NEED HELP-ACCESSIBLE VEHICLE - sorry if you got this 2x's, didn't post

[Guest guest]

I apologize to all those who got this twice because they selected to

receive ALL emails, but I forgot to post and just replied -it won't

happen agian -PROMISE

Next, HAPPY THANKSGIVING TO EVERYONE,

For those like me who can not be with their families, it feels good to

extend my thanks to the family and let you know how much I've

enjoyed the interaction with so many beautiful souls over the past few

weeks.

However, I do have a question and I REALLY need some advice. So, when

you all have given thanks and

digested your turkey dinners, I need assistance regarding getting an

accessible vehicle.

When I received my electric wheelchair last year, I had to have

it delivered to my work (it weighs 300lb - that's 3 of me!), because

A.) I spent the most of my time 'walking' at work and B.) I had NO WAY

to transport it. The only insurance I have is Medicare Disability and

Medical insurance (SSI) - They only gave me the minimum - the chair. I

was able to convince them that I needed some way to get it into my

vehicle, a 12 year old Suzuki Sidekick (it's like a small jeep)

I did find a company that would do adaptations if the vehicle had less

then 80,000 miles, I had 82,000 miles, maybe I should have called in

sick a few times

Anyway they (SSA Dis. & SSI) gave me a very heavy metal ramp, but the

incline is too steep for me to get it in the back by myself. Currently,

I just kinda wait around in my neighborhood, if a neighbor is

unavailable, for someone to offer their help. Everyone says " get a

longer ramp " - well A.) I can't lift the one I have out of my car and

B.) It JUST fits, with the passengers seat down, it extends from the

front console to the rear window - It's a bit funny, I've had to remove

the two backseats for the wheelchair to fit and the ramp takes up the

front seat - I now have a ONE PASSENGER car! But seriously, this is a

REAL problem. At the present time, I can stand for a few minutes, if I

lean on something, but I still can't pull out the 40lb ramp, which is

too short anyway, then I need to get it in the car, then I have to walk

around and get in the drivers seat - Another problem, the car does NOT

have power steering. I do have a 'suicide knob,' but it doesn't help

anymore. So my question is, do you have to be independently wealthy to

be disabled? I say that tongue -in-cheek, but I can't afford to buy a

new (or used) accessible van. No insurance covers that. I asked the MDA

coordinator and she didn't even have an answer. I have actually had the

chair land on my foot, breaking a bone or two on several occassions,

good thing it took the sensation a few minutes to reach my brain, so I

was in the car before I felt it or I would have been screaming in the

street

My doctor 'forced' me to get the electric chair (I can be a bit

stubborn;) and it took me a long time to get in it, get used to being

3'7 " , instead of 5'7 " was hard, but having it, I can't believe the

freedom - if I could only transport it my world would expand from going

to the corner store to getting around in this beautiful city (San

Francisco) So I am extremely grateful that 'Doc Bob' prescribed me the

chair, when I am able to use it. I remember how I would fatique myself

into a state of temporary paralysis - unable to move from my mid back

down, crawling across the floor to the sofa or my bed. Sometimes it

would take up to an hour before I could move again. And days before I

felt back to my " normal. "

So if any one has been in the same situation in finding an accessible

van on a limited income or if you have some advice, I would be so

grateful, I'd drive to your house, get out of my accessible vehicle in

my motorized chair, speed up, knock on your door and give you a BIG

HUG! Or, actually I would probably just be able to say thank you for

keeping me mobile, yet consider you my angel - I need to be able to get

around to do what I do! Right now it is my ONLY obstacle, otherwise,

with the chair - I can do ANYTHING! Then I'd really be able to keep

'rockin' and ROLLIN " my way towards my dreams to succeed and to help

others! - which are one in the same Thanks!

Happy Thanksgiving and much love to all

Peace

Judy g.