I am Monique McGivney, the Marketing Manager for VMI (Vantage Mobility International, LLC.). I have been with VMI for almost five years and have a great passion for what I do. We at VMI spend a great deal of time with end users in regards to surveys, beta testing, focus groups, etc. Prior to launching any new product we gather everyone from caregivers to all types of end users in scooters, manual chairs and power chairs to help determine various data points, from usability, functionality and appeal. Our customers also enjoy helping out in photo shoots and video shoots which we hold a few times a year. It is our philosophy that with help from our customers and the interaction that we have with end users, we build a superior product.
With all of this market research I have been involved with, I continue to meet more and more people who have questions about what we do and about the adaptive automotive industy as a whole. I have had a column in the Southwest addition of the Disabled Dealer magazine for over a year. My vision for that column is to answer your questions about mobility products as they relate to transportation solutions. Now I am bringing that information to this blog.
Feel free to contact me anytime.
Mo
I have a motorized wheelchair, a Jazzy, in Nassau County on Long Island New York, which I would like to donate to someone or some organization.
Could you please tell me whom I might contact, I would like to give it away asap
thanks
Marilyn
Hi Marilyn, I’m sure there are a number of organizations who would love to take that off your hands. Since I am in Phoenix, and not really familiar with Long Island, I will refer you to a local mobility equipment dealer (See below) who will definately be able to help you find someone to accept your donation.
Call Peter Zarba – tell him I sent you
Acessible Vans and Mobility
500 Central Ave. ,
Bethpage , NY 11714
(516) 938-5207
Dear Monique,
I am a 43 year-old disabled person who is disabled. I only leave home to go to dialysis and doctor appts because we do not have a vehicle that will transport my eletric Jazzy. Because my only income is Social Security, I cannot afford to
purchase a wheelchair van. I am inquiring to find out if you know of any charitable foundations that might assist me in obtaining one. Thank you for any direction you may be able to give.
Hi Mr. Chumley, what I would recommend is that you contact some local agencies like Easter Seals and other organizations to see what type of assistance they may or may not be able to offer. Another option is to call a local Mobility Equipment Dealer and see if they know of any agencies that can help you out. To locate locate dealers in your area go to http://www.nmeda.org and enter in your zip code. Best of luck to you.
Dear Monique,
Thank-you for all the wonderful. honest information ! I have a friend that has a 2 year old(2009)Toyata van, that has been modified for her. It has a side wheelchair ramp. The van has had many problems, and the ” Van conversion” dealer blames Toyota, and Toyota blames the modifier. Finally, after totally stopping (at least 3 times) in the middle of an intersectio, no lights in or outside the van, etc the “van modifier ” added insult to her by putting in a plug that s,he has to plug her van into every night! They also laminated a glow in the dark sheet ” to remind her to plug the van in ..or the van may not start! She lives alone, is very independent( accept the fear of her van not starting, or just stopping, leaking power steering wheel fluid all over, etc. ) I have never heard of anyone else having to plug in their “non -electric ” van.( I did ask her to see if they also provide extra extensions cords..)n Any help would be appreciated.
Hi Doris, my heart goes out to your friend. It’s so difficult because with these modified vans, there are electronics on top of electronics and sometimes thing just don’t cooperate like we want. My recommendation would be for your friend to work with the van conversion company and local mobility equipment dealer where she bought the van to get resolution. I’m sure she paid a pretty penny for that 2009 Toyota and she deserves a wheelchair van that functions correctly. She has to fight for herself and don’t let her take “no” for an answer. Best of luck to you both and I hope you get a positive resolution:)