Neural Prosthetics got her "On Her Feet Again"Jun 16, 2013
Read Full Article Here
On March 13, 1998, a Friday of all days, French was on a snowboarding trip. Her friends and she attempted a special midnight run down the mountain slopes. Of the 12 who descended from the peak, only 11 made it to the mountainâs base. French took a 40 ft. fall through trees off of an embankment. The incident left French with a C-6 and C-7 incomplete spinal cord injury.
 Jennifer French The avid athlete and practitioner of snowboarding, windsurfing, and many other sports, was now a quadriplegic.
âIt really turns your life upside down,â said French, a BraunAbility customer. âI went from being very active in sports and work ⌠to lying in bed.â
Never once did this keep her down. Fully supported by family and her boyfriend, Tim (now her husband), she got back to work in mere months. She used her job to get her mind back in place and to focus her fighting mind. This mentality led to her discovering a FES (Functional Electrical System) bike that would change her forever.
French was introduced to the world of neural prosthetics and neuro technology by the bike. The prosthetics and bike function through FES technology, which works by using electrical stimulation to control the muscles or nerves. This allows for men and women with disabilities to work and use muscles that otherwise lay dormant due to paralysis.
French was active again, and she wanted more. In 1999, she participated in a clinical trial at the Cleveland FES Center. She had implants inserted that allowed her to stimulate and move the muscles of her own legs, and for the first time since her injury, she stood out of her chair on her own.
The implants offered more than the obvious medical benefits. They allowed her to do things that are missed by becoming paralyzed: joining in a standing ovation, standing at the seventh-inning stretch, and walking down the aisle for her wedding.
French was the first woman to ever receive the type of implants that she used, and became an active participant in clinical trials for neural prosthetics. She believed that she could work and lead the way to others standing on their own again like she had.
“Itâs amazing how much progress you make from learning from others who have been in wheelchairs,â said French.
âOn My Feet Againâ, written by French, details her experience with neural prosthetics and the challenges of participating in clinical trials. Alongside the book, French founded the Neurotech Network, a non-profit organization with the focus of informing the public of the options made available by neural prosthetics and neuro technology.
All of this brought French back to one of her lifeâs passions: sports. She engaged with adaptive sports in New England, and never went back. This became not only a hobby, but an experience that helped French to live her life to the fullest.
âItâs amazing how much progress you make from learning from others who have been in wheelchairs,â said French.
 Jen and her teammate, J.P., on the medal podium. Photo courtesy of the International Federation of Disabled Sailing Her love for windsurfing brought her to the sport she now competes in: sailing. A sport where men, women, disabled and non-disabled all compete as equals. She raced her first âregattaâ in 2003.
âWhen you are out racing alone in a boat against athletes and disabled athletes ⌠it is amazing how independent you can be.â
French raced with partner, Jean-Paul Creignou for Team U.S.A. in the London 2012 Paralympics and brought home the silver medal.
French is an accomplished sailor, decorated with eight Milan-Gruson Awards for top disabled female skipper, and the 2012 Rolex Yachtswoman of the Year award, the highest honor available to a sailor. She is the very first disabled female sailor to win the award, and the second disabled athlete to win the award, after the legendary Nick Scandone.
French currently drives a new Toyota Sienna BraunAbility conversion, her third Braun vehicle.
French is moving forward in both sailing and advocacy. All the proceeds from her book go to the Neurotech Network in an effort to help others come as far as she has. The smallest action can be the bravest move we make. In this case, it was standing up.
Micah Christensen is a freelance writer for BraunAbility and is enjoying telling the stories of our customers and writing to help them get the most out of their BraunAbility experience.
Submitted by: Micah / Ability Voice Blogger Category: nueral prosthetics
Published: Jun 16, 2013
Wheelchair Van or Handicap Van " A Clash of TitlesMay 31, 2013
Read Full Article Here
Who will win, Wheelchair Van or Handicap Van?
As a writer, I work and play with words all day long. The English language is a fun language to write with because the definitions of words can be malleable and flexible, allowing for some fun wordplay. However, sometimes only one word will work, and that one word must be decided upon. This is such the case with the popular Wheelchair Van or Handicap Van debate.
When I joined the BraunAbility staff a year ago, I came in using the term âwheelchair vanâ exclusively, but as I talked to people across the country, this phrase caused some contention.
âIt isnât a wheelchair van! It is a handicap van!â they would lecture. It was surprising to me how often I would hear this.
 What do you call it? So what is it? Is it a wheelchair van, or is it a handicapped van? What about the other titles used to refer to our mobility products, such as lift vans, conversion vans, accessible vans and mobility vans? I have even heard the terms âMagic Carpetâ and âspace shipâ used before.
But we’ve never made a handicapped van. Phrasing it that way implies that the van is handicapped. Our conversions actually do the opposite, they enable our customers.
The heart of the matter lies in the language. A majority of our customers do not like the word âHandicapped.â The word is believed to be derived from the phrase âcap in handâ like a beggar would use. Snopes.com, however, points out the more likely derivation is from a 17th century game called “hand in cap,” which makes more sense.
Andrew Imparato, President and CEO of the American Association of Persons with Disabilities (AAPD), one of the country’s largest advocacy groups, noted “There is a strong consensus among the disabled community that ‘disabled’ should be used.”
We prefer the term âwheelchair vanâ here at BraunAbility, but we will occasionally use the term âhandicap van.â Our research has indicated that many people who are unfamiliar with our vans use this term when searching for our products on the internet. We hope we can draw these people in and show them the enabling power of freedom that our products bring. We think this can be a positive result to a somewhat negative term.
Just like the âPopâ or âSodaâ debate, there will never be a clear-cut winner, so we would like to know what you think. Please leave us a comment below and explain who should win: wheelchair van, handicap van, or another term!
To see a full listing of the wheelchair vans we have available, please click here.
Micah Christensen is a freelance writer for BraunAbility and is enjoying telling the stories of our customers and writing to help them get the most out of their BraunAbility experience.
Submitted by: Micah / Ability Voice Blogger Category: wheelchair van
Published: May 31, 2013
Wounded Warrior Receives Camo Wheels Before Memorial DayMay 23, 2013
Read Full Article Here
A hero is someone who has laid it all on the line for something greater than themselves, someone who serves a greater cause. The United States Marine Corps is a team of such brave heroes. BraunAbility had a special privilege to provide a special, one-of-a-kind 2013 Honda Entervan to one hero who was injured in the line of duty.
Lance Corporal Michael DeLancey, a veteran of both Afghanistan and Iraq, was the recipient of this special event. DeLancey now works with the Wounded Warrior Project assisting his fellow war veterans. He received a special low-cost lease on the vehicle. The design is exclusive to the model he received.
âWe celebrate how the life you live embodies the definition of âabilityâ. A core value of our brand is âBelieve in Your Abilityâ. Itâs who we are; itâs in our name, after all,â said Kevin McMahon, executive vice president of sales and marketing. âWe salute the work you do and will continue to do in the veteran community and beyond.â
BraunAbility staff attended the presentation ceremony and had time to extend their thanks to BraunAbility staff veterans and for Wounded Warriors like DeLancey.
DeLancey enlisted in the military in 2004, and went on two deployments, once in Afghanistan and another in Iraq. It was during his tour in Iraq when DeLancey was hit by a sniper. He suffered a fracture of his fifth and sixth vertebrae, as well as damage to his lungs. The incident left him without movement from the waist down.
The next moments of consciousness he had were in the Walter Reed Army Medical Center two months later. He was soon transferred to the James A. Haley Veteransâ Hospital in Tampa, Fla. It was in Tampa where Delancey learned about the Wounded Warrior Project (WWP).
WWP gives veterans like DeLancey and many others the chance to connect and heal together through activities like fishing or baseball games, or just sessions where the Vets can talk to one another.
DeLancey lives in Pinellas Park, Florida, where he was born and raised, and now coaches a winning Pop Warner youth football team. The rest of his time is involved with WWP programs and activities with his dad and primary caregiver, Mike DeLancey Sr.
The father and son team plans to continue to travel and spread the word and support to other veterans across the country. The Braun staff extends their sincerest wishes as the pair goes about their quest.
This Memorial Day is the perfect time to thank the Wounded Warriors we all know and have made a sacrifice for the freedom we enjoy and cherish.
For another prespective, you can see the story as the local news reported it here, courtesy of WSBT 22.
Micah Christensen is a freelance writer for BraunAbility and is enjoying telling the stories of our customers and writing to help them get the most out of their BraunAbility experience.
Submitted by: Micah / Ability Voice Blogger Category: News / Announcements
Published: May 23, 2013
The Romance of the Accessible Road TripMay 16, 2013
Read Full Article Here
 Dana and her husband Michael (center) aboard their first roller coaster ride together. I rode a roller coaster with my husband. I never thought that would happen. But, it did.
It was Space Mountain – at Walt Disney World in Orlando. My very strong brother-in-law helped me transfer Michael into the roller coaster car. I sat behind him, and held oh-so-tight to his shoulders.
I know he was scared. I canât imagine being a quadriplegic on a roller coaster. But I love that heâs always up for adventures, and trying new things, together.
Our trip to Orlando was perfect. We drove from Virginia Beach in our wheelchair accessible van. The van was a gift and to say itâs been a blessing would be a huge understatement.
Last Summer, before we got the van, we drove from Northern Virginia to Arkansas, stopping in Nashville in between. Lifting my husband and his wheelchair in and out of my SUV got old, real quick. Itâs hard to feel like youâre on a vacation when youâre weightlifting at every stop.
Lifting my husband and his wheelchair in and out of my SUV got old, real quick. Itâs hard to feel like youâre on a vacation when youâre weightlifting at every stop.
But this trip, I got to feel like a wife. And it felt like we were a team – tackling the road trip together.We stopped at Savannah on the way down, and had a romantic date night. I even wore a dress. That is not optional when you have to do those transfers! On the way back, we stopped in Charleston. It was raining, so we just drove through downtown and around the waterfront, on our own drive-by tour.
In Orlando, getting to Disney World, and going outlet shopping were a breeze. Letting the ramp down, and tying my husbandâs wheelchair in and buckling his seatbelt is a process weâve mastered. Not to mention everything we can fit in the van and still travel easy! I donât even have to break down his shower chair. I just roll it right in! We had no trouble fitting everything we needed for a week, and even stopped and did a mega grocery store run on the way home.
Sometimes, because we juggle a disability in our marriage, the fun and independence of being spontaneous escapes us. I think thatâs one of those tensions thatâs hard to put your finger on, you can feel it – but you just canât explain whatâs wrong.
But then, when I think about things like taking a trip on the open road – windows down, soaking up the sun, and listening to the mix CDs my husband made – I donât feel so bogged down under the constant weight of my responsibilities.
When I think about riding that roller coaster, holding his shoulders, laughing at our picture in the gift shop afterward, all is right with the world.
We are young, we donât have kids yet. We can have romantic date nights, and adventures, and we can meet our family four states away and have a good time.
And I donât have to be a hot, sweaty mess. I can be a girl, in a dress.
Oh how sweet it is.
About Dana Brown Ritter
Dana Ritter and her husband Michael share their experiences in life and marriage through their blog, www.lovelikethislife.com. Dana is a television news producer and primary caregiver for her husband. They live in Virginia Beach, Virginia.
Submitted by: Dana / Ability Voice Blogger Category: Wheelchair Vans
Published: May 16, 2013
Wheelchair Marathoning: 50 marathons in 50 states in 50 weeksMay 13, 2013
Read Full Article Here
The morning bird’s chirps are met by the thunder of the repetitive hitting of the push rims on the composite wheels , sweating bodies are silhouetted by the rising sun, and the marathon is underway. This is the weekly reality of three men pushing themselves for a greater purpose. Rain or shine, morning and night, there are but three constants: tires and concrete and determination.
Meet Paul Erway, a rehab products consultant at Superior Van and Mobility in Louisville, Ken., and marathon racer by weekend. Erway, with teammates Grant Berthiaume and Aaron Roux, are racing for those who cannot. The trio is racing in 50 marathons in 50 states in 50 weeks during 2013 for the Christopher & Dana Reeve Foundation to raise money for spinal cord injury treatment and research. All three men share a bond in SCI (spinal cord injury).
Erway, in 1992, narrowly missed a place on the US Paralympic team. An athlete since high school, he thought his days in sports were coming to an end. His trainer, however, had different plans. After years of training, Erway made it to the 2004 Boston marathon, and even finished his last mile on a flat tire. Since that day, racing has had its fangs in his heart.
This led Erway to the 2004 Oita, Japan, marathon, a race consisting entirely of wheelchair-bound competitors. Erway was paired with Grant Berthiaume for a hotel space, and the two became quick friends. While still in Japan, the pair laid plans for a massive undertaking: race in 50 marathons in 50 states in 50 weeks. A feat never before done by wheelchair racers. They quickly added a former Marine Corp. member Aaron Roux, and the 50 marathons in 50 states in 50 weeks team was set.
The team’s racing year began on January 5th in the Mississippi Blues Marathon. All three men still work during the week, while racing and adding sponsors in their free time and weekends. The team depends on their sponsors for transportation to and from each race, as well as for lodging. BraunAbility wheelchair vans have become a favorite vehicle for the team, as they allow them to fir their not only their racing wheelchairs but their conventional ones inside all at once.
Their schedule is grueling to say the least. Some weekends have a marathon on both Saturday and Sunday, with travel time needed as well. One extreme situation the team faces arises on November 17th of this year. The men will race in the Philadelphia and Las Vegas marathons on the very same day.
No matter how busy the men get, they always try to make stops at rehab centers and hospitals in the cities where they race. The team races for them, and wants to try and inspire people to reach out for their dreams, no matter what.
âThe patients really profit, and we can really see that,â said Erway.
15 marathons in, the trio is still going strong. With every race, they grow more determined about their cause: being an example for the world.
âYou just have to set an example, a person with disabilities can do anything they can think of,â said Erway. âYou just have to have something to shoot for.â
Erway was present for the 2013 Boston marathon, and it was a race that he will never forget.
The wheelchair division of the Boston marathon began at 9:17 a.m., which is a full 45 minutes before the women’s section. The men’s section began 45 minutes after the women.
Erway finished his race in 2 hours and 32 minutes. This put him done around noon. Erway and crew stayed at a hotel 2 blocks away from the finish line. Immediately following the marathon, they went back to hotel to change. The team was due in Detroit that afternoon and flew out of Boston a short while after. The bombs went off while the plane was mid-air. Erway and crew heard the grim news upon landing.
“You do one of the world’s greatest races … and you don’t feel like you can even celebrate,” said Erway.
It was a moment that none of the men will ever forget. The following weekend in Salt Lake City, the men, along with numerous other runners, all wore Bothon Marathon clothing from various years to show their support.
Follow the team as they race on their website.
Micah Christensen is a freelance writer for BraunAbility and is enjoying telling the stories of our customers and writing to help them get the most out of their BraunAbility experience.
Submitted by: Micah / Ability Voice Blogger Category: Customer Stories
Published: May 13, 2013
Sports Stand Outs Honored with Courage AwardsApr 18, 2013
Read Full Article Here
The most exceptional men and women in the world of sports offer a unique blend of talent and courage that continues to inspire others long after they’re off the field or the court or the track.
Four of those exceptional individuals were honored recently at the 20th Anniversary Courage Awards. Sponsored each year by the Tempe Sports Authority Foundation, the event honors those who have demonstrated heroism and courage in the face of adversity as they overcame physical challenges. One of those individuals, Sam Schmidt, has a special relationship with BraunAbility, but each of these heroes deserves a shout-out.
 Sam Schmidt
Sam Schmidt was a successful Indy Car Driver who had won multiple national championships and was pursuing his dream of racing in the Indy 500 when he was injured critically in a crash in 1997. The accident left him a quadriplegic with no movement below the shoulders.
The accident took away his mobility – but not his drive to compete. He started Sam Schmidt Motorsports, and his teams have amassed over 50 victories and 6 championships. A second venture is even closer to his heart — the formation of the Sam Schmidt Paralysis Foundation, which exists to find a cure for paralysis and help those adjusting for a life with paralysis.
Jon Wilhite
A former Cal State Fullerton catcher, Jon was in a horrific car accident that killed three friends and left him severely injured. In fact, doctors discovered that the only things keeping his his head in place were skin, muscle and the rigid collar paramedics had placed on him at the scene. A surgical team of 30 experts spent hours placing a titanium plate to connect his neck and skull. His recovery was exceptional – he was able to rehab his way back to walking, speaking and swallowing on his own. Jon has made appearances on the baseball field for several ceremonial first pitches and was named a “Hero of Healing” by the UC Irvine Medical Center in 2012.
Cory Hahn
Another promising college baseball star, Cory Hahn was three games into his season at Arizona State University when he attempted to steal his first base in college. He dove into the second base and compressed his spinal cord, leaving him paralyzed from his mid-chest down. After months of rehab, Cory has developed bicep, shoulder and wrist function. He is navigating a college campus of about 60,000 students and is majoring in business. Cory has even learned to drive a BraunAbility Rampvan and has not missed a step academically. He’s still working out and building strength, getting closer and closer to the day he may take a step again.
Colonel Greg Gadson
A standout football star at West Point and a decorated colonel in the army, Colonel Gadson commanded the 2nd battalion, 32 field artillery in Iraq. In 2007 an IED attack resulted in the loss of both legs and normal use of his right arm and hand. He is still on active duty, and continues to inspire across the country — including a talk with a struggling NY Giants team at the request of Head Coach Tom Coughlin. Coughlin recognized his ability to speak on the critical need for teamwork and camaraderie, and his inspirational spirit was almost tangible. The team named him Honorary Co-Captatin at the NFC Championship game.
Gadson has served in every major conflict of the past two decades and has been awarded multiple distinctions, including the Legion of Merit, three Bronze Stars, the Purple Heart and the Army Commendation Medal. He holds two Masters Degrees and an honorary Doctorate of Law. He is the first bilateral amputee to command an Army Installation – Fort Belvoir in Virginia.
Our sincerest congratulations to these fine men for the much-deserved honor.
Submitted by: Megan / Ability Voice Blogger Category: Learn More About BraunAbility
Published: Apr 18, 2013
Ralph Braun Honored with Lifetime Achievement AwardApr 16, 2013
Read Full Article Here
Two months after his passing, our founder and CEO, Ralph Braun, was honored posthumously with the Lifetime Achievement Award from the da Vinci Awards during a ceremony in Detroit, Michigan last week. The international award organization recognizes the latest developments and research in adaptive and assistive technologies, and benefits the National Multiple Sclerosis (MS) Societyâs Michigan Chapter.
 Accepting the award in Ralph's memory were his daughters, Melissa (L) and Cherie (C), accompanied by Elana Sullivan, President of the National Multiple Sclerosis Society, Michigan Chapter. âRalph Braun has left a permanent legacy in the mobility community and is regarded as a true pioneer of an industry that has brought freedom to hundreds of thousands of individuals across the world,â stated a release published by the da Vinci Awards.
Ralphâs daughters â Cherie Braun Diaz and Melissa Braun Dennis â were on hand to accept the award during the ceremony, which was held at the Ford Conference and Event Center in Dearborn.
Several other award recipients were honored for their contributions to individuals with disabilities, including Jeremy Campbell, Team US Gold Medalist at the 2012 London Paralympic Games. Campbell was honored with a special 2013 Spirit of da Vinci Award in recognition of his accomplishments and ongoing advocacy for those with disabilities.
For the year prior to the awards, nominations were accepted from across the country and around the world for innovations in five disability-related fields: Communication/Educational Aids; Environmental Adaptation/Daily Living or Work Aids; Prosthetics/Orthotics/Controls; Recreation and Leisure; Transportation and Mobility. For complete information on the winners in each of these fields, click here.
Proceeds from the awards benefit the National MS Societyâs Michigan Chapter. Michigan has one of the highest incident rates of MS in the U.S., with more than 18,000 residents living with multiple sclerosis.
Submitted by: Megan / Ability Voice Blogger Category: Learn More About BraunAbility
Published: Apr 16, 2013
Reliability of a Wheelchair Van Put to the Ultimate TestApr 10, 2013
Read Full Article Here
It’s one thing to preach in marketing materials about the safety and reliability of a wheelchair van — it’s quite another thing to prove it.
Reliability of a Wheelchair Van
Stevie Barker of Kentucky had the opportunity to prove both earlier this spring. Late on the morning of Feb. 19th, Barker accidentally ran a red light and was hit immediately on the driver-side door by an oncoming car. Thankfully the 22-year-old army veteran was unharmed, but his Braun Entervan was totaled.
Stevie assessed the damage as well as he could from the driver’s position in his wheelchair. His side airbag had deployed, and he could see the hood of his van crunched accordion-style agains his windshield. He needed to get out to assess the rest of the damage but had little confidence that his van’s ramp would be functional. Stevie hit the button to deploy the ramp and was shocked to hear the door open and the ramp lower to the ground, just like any other cycle.
“I went to exit the vehicle and the ramp came down perfectly fine,” stated Barker. “It was unbelievable.”
Barker called 911 and the van, which was not drivable, was towed safely away. Even the rescuers were amazed that the wheelchair ramp was still functional and that the driver had been protected, even in a driver-side collision. Thankfully no one was seriously injured in the other cars either.
Don’t Try This At Home
BraunAbility does NOT recommend testing out the reliability of our vehicles to the extent Stevie has, but hopefully his experience helps assure you that if you’re behind the wheel of a BraunAbility accessible vehicle, you’re in a van that’s built to last.
“That thing (the van) was a beast,” stated Barker. “I won that fight.”
Thanks to Superior Van and Mobility and Stevie for sharing this memorable story!
Micah Christensen is a freelance writer for BraunAbility and is enjoying telling the stories of our customers and writing to help them get the most out of their BraunAbility experience.
Submitted by: Micah / Ability Voice Blogger Category: Customer Stories
Published: Apr 10, 2013
Is a Mobility Vehicle Right For Me?Mar 01, 2013
Read Full Article Here
Mobility vehicle are fantastic pieces of machinery, and have numerous advantages for people seeking full independence after an injury. However, some people simply may not want one. The reason may be numerous things: cost, attachment to the usual vehicle, or maybe it is a stylistic choice. No matter what the reason may be, it all boils down to one simple matter: personal health. Maybe you are experiencing more pain, fatigue, or just cannot continue to maneuver the hassles of loading a wheelchair into a vehicle any longer.
This is a decision faced by everyone with a disability. Here are some important things to remember as you are making that choice.
Personal Image
 A vehicle can be a representation of a person’s personality and identity. A mobility vehicle can be a hard step to take if you do not see yourself in one. It also may be seen as a sign of giving up or losing independence. The reality of that is, getting to where you are going is more important than how you get there. Independence is truly maintained as long as you hold your freedom to go where you want to.
Pain and Fatigue
Many rehabilitation specialists encourage the switch from a car to a wheelchair accessible vehicle in order to maintain and preserve physical function. Pain and fatigue are often results of both the distance and height of a transfer, and over time it can take a serious toll. The neck, shoulders, arms and wrists usually bear the brunt of this pain, and therapists often end up treating patients for injuries that could have been prevented if he or she was in a wheelchair van more suitable for his or her condition. This possible pain and fatigue may not be limited to yourself. If an individual is dependent on a spouse, child, or caregiver to use their vehicle, that wear and tear may affect them over time. It may be the best way to care for the caregiver in return.
Cost
Thereâs no denying that making the switch to a wheelchair accessible van can come with a cost. Still, long-term wheelchair users would rather spend money on an accessible van than pay the more expensive price of lost quality of life. Many customers find financial help from outside sources, whether Vocational Rehabilitation, the VA, Medicaid Waivers, etc. Charitable organizations are possibilities, and many customers have tremendous luck with local fundraising efforts. Your BraunAbility dealer will have a selection of used mobility products as well.
The question to ask yourself now is not where you are currently, but where you will be in five years. Will I still be able to do this in five years? What tolls might it take in that time? Will my pain increase? Mobility equipment helps narrow the gap between how things are and how things could be. More often than not, the decision to switch from a car to a van is one of many decisions that contribute to the lifelong process of adaptation from disability.
Micah Christensen is a freelance writer for BraunAbility and is enjoying telling the stories of our customers and writing to help them get the most out of their BraunAbility experience.
Submitted by: Micah / Ability Voice Blogger Category: Wheelchair Vans
Published: Mar 01, 2013
Should I Buy From a Mobility Dealer or Online?Mar 01, 2013
Read Full Article Here
Finding a source to purchase a wheelchair-accessible vehicle was a daunting task in the past. A place that had mobility vehicles, wheelchair ramps, and any other accessory was a rare sight indeed. This is something that has been left in the past, however; as the advent of the internet and the growth of the market have made it a problem no more. A new choice now has arisen, is it better to buy from a dealer in person, or should I buy online? With the gap between the two closing, it can be a difficult choice. BraunAbility is here to help by explaining some of the options available between buying at the mobility dealership and buying online.
Maintenance
 Maintenance is an inevitability with any vehicle, and the specialized parts of any wheelchair-accessible vehicles can make finding a location for service and repairs difficult. This is not an issue with our BraunAbility dealers. All of our dealers have received specialized training in repairing and servicing wheelchair-accessible vehicles, wheelchair ramps and lifts, and any other accessory, no matter the model. A relationship with a mobility dealer can be the first step to maintaining a properly functioning vehicle.
A wheelchair-accessible vehicle is a specialty vehicle and is not like the neighbor’s sedan. Purchasing online can make finding a repair and maintenance location a less straightforward process. A purchase from a dealer is a promise for maintenance at the same location.
No two people or wheelchairs are the same, and with that no two vehicles are the same. With the hundreds of options available for a wheelchair-accessible vehicle, they can be made to fit any variety of needs. How do I know what options I want, what height I need my vehicle to be, or what preferences I have? Online shopping limits the buyer to taking the word of the seller at face value, but at the dealership, all of these options can be tried out firsthand. It is important that an investment as big as a mobility vehicle is perfect for you, so it is a good idea to try out what fits your style best.
Your BraunAbility dealer will also work closely with you to help determine how you can qualify for the maximum amount of available manufacturer rebates as well as state & federal tax deductions. Both are excellent ways to save money, but the rules & requirements can be difficult to navigate if you donât have experience applying for them. Our dealers have helped many customers receive these incentives, and they know exactly which steps you need to take to ensure the best chance of receiving them as well. That level of service is hard to match online.
The internet is a fantastic research tool and can help you decide what vehicle is perfect for you, but no one vehicle is a one-size-fits-all match. It is important to visit the dealer and try a mobility vehicle or ramp out personally to make sure it is the perfect one for you. It is your life, your money, and you should get a vehicle that comes with great service, guaranteed maintenance, and fits like a glove.
Micah Christensen is a freelance writer for BraunAbility and is enjoying telling the stories of our customers and writing to help them get the most out of their BraunAbility experience.
Submitted by: Micah / Ability Voice Blogger Category: Learn More About BraunAbility
Published: Mar 01, 2013
|
