Tag Archives: Vantage Mobility International

New VMI Northstar E Series: A Manual Side Entry In-Floor Ramp Conversion

New VMI Northstar E-Series Van
Introducing The New VMI Northstar E-Series Wheelchair Van Conversion

What could compare to VMI’s innovative Northstar wheelchair accessible minivan? The economically driven Northstar E-Series. The nearly effortless manual slide-out ramp contains no powerdrive components, affording absolute reliability and assurance. An abundance of interior and cargo space provides more comfort and convenience on short drives or long trips. Distinct exterior styling presents an appearance every bit as notable as the fully automatic Northstar. Finally, freedom feels as good as it looks.

Standard in every VMI Northstar E-Series Conversion Minivan:
  • 11″ Lowered Floor
  • Maximum interior headroom
  • Manual In-Floor Wheelchair Ramp
  • Quick Release Front Seats
  • Optional Mid Row Seating
  • Complete undercoating and rust proofing
  • Automotive Quality Interior
  • Manual Wheelchair Tie-down System
  • Fully Crash Tested
  • Fully Carpeted Seat Bases
  • Ample Floor Space

WIN a Brand New 2015 Toyota Sienna VMI Northstar Access 360 Wheelchair Van!

WIN a Brand New 2015 Toyota Sienna VMI Northstar Access 360 Wheelchair Van!
VMI’s Star Spangled Salute
The 2nd Annual Operation Independence Star Spangled Salute Veteran Contest has now been launched by VMI (Vantage Mobility International) alongside Toyota Motor Sales USA. Enter for your chance to win a brand new 2015 Toyota Sienna with a VMI Access 360 in-floor ramp conversion system.

Eligibility
Only U.S. disabled veterans are eligible to win the free mobility van. If you are a disabled veteran or would like to enter the contest on a veteran’s behalf, simply fill out the form. Only one-entry per household.

Contest Details

  • Registrar to win a 2015 Toyota VMI Wheelchair Van
  • Entries must be submitted by 11/09/14
  • Winner announced Veterans Day, 11/11/14

Important Dates

  • 04/02/2014 – VMI will begin accepting The Star Spangled Salute entries
  • 11/09/2014 – The Star Spangled Salute Entries End
  • 11/11/2014 – VMI will draw and announce The Star Spangled Salute on Veterans Day
  • 12/31/2014 – The Star Spangled Salute Winner MUST claim prize before December 31, 2014


Terms and Conditions:

The 2014 Operation Independence Star Spangled Salute campaign is valid from April 2, 2014 to November 9, 2014 for all Disabled U.S. Veterans.

Winner will be randomly drawn and announced on November 11, 2014 and must show proof of military service. Winner will receive any 2015 Toyota Sienna with the VMI Northstar Conversion; no exceptions will be made.

No purchase necessary. Valid in the United States only. Limit one entry per household. Entries may be made at www.vans4vets.com or by calling 800-488-6148.

If the winner already purchased their Toyota VMI Northstar conversion between April 2, 2014 and November 10, 2014 – they can elect to be reimbursed for their out of pocket cost of the wheelchair accessible Toyota VMI Northstar minivan by December 31, 2014. Reimbursement will be coordinated between VMI and the winner directly if the vehicle was purchased prior to the winner being announced.

Campaign is not valid on any added accessories. Winner is responsible for the payment of applicable taxes and registration fees. Prize must be claimed by December 31, 2014 and is non-transferable. No exceptions will be made.

VA Benefits for Veterans – APPLY NOW

VETERANS

salute

If you need a wheelchair van (driver or passenger) you may be eligible for one at little to no out of pocket cost. We, too, are Veterans and understand your needs.

Click here to begin the VA process and receive guidance on getting your benefits.

The Auto Allowance Grant: This benefit provides eligible Veterans with flat rate federal grant of $19,505.00 towards the purchase of a wheelchair accessible vehicle. This grant is paid to the seller of the vehicle and must be approved by the VA before the purchase.
The Automobile Adaptive Equipment Program: This benefit provides eligible Veterans with funding (approximately $25,000) for equipment and training to enter, exit and/or operate a motor vehicle. This equipment includes but not limited to platform wheelchair lifts, kneeling systems, power door openers, lowered floors/raised roofs, raised doors, hand controls and braking and digital driving systems.
Non Service Connected Van Modifications: This benefit provides eligible Veterans with funding (approximately $25,000) for non-operational equipment for entry and exit to the van. Issuance of equipment is considered medical and is not included as part of the Automobile Adaptive Equipment Program.

“U.S. veterans make so many sacrifices for our freedoms,” said Doug Eaton, president of VMI. “We’re indebted for their service and believe our disabled vets should have easier access to mobility vehicles. That’s why we teamed up with Paralyzed Veterans and the VMI Select Dealer Network to establish Operation Independence. Through this national program, we’ll help raise awareness of the federal grant money that is available to our vets to help them purchase a new mobility vehicle. We’ll also explain how the national VMI Select Dealer Network can fast track their purchase of a quality mobility van and provide important vehicle maintenance after the sale.”

Operation Independence is a national program developed by VMI and is supported by the Paralyzed Veterans and The American Wheelchair Van Society. A portion of the program will educate veterans about Federal Grant 21-4502, which is available to disabled U.S. vets and was recently increased from $11,500 to $18,900. In addition to the grant, VMI is offering an additional $1,000 coupon that can be used as cash back from the manufacturer or applied toward a down payment for veterans who qualify for the 21-4502 grant and who have not previously taken advantage of the 21-4502 Auto Allowance Grant. The American Wheelchair Van Society will assist all Veterans through the process.

“We’ve found that a number of important government benefits like the 21-4502 program, which provides a grant towards the purchase of a mobility vehicle of their choice, are under-utilized by eligible veterans,” said Al Kovach, National Senior Vice President of the Paralyzed Veterans of America, and a former Navy SEAL. “This partnership with VMI’s Operation Independence is so important to as it supports Paralyzed Veterans’ Mission: ABLE campaign which enables severely disabled veterans to secure care, benefits and jobs and rebuild their lives. Together, we can leverage our efforts to improve mobility for disabled veterans by connecting them with the vehicles that fit their needs and ultimately help them achieve the independence and dignity they deserve.”

Paralyzed Veterans of America was founded by a group of seriously injured American heroes from the “Greatest Generation” of World War II. They created a nonprofit organization to meet the challenges head that they faced back in the 1940s — from a medical community not ready to treat them, to an inaccessible world. For more than 65 years, Paralyzed Veterans national office and 34 chapters across the nation have been making America a better place for all veterans and people with disabilities. (www.pva.org)

“According to the Dept. of Veterans Affairs, there are nearly 3.5 million veterans who now live with a service-connected disability,” said Doug Eaton, president of Vantage Mobility International. “Many of those disabled veterans struggle to find employment because they don’t have access to reliable transportation. So, in addition to supporting the Paralyzed Veterans of America national tour, we’ve also teamed up with Toyota Motor Sales USA to give all disabled veterans a chance to win a 2013 Toyota Sienna SE with our Access360 In-floor Ramp Conversion. We hope veterans in the Houston area will join us at Adaptive Driving Access in Houston to learn more about our Operation Independence Star Spangled Salute contest.”

‘The Big Push for Progress’ initiative was developed to honor Paralyzed Veterans and help local communities “take a stand for veterans and their families.”

Paralyzed Veterans of America, which is celebrating 67 years this year, is urging all Americans to take a stand for veterans. “Our disabled veterans face an unemployment rate three to eight times higher than average,” said Bill Lawson, U.S. Army veteran and national president of Paralyzed Veterans. “That’s just one reason I’m asking my fellow Americans to help redouble our efforts for positive change. We need everyone to be a part of our big push for progress.”

Click here to begin the VA process and receive guidance on getting your benefits.

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2013 Boston abilities expo – wheelchair vans for all!

2013-boston-abilities-expo-wheelchair-vans-for-all

We had a fabulous three days in Boston meeting new friends and seeing old ones.

We displayed the VMI Toyota Sienna Access360 van, the VMI Honda Odyssey Northstar and Dodge Grand Caravan Northstar.

All vans have multiple configurations for driver, front passenger and/or middle wheelchair riders. From large motorized chairs to small pediatric sizes, we were able to custom fit various people and their chairs to this lineup. The ‘Star’ of the show was the Northstar In-Floor wheelchair ramp system. Combined with a lowered floor, it offered the most interior space and ease of use–everyone LOVED it!

Here is a video put together by Monique McGiveney from photos taken at the expo:

 

A special thank you to the Vantage Mobility and johnmccoshphotography.com who made this event a success for VMi New England:

Come to VMi New England 1000 Main St in Bridgewater, MA where every day is a Abilities Expo.

Companion dogs help veterans heal

Companion dogs help veterans heal

Companion dogs help veterans heal.
A program that pairs four-legged friends with disabled veterans is providing a life-changing addition to many military families. “They’re our heroes,” said one veteran. TODAY’s Dylan Dreyer reports. Featured is  former tank commander ‘Ski’ and his service dog ‘Steve’ of http://abesnet.com–and a cherished client of ours. We have helped Ski repair his current side entry wheelchair van and are currently working with VISIN 1 Brockton Veterans Administration (VA) Center to deliver him a new 2013 Toyota Sienna side entry from Vantage Mobility (VMI). The best part; Steve LOVES riding  up front in Ski’s wheelchair van. Hoorah!

 

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source: http://www.today.com/video/today/53128477#53128477