Wheelchair-Accessible Vans for Children with Cerebral Palsy

Fact Checked

Wheelchair-accessible vans for children with cerebral palsy are often necessary but also costly. Children with special needs should have access to safe transportation for numerous reasons, including medical appointments, therapy, and school. Each state has grants and programs that can potentially help caregivers and families of children with cerebral palsy obtain safe transportation.

What Is a Wheelchair-Accessible Van?

A wheelchair-accessible van, also known as a “conversion van” or a “lift van,” is a modified vehicle with a larger interior to allow children or disabled adults in wheelchairs easier access to the vehicle and plenty of room while traveling.

The van’s flooring is lowered to make wheelchair entry more accessible. Seats are also modified to accommodate wheelchairs. Sometimes, seats are completely removed so wheelchairs can be seated instead. This is known as “transfer seating.”

Sometimes, the side doors of wheelchair-accessible vans are configured to include a ramp for a wheelchair to enter the vehicle from the side. Some vans have a rear entry for wheelchairs, which is more accessible than a side entry because no extra room modification is required. Maintenance is said to be easier for rear-entry vans.

Ramps on wheelchair-accessible vans are either motorized or manual. The ramps typically come in two styles, which include fold-up or in-floor. Fold-up ramps are stowed in the upright position close to the van’s entry (side or rear). Fold-up ramps are ideal for wheelchairs because of their strength and durability.

In-floor ramps are stowed on the floor of the van. This creates extra room within the van and helps to keep the interior less cluttered.

What Is the Best Vehicle for a Special  Needs Child?

A child with a wheelchair needs a vehicle big enough to accommodate them. A van is a common choice, but many families prefer a slightly smaller minivan, which is easier to maneuver.

Compared to an SUV, a van or minivan has a lower floor for easier access. Even so, the vehicle likely will need adaptations to be fully functional for a child with a wheelchair.

How Can I Get a Wheelchair-Accessible Van?

There are many resources in most states in the U.S. that people with disabled children can apply for. If you have a child with cerebral palsy and need a wheelchair-accessible van, apply to as many government programs or grants as possible.

No rule indicates you can only apply for one program. Because there are usually no guarantees as to which, if any, program will approve you, it’s advisable to apply to as many programs and grants as possible.

State Agencies

Check with your state’s Vocational Rehabilitation Department for available funds for van modifications.

Social Services

County social services organizations, such as human services or families and children departments, may offer assistance in financing a wheelchair-assisted van. Rules and requirements for qualifying will vary according to each state.

Non-Profit Organizations

Many non-profit organizations in different states help people with disabilities by locating services and disability grants. Keep in mind that most of these organizations do not offer vans but instead help people find the programs and services that do.

Insurance

In some instances, Medicare insurance will help fund adaptive equipment for vehicles.[1] Medicare does not, however, provide funds for the van itself.

Medicaid coverage of vehicle modifications varies by state, but many programs offer assistance. For example, Michigan’s Medicaid program provides waivers for qualified individuals.[2]

Grant Money

Grant money is the most common way families can obtain a wheelchair-assisted van and adaptive equipment. Organizations offer online search tools to help families find appropriate grants by state.[3]

Grant money used for vehicles intended for people with disabilities does not need to be paid back, making it one of the most preferred ways of obtaining transportation for children with cerebral palsy.

Contact a grassroots organization in your state or contact your state vocational rehabilitation agency.

Government Loan Program for Assistive Technology

Several states offer loan programs to help families purchase a wheelchair-accessible van or adaptive equipment. Most of these programs offer below-market interest rates and flexible repayment options.

Check with your state to determine what’s available in your area.

Additional Resources for Getting a Wheelchair Van

State and local organizations and government agencies are important resources for assistance with mobility. Also, consider some of these regional or nationwide groups and resources.

Special Kids Fund

Special Kids Fund is a national organization that helps low-income families in need of a wheelchair-accessible van. According to its official website, requests for a handicapped-adapted vehicle can be for both children and adults who are disabled.[4]

To qualify, families must prove they cannot afford to purchase the vehicle independently. Recipients of a van must also have a way to pick the vehicle up from the donor’s location. Recipients are responsible for the vehicle’s insurance and registration.

Bridge to Mobility

Bridge to Mobility is dedicated to getting more wheelchair-accessible vehicles into the homes of families with disabled children and adults. They work with dealerships, manufacturers, and suppliers, along with volunteers across the country, to help those in need.

To apply for a grant for a vehicle, individuals must find a dealer and member of the National Mobility Equipment Dealer Association to work with. The dealer helps the recipient apply for the grant through Bridge to Mobility.

National Mobility Equipment Dealers Association (NMEDA)

The NMEDA represents dealers offering mobility equipment and vehicles. It offers resources and information for families seeking financial assistance for a wheelchair van. This includes a partnership with HelpHOPELive, a group that helps people raise money for medical needs.

The Mobility Resource

The Mobility Resource is a marketplace for buying and selling wheelchair vans. It has the largest inventory of any dealer worldwide and is a great place to search for an affordable model.

You can also find resources here for grants by state and automotive manufacturer rebate programs for mobility rebates.

Rebate Programs

Several vehicle manufacturers offer rebate programs. For instance, the Toyota Mobility Assistance Program offers “cash reimbursement of up to $1,000 of the cost of any aftermarket adaptive equipment or conversion,” according to its official website.[5]

The Honda Customer Mobility Assistance Program also provides a $1,000 reimbursement for expenses incurred when buying or installing qualified adaptive vehicle equipment on eligible Honda vehicles.[6]

Ford, Acura, ChryslerDaimer, and numerous other vehicle manufacturers offer similar rebate programs.

Although rebate programs do not offer a wheelchair-assisted vehicle free of charge, they provide ways to save cash when other options have been exhausted.

Do Your Research

Keep in mind that not all wheelchair-accessible vans are created equally. Once you obtain funding for one, take your time choosing the vehicle that’s right for you and your family.

For example, families with only one child will make a better match for a minivan when compared to a larger family, who would probably fare better with a full-sized van.

You also need to keep parking areas in mind. A side-entry van may not be the best option if you have a narrow garage or driveway. A rear-entry van will probably not be ideal if you need to parallel park.

It’s a good idea to gather as much information as possible before getting your van. There are options for professional help if you need assistance, such as a qualified rehabilitation specialist.

The National Highway Transportation Safety Administration, part of the U.S. Department of Transportation, offers detailed information on finding and adapting vehicles for accessibility.[6]

Transportation accessibility is vital to people living with cerebral palsy and disabilities. While adapted vehicles can be expensive, families have many resources available to them.