Two brothers who use wheelchairs just got a new kind of ride. Thanks to an $80,000 donation from several groups of strangers, Matthew and Adam Chaffee, who are paralyzed, picked up a wheelchair-accessible minivan on Monday. The van is customized so they can drive it on their own, which gives the Grand Rapids, Michigan-based siblings a lot more independence. The young men were paralyzed in two separate incidents but remained positive about their situations. A number of local people who heard about the brothers’ stories were touched by their outlook and began raising money for the van. “We’re really thankful,” Adam, 24, told local news station Fox 17. “And they killed it on this one,” he added, referring to the 2016 Toyota Sienna SE, which is decked out with a ramp and a lowered floor and heightened ceiling to accommodate their chairs. The vehicle also has hand controls that allow the brothers to drive without using their feet, reports the Kalamazoo Gazette, a local paper.
After the brothers, who are also best friends, picked up their new set of wheels from Clock Mobility, a Grand Rapids company that specializes in accessible vans, they spent their afternoon just driving around. Matt, 26, told the Kalamazoo Gazette that the two are happy that “we can actually go places together.” It’s a joyful outcome for two men whose lives drastically changed just two years ago. Matt was paralyzed when his spinal cord was severed during a motorcycle accident in November 2014. Adam cared for Matt in Kalamazoo until 2015, when a swimming accident left him paralyzed, too. A friend pushed Adam off a dock into a lake; Adam tried to do a flip into the shallow water and hit his head. The brothers’ story was widely covered in their home state after Adam’s injury. A couple in west Michigan, who want to be identified only as Michael and Christine, caught wind of the Chaffees’ story and decided they wanted to help, according to NBC local affiliate WOOD TV8.
They soon found out they weren’t alone. The couple and some other community members, along with a local church, set up a page to collect funds. Together, they raised the $80,000 for the customized van. Now, after so much generosity, the brothers plan to travel from Grand Rapids to Vanderbilt, Michigan, to visit their mom, whom they haven’t seen since Adam’s accident. “ “It is just wonderful what people have done for them.”Wheelchair Getaways� is the leading wheelchair van rental company in the United States. We rent wheelchair and scooter accessible vans in almost every city in the US. We offer 24-hour emergency assistance, a knowledgeable staff, and the adaptive features that make traveling safe and comfortable. Daily rental rates vary from $80 to $145*, depending on the location. Lower rates are available for long-term rentals. Contact the desired franchise for rates and availability. Wheelchair Getaways is a low cost solution to your accessible transportation needs.
As an alternative to non-emergency medical transportation and a provider of interim vehicles for drivers with temporary disabilities, we have a good reputation among insurance professionals who have used our services. Our wheelchair vans are available also for customers considering the purchase of modified vehicles. We recommend "trying before buying." On our website, Wheelchair Getaways also maintains an inventory of used vans for sale. Handicapped accessible vans come from the premier lowered floor van manufacturers such as Vantage Mobility (VMI) and Braun (BraunAbility). Some locations also have full size Fords and Sprinters equipped as handicap rental vans for our taller clients or those who need the extra space for luggage, equipment, or friends and family. These vans, also known as conversion vans or wheelchair lift vans, are in limited supply, so call today to check for availability for your handicapped rental needs! Wheelchair Getaways� locations rents only late model wheelchair accessible vans for your safety and enjoyment.
In addition, some locations offer scooter rentals, power wheelchair rentals, and GPS rentals for your travelling needs. Availability varies by location, so when making your reservation for your handicap rental van, please ask! Service that moves people Accessible van rentals from Phoenix to Detroit, San Francisco to Miami. We're here to meet your accessible vehicle needs. We're proud to serve customers in almost every U.S. city, like Chicago plus most airports like Seattle's SeaTac, Washington DC's Dulles and Reagan, and New Jersey's Newark . We offer daily, weekly, monthly and long-term accessible van rentals. At Wheelchair Getaways, we understand the challenges of wheelchair travel, because many of our staff use wheelchairs or have family members who do. We only rent premier late model adaptive vehicles with all the wheelchair adaptive features you need for safe, accessible travel. Your connection to services and information that will help you explore your world.
Our free community marketplace gives you the freedom to buy or sell vans, homes, chairs and more. HOW TO DONATE YOUR VAN Please let us know if you have a roadworthy handicap vehicle that is adapted for use by those with disabilities (van or SUV). We distribute to both children and adults in need. You will be eligible for a full 'fair market the family picking up the wheelchair or scooter adapted van from your location, so that they may have it available for their disabled family member. Fill out this form. with details of the vehicle (including year, model, mileage, pictures if available and any and your City, State, Zip code and phone number. Since the vehicles are not offered for sale, but are given to disabled clients, you are allowed a full 'fair market value' deduction. This is usually the best and highest figure for your tax deduction. Most other means of donating a vehicle will likely result in a lower figure for your itemized tax return.
We will provide you with the IRS vehicle donation form for your filing, following pick up. Certified appraisals are required, if you intend to claim over $5,000. Your appraiser must also sign the IRS Form 8283 and forward it to us toPlease consult your own tax advisor for information and how the donation may affect your individual tax situation. "The family wheelchair van our family outgrew has a new life, with a new family. It is opening up the world to a 7-year-old wheelchair user. We are so glad for Special Kids Fund." Our program is unique in its national coverage. We handle van donations and process requests nationwide. Learn more about how we began ... Site of the Day Jason Alexander Radio Spot Promoting technology solutions for people with disabilities Jason Alexander - Seinfeld Co-Star Hear our radio ad by Jason Alexander! Jerry Greenfield - Ben & Jerry's Ice Cream HOW TO REQUEST A VEHICLE Please let us know if you are in need of a handicapped adapted vehicle.
for adults or children anywhere within the USA. Details of the type of accessible vehicle you are in need of. Phone number, your location - address with Zip Code (and closest large city and state initials, in subject line) Confirm if you are a VET (veteran with a disability). Confirm if you are a VET asking for a vehicle for a disabled family member. Important: Requests by form submission only; please, do not call. Family must demonstrate that they do not have the resources to afford a vehicleThey will also be required to carry car insurance, register the vehicle and pick it up from the donor. Although we have been successful in placing a number of used vans for clients looking for accessible transportation, in the past; we can make no guarantees as to availability, time frame or location of the vehicles. As one may imagine, the number of requests exceeds the number of donations. Your submission of a request will put your name