mobility dealer not far from Gary’s home had nearly sold him on a used conversion. Fortunately someone suggested he contact Scott and Sherry at Siebert Mobility. Not only did the longtime BraunAbility dealership show him a selection of wheelchair vans that would fit his tall frame, but they contacted the Veterans Administration and discovered he qualified to have the conversion portion of the vehicle funded. Gary was in disbelief. No one had ever taken the time to walk him through his mobility eligibilities as a veteran. With the new-found funding, Gary was able to drive home with a new Toyota Rampvan for less than the used conversion the other company had tried to sell him.

Gary was in disbelief. No one had ever taken the time to walk him through his mobility eligibilities as a veteran. With the new-found funding, Gary was able to drive home with a new Toyota Rampvan for less than the used conversion the other company had tried to sell him.

“Anyone who knows me would say I’m a little bull-headed,” said Gary, adding that he quickly dropped the stubbornness at Sieberts. “I’ve been in and out of more than a few dealerships in my life, and there’s no comparing to the level of service I had with them.”

Siebert Mobility was founded in 1978 by Bill Siebert and has expanded to include three locations in Iowa and one in Arkansas and Nebraska – all built on this same model of customer service.

“That’s just what we do,” said Sherry, adding that many customers visit the dealership never realizing they were eligible for funding assistance. “Whether it’s VA or Voc Rehab or another organization, we know who to talk to and what to ask to find out if there’s a way to help our customers afford their equipment.”

As for his new ride, Gary is overjoyed to be through with his handmade mobility and able to rely on a much more convenient and safer wheelchair van now. “It’s just so slick,” said Gary. “You just roll right in and you’re done. And the visibility is so much better.” Best of all, the handicap van still has plenty of room for all three of his border collies (Riley, Gracie and Tupelo), each of whom are better cures for depression than any doctor’s prescription.

Gary has shown Scott and Sherry just how much he appreciated their personal attention over the past few months. He brought them his homegrown tomatoes, pictures of his grandchildren, and keeps in touch with weekly phone calls to tell him where his wheelchair van has taken him recently.

Submitted by: Megan / Ability Voice Blogger
Category: wheelchair van
Published: Jan 05, 2012

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Nearly 40 years ago, Trooper Steward (Glen) Franklin was shot twice during the undercover arrest of a bootlegger in Kentucky. One of those shots pierced his spinal cord and left him paralyzed with no movement in his lower body. It wasn’t until nearly four decades later that he was finally recognized for his bravery in the field and his years of service.

The recognition happened last week in Frankfort, where the Kentucky State Police presented Trooper Franklin with the Guthrie Crowe Award, given to officers who have sustained a severe injury while in the line of duty. Franklin knew about the presentation (which was attended by Kentucky Governor Steve Beshear along with dozens of fellow officers, family and friends). What he didn’t know was his state police family had helped raise over $40,000 to help him buy a new wheelchair van – a 2011 Honda Odyssey Entervan through Superior Van and Mobility.

“This just kind of blows our socks off,” Franklin says. “They’ll never know how much I appreciate it.”

Franklin owns an older van that was in need of significant repairs. When his fellow troopers realized the extent of its disrepair, they encouraged fellow officers across Kentucky to make a donation. And once the funds were collected, they knew exactly where to go -Ă‚ Superior Van and Mobility, the mobility dealer who had worked with the Franklins in the past and new exactly what van would fit Glen and his wife’s lifestyle best.

A few members of both Superior Van and BraunAbility were on hand for the presentation. The event and the surprise of the van was a phenomenal success. “This just kind of blows our socks off,” Franklin says. “They’ll never know how much I appreciate it.”

As much as he’s endured for the past four decades, Franklin feels blessed just to be alive. “I feel like I’ve had a blessed life,” he said. “It may not look that way on the surface, but my wife has stood by me and my family has stood by me. It’s been a good life.”

In our opinion, there’s no greater gift than mobility wrapped in a little love! Merry Christmas to the Franklin family and to the generous people who made sure this deserving man received the recognition and the respect he deserved. Click here for a look at the news coverage of the day’s events.

Submitted by: Megan / Ability Voice Blogger
Category: wheelchair van
Published: Dec 20, 2011