Category Archives: Mobility

Mobility needs for wheelchair users including wheelchair vans, ramps, foot and hand controls.

Hyundai Mobility Rebate Information

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Get up to $1,000.00
Toward the cost of installing
Adaptive Equipment in your new Hyundai.

Overview

We believe in the freedom that goes along with driving your own car. But we also know that buying and modifying a new vehicle can be expensive. To help out, Hyundai is offering $1,000 toward the cost of adaptive equipment. Everything you need to get started is right here, including links to informative guides, fact sheets, and specialists who can help you determine the equipment and training you need.


The process is simple:

  1. Review the eligibility requirements and program details below
  2. Download and complete the one-page mobility form
  3. Mail vehicle purchase documents and completed mobility form to Hyundai Motor America

Eligibility Requirements and Program Details

What vehicles are eligible?

  • New, unused 2012, and 2013 model year Hyundai vehicles sold or leased and delivered to a retail customer by an authorized Hyundai Dealership in the U.S.A. are eligible for reimbursement under this program.
  • Fleet sales and vehicles purchased from a source other than an authorized dealer of Hyundai Motor America are not eligible.


What equipment is eligible?

  • Any aftermarket alterations or equipment installation on an eligible Hyundai vehicle that provides to the user convenient access and/or the ability to drive the vehicle.
  • Equipment which is not clearly related to a specific medical need, such as altering devices, swivel seats, pedal extensions, and running boards, will require original medical documentation clearly detailing the physical disability or permanent impairment for which the equipment is intended. This documentation must be prepared on a letterhead by a licensed, certified medical or medical-related professional.
  • Damage caused by unapproved or improperly installed adaptive equipment, alert hearing devices, and accessories will not be covered under the Hyundai new-car warranty. Owners should refer to the Hyundai Warranty and Service booklet for additional warranty information.
  • Labor for equipment transferred from the old vehicle into the new Hyundai vehicle is only eligible when the cost of the labor is clearly stated in the invoice from the adaptive equipment company.
  • Hyundai accessories are NOT eligible for reimbursement.

Program details:

  • Maximum Mobility reimbursement is up to $1,000 of the total equipment and labor costs.
  • Only one reimbursement per customer.
  • Reimbursements will be made to the customer only—not to the dealership or any adaptive equipment company.
  • The mobility equipment must be installed within six months of the vehicle purchase or lease.
  • The Hyundai Mobility Form and required documentation must be submitted to Hyundai Motor America within 60 days of complete installation of adaptive equipment.
  • Hyundai Mobility financial assistance cannot be applied toward the purchase or lease of a new Hyundai vehicle.
  • Hyundai Motor America assumes no responsibility for death, injury, or expenses that may result from the installation of adaptive equipment, alert hearing devices, and non-genuine Hyundai Accessories.
  • The offer is good from January 3, 2013 through January 2, 2014.

Download and Complete the Claim Form
Once you’ve purchased a vehicle and your adaptive equipment has been installed, complete the one-page Hyundai Mobility Form. Next, collect copies of the following documents:

  • The Purchase Agreement or Sales Contract
  • Itemized and paid invoice(s) from the adaptive equipment company. The invoice must clearly state the customer’s full name, the eligible Hyundai vehicle, and the Hyundai Vehicle Identification Number (VIN)
  • Your vehicle’s registration
  • If the equipment is not clearly related to a specific medical need, you’ll also need documentation from a medical professional that states the purpose of the equipment (Please see “What equipment is eligible” above)

download the form

Mail Hyundai Your Claim
Finally, mail the completed form and the documents you’ve collected to one of the addresses below.
Be sure to make a copy of your paperwork for your records.

Hyundai Motor America
Incentives Department
P.O. Box 20850
Fountain Valley, CA 92728
(Regular Mail)

OR

Hyundai Motor America
Incentives Department
3200 Park Center Drive
Mail Center Floor #2
Costa Mesa, CA 92626
(Overnight Mail)

General Motors Mobility Rebate Information

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Through the GM Mobility Reimbursement Program, new vehicle purchasers/lessees who install eligible adaptive mobility equipment on their new Chevrolet, Buick or GMC vehicles can receive up to a $1,000 reimbursement for the cost of the equipment.

PLUS
Two extra years of standard OnStar® service, at no additional cost on all 2011–2013 Chevrolet, Buick and GMC vehicles equipped with OnStar. The Directions & Connections® Plan is standard for six months on most 2012-2014 GM vehicles.

Taking advantage of both offers is as easy as 1, 2, 3.

  1. Buy or lease an eligible, new 2012–2014 Chevrolet, Buick or GMC vehicle equipped with OnStar.
Vehicles that are not eligible: All Cadillacs. 2013 Chevrolet Caprice, Captiva Sport, Spark, Volt, Buick Encore and Verano are not eligible.
  2. Purchase and install (or reinstall) your eligible adaptive mobility equipment.
  3. Apply for GM Mobility Reimbursement:
    • Download an Application Form
    • Request an Application by Mail

The purchaser and the GM dealer representative will need to complete and sign the reimbursement application, than submit the application with a paid receipt for the mobility equipment and installation.

If you’re uncertain of the eligibility of the adaptive equipment or vehicle you’re considering purchasing or leasing, call the GM Mobility Assistance Center at 1-800-323-9935.

The GM Mobility Reimbursement Program offer with OnStar is valid through 9/30/13. To qualify for the reimbursement offer, vehicles must be adapted and a claim must be submitted within 6 months from the date of purchase/lease. To take advantage of the OnStar® offer, vehicle must be equipped with OnStar. The OnStar offer has no redeemable cash value and is nontransferable. Other program rules apply. For offer details, visit your local dealer/retailer or call the GM Mobility Assistance Center at 1-800-323-9935.

OnStar Offer
OnStar®1 is more than a button you push – it’s a connection you make with the outside world. Every day. It’s powerfully simple services take care of you and take you places.

Services like Automatic Crash Response that alerts OnStar for help even if you can’t ask for it. And Turn-by-Turn Navigation that can keep you on course, whether you’re traveling around the block or across the country. And so much more.

Customers who receive GM Mobility reimbursement on an eligible vehicle get two extra years of standard OnStar service. This OnStar mobility offer is at no additional cost and is on top of the standard OnStar service included on new OnStar equipped GM vehicles. Directions & Connections® Plan is standard for six months on most 2012-2014 GM vehicles.

OnStar. Safely connecting you in ways you never thought possible. Live on.

Program Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

How do I apply for GM Mobility reimbursement?
Either download a printable application form or submit an online request. We’ll mail you a complete brochure including an application form.

How can I make sure my vehicle is eligible?
For the GM Mobility Reimbursement Program, in effect until September 30, 2013, you must purchase or lease1 a new and unused (not previously titled) 2012, 2013 or 2014 Chevrolet, Buick or GMC vehicle. To qualify for two extra years of standard OnStar® service, vehicle must be a 2012–2014 Chevrolet, Buick or GMC vehicle equipped with OnStar. To confirm eligibility of your vehicle, call the GM Mobility Assistance Center at 1-800-323-9935. You will need your vehicle identification number (VIN). Confirmation of vehicle eligibility does not imply claim approval.

What adaptive equipment qualifies for reimbursement?
See complete list of eligible adaptive equipment. Except for OnStar TTY equipment and safety belt extenders, GM regular production options and GM Accessories are not eligible for GM Mobility reimbursement. This includes, but is not limited to, assist steps and running boards. Repairs and adjustments to equipment are also not eligible for reimbursement. Safety belt extenders are not eligible for the OnStar offer.

Is used adaptive equipment eligible?
Yes, provided it is on the list of eligible adaptive equipment and purchased from and installed by a licensed equipment installer. The cost to transfer equipment installed in your previous vehicle to your new eligible vehicle is also reimbursable.

Are assist steps/running boards eligible for reimbursement?
Assist steps/running boards are reimbursable if they are not available as a regular GM production option or dealer-/retailer-installed accessory, regardless of whether the vehicle is bought out of dealer stock or ordered. A maximum $200 GM Mobility Reimbursement is allowed. A physician’s signature and description of your disability/limitation are required. Call the GM Mobility Assistance Center if you have questions.

Can I incorporate reimbursement into the terms of my vehicle sales contract?
It may be possible. Contact your Chevrolet, Buick or GMC dealer for details.

Can I use the reimbursement with other factory rebates and incentives?
Yes. The GM Mobility Reimbursement incentive may be combined with other publicly offered incentive programs that are in effect at the time of purchase or lease, including most fleet and commercial incentives.

How soon after I purchase/lease my new vehicle do I have to complete the equipment installation and apply for reimbursement?
To take advantage of the GM Mobility Reimbursement Program, you must have the vehicle adapted and submit a claim within 6 months of the date of purchase/lease. Other program rules apply.

Are there any other ways I can offset the cost of purchasing adaptive equipment?
The cost of durable automotive adaptive equipment for use by persons with disabilities may be offset with federal income tax credits and deductions, state sales and use tax deductions, funding through state rehabilitation vocational agencies, and medical insurance providers. Consult with your tax advisor/preparer, appropriate state social service agency, and/or insurance provider to see what benefits you might be eligible for. Your savings could be substantial.

Mobility Financial Assistance

Ally Financing
Qualified customers can finance qualified aftermarket mobility equipment with their new Chevrolet, Buick or GMC vehicle through Ally mobility vehicle financing programs available at local GM dealers/retailers. Ally extended-term financing or the Ally Smart Lease program may be able to make your vehicle purchase even easier.1 Visit ally.com/auto or your local GM dealer for more details.

SmartLease Eligibility (new and used vehicles)

  • Eligible adaptive conversions are limited to those that can be removed from the vehicle at lease termination without affecting the original configuration or condition of the vehicle. Examples include wheelchair storage devices and hand-brake devices.
  • If the physical structure of the vehicle must be modified to accommodate the adaptive conversion, the vehicle remains eligible for conventional retail financing but not for SmartLease. Examples include raising or lowering all or part of the floor of a van, altering the size of any of a vehicle’s door openings, cutting or reshaping any part of the body or frame of a vehicle to accommodate lifting mechanisms, etc.
  • Qualified adaptive conversions and/or their installation may be capitalized but not residualized.
  • The Addendum must be signed by the customer, stipulating that the equipment will be removed at lease termination/contract end and the vehicle returned to its original condition, subject to normal wear and tear. The addendum states that the customer will bear the costs for removal of adaptive conversions.

SmartLease Addendum

GM Mobility Reimbursement Program (new vehicles)
Financial mobility financing for eligible adaptive equipment is available through the GM Mobility Reimbursement Program. New vehicle purchasers/lessees who install or reinstall eligible adaptive mobility equipment on their new Chevrolet, Buick or GMC vehicles can receive a combination of financial assistance and the protection and convenience of OnStar®:

Up to $1,000 reimbursement for eligible adaptive equipment.
PLUS two additional years of standard OnStar service on qualified Chevrolet, Buick or GMC vehicles.

Department of Veterans Affairs
U.S. military veterans may be eligible for financial assistance through their VA benefits when equipping a vehicle with adaptive equipment. Call 1-800-827-1000 or visit www.va.gov for more information.

Are there any other ways I can offset the cost of purchasing automotive adaptive equipment?
The cost of durable automotive adaptive equipment for use by persons with disabilities may be offset with federal income tax credits and deductions, state sales and use tax deductions, funding through state rehabilitation vocational agencies, and medical insurance providers. Consult with your tax advisor/preparer, appropriate state social service agency and/or insurance provider to see what benefits you might be eligible for. Your savings could be substantial.

Mobility Resources

National Mobility Equipment Dealers Association (NMEDA)
When selecting mobility equipment installers, shop around and inquire about their qualifications, capabilities, experience, warranty and service practices. Ask for references. Ask if they are members of the National Mobility Equipment Dealers Association (NMEDA) and if they are QAP-certified. NMEDA is committed to providing automotive adaptive equipment solutions for people with disabilities. In this effort, NMEDA has implemented the Quality Assurance Program (QAP), a nationally recognized accreditation program for mobility equipment dealers.

The Association for Driver Rehabilitation Specialists (ADED)
ADED is devoted to helping individuals with disabilities locate driver evaluators and trainers who can conduct an assessment of a person’s abilities (cognitive, perceptual and physical) and adaptive equipment needs, an important step in the selection process. Call 1-866-672-9466 or visit www.driver-ed.org for more information.

National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA)
There are many variables to consider when obtaining adaptive equipment for your vehicle. We suggest you request a copy of the Department of Transportation brochure “Adapting Motor Vehicles For People With Disabilities” by calling 1-888-327-4236 or visiting www.nhtsa.gov. Following a proven process can help you avoid costly mistakes when purchasing and modifying a vehicle with adaptive equipment.

Other Resources

  • American Association of People with Disabilities
  • Attention Deficit Disorder Resource
  • Chronic Fatigue and Immune Dysfunction Syndrome
  • Eastern Michigan Deaf & Hard of Hearing Information Site
  • Michigan Paralyzed Veterans of America guide to accessible gasoline stations
  • Mobility Corner
  •  National Organization on Disability

Lexus Mobility Rebate Information

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 Reimburses the vehicle owner up to $1,000 cash for after-market adaptive equipment for drivers and/or passengers when installed on any eligible Lexus vehicle purchased or leased new. This applies to model years 2001 and later. For details, refer to the Assistance Guidelines and Reimbursement Application Form. Forms are also available from your local Lexus dealer or from most adaptive-equipment installers.

Lexus Financial Services Mobility Financing
Available upon credit approval through Lexus Financial Services and participating Lexus dealers. Provides flexible, extended-term financing when persons with physical disabilities or their families purchase a new Lexus vehicle with the installed adaptive equipment (including installation costs). Please contact your local participating Lexus dealer for details.

Assistance Guidelines
Lexus will reimburse the cost up to $1,000 to each eligible, original retail customer for purchasing and installation of qualifying adaptive driving or passenger equipment for transporting persons with physical disabilities. This offer applies to all Lexus vehicles purchased or leased new in 2001 or later. Leased vehicles require advance written lessor approval of adaptive-equipment installations.

  1. Only new vehicles sold or leased and delivered to a retail customer by an authorized Lexus dealer are eligible for reimbursement. Fleet incentive recipients are not eligible.
  2. The adaptive equipment must be installed within 12 months of vehicle purchase or lease. A Reimbursement Application Form must be submitted to Lexus Customer Satisfaction within 90 days of complete installation of adaptive equipment.
  3. Qualifying adaptive equipment or conversion is defined as any after-market alteration or equipment installation on an eligible Lexus vehicle that provides the disabled user with convenient access and/or the ability to drive the vehicle. Lexus factory options and Lexus accessories are NOT eligible for reimbursement.
  4. A prescription or note from a licensed medical doctor on physician’s letterhead is required for reimbursement, except as noted below. For a limited number of adaptations, such as hand controls and wheelchair or scooter hoists or ramps, no medical note or prescription is required. Running boards, alerting devices, pedal extenders and similar adaptations must have medical documentation. Running boards, trailer hitches and pedal extenders are not reimbursable if they are available as a factory option or dealer-installed accessory. For pedal-extender reimbursement, the customer must be medically diagnosed with a dwarfism condition. Questions about other adaptations should be directed to Lexus Customer Satisfaction at (800) 255-3987.
  5. The Reimbursement Application Form must be completed in its entirety and signed by the customer and the selling dealership. It should be mailed along with a copy of the vehicle sales or lease agreement, the adaptive-equipment company’s paid invoice showing payment by the vehicle’s owner, a Lessor Letter of Authorization (for leased vehicles), and a prescription or note from a licensed medical doctor on physician’s letterhead (when required) to the following address:LEXUS CUSTOMER SATISFACTION
    19001 SOUTH WESTERN AVENUE
    MAIL DROP L201
    TORRANCE, CA 90509-2991

Payment to the individual Mobility Assistance Program customer will be sent within 3-4 weeks after receipt of an approved claim form and all required documentation.

Please call Lexus Customer Satisfaction with any questions:
(800) 255-3987 or (800) 443-4999 – TDD

Steps To Mobility
Lexus supports the steps detailed in the U.S. Department of Transportation’s brochure, Adapting Motor Vehicles for People With Disabilities. Copies are available by calling (888) 327-4236 or visiting www.nhtsa.dot.gov. The process includes these five steps:

  1. Determine your state’s driver’s license requirements.
  2. Evaluate your needs.
Use the Mobility Resources below to contact your local driver-assessment specialist to help identify the adaptive equipment most suited to your needs.
  3. Select the right vehicle.
Consult with your evaluator, an adaptive-equipment installer and your local Lexus dealer to determine the Lexus model that’s best for you.
  4. Choose a qualified mobility equipment installer.
Always ask about qualifications, capabilities, experience, warranty coverage and service. Confirm they are members of the National Mobility Equipment Dealers Association (NMEDA) or another organization that has established vehicle conversion standards.
  5. Obtain training on the use of the new equipment.
When this process is complete, follow the Assistance Guidelines above, complete and submit the Reimbursement Application Form within 90 days of adaptive-equipment installation. You can recover up to $1,000 of the cost of your adaptive equipment and/or conversion. In addition to the printable version on this Web site, forms are also available from your local Lexus dealer, from an adaptive-equipment installer or upon request by calling Lexus Customer Satisfaction at (800) 255-3987.

Mobility Resources

Driver Assessment Specialists:
Contact a mobility equipment dealer in your area for advice on a driver assessment specialist to evaluate your vehicle

Veterans Resources

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Grants through the Veterans Association for Disabled Veterans
Get help with a disabled veterans grant toward the sale price or conversion of a handicap accessible minivan. This grant is available for disabled veterans with service-related disabilities including:

  • Loss, or permanent loss of use, of one or both feet
  • Loss, or permanent loss of use, of one or both hands
  • Permanent loss or impairment of vision in both eyes
  • Ankylosis (immobility) of one or both knees, or one or both hips

There is a one-time Disabled Veterans Grant payment by the Veterans Association, toward the purchase of a vehicle chassis and/or adaptive equipment. The Veterans Association will pay for adaptive equipment, for repair, replacement, or reinstallation required because of disability, and for the safe operation of a vehicle purchased with the Veterans Association assistance.

Effective October 1, 2011, the amount of money granted to service connected veterans under the one-time VA Auto Grant Program increased from $11,000 to $18,900. The amount that the Veteran receives will depend on the date that the sale was executed and submitted for reimbursement. Not when the 4502 Application was approved.

This means that if a Veteran was approved for the Auto Grant Program Prior to October 1, 2011, but the sale/purchase of the vehicle is executed (date of sale) after October 1, the Veteran is eligible for the $18,900. If the sale was executed prior to October 1, 2011 the Veteran will only receive $11,000 regardless of when the paperwork is submitted. This means that a sale executed in September, and not submitted for reimbursement until after October 1, would only get the $11,000 grant.

To clarify this another way, if the Veteran was approved for an Auto Grant prior to October 1, 2011 and enters into negotiation with a mobility dealer, orders a vehicle, and/or places a deposit on a vehicle, the Veteran would be eligible for the $18,900 as long as the date of sale and submission to the VA for reimbursement is after October 1, 2011.

Disabled Veterans who wish to convert an existing vehicle may also qualify for an Adaptive Equipment Grant. Adaptive equipment includes, but is not limited to, power steering, power brakes, power windows, power seats, and special equipment necessary to assist the eligible person into and out of the vehicle. Contact should be made with your local VA medical center’s Prosthetic Department prior to purchasing any equipment.

The adaptive equipment grant may be paid more than once, and it may be paid to either the seller or the veteran.

Disabled Veterans Loan Program
Loans for disabled veterans are available by seeking funds through other outlets. It is advised that you search for veterans loan programs by seeking out loans available for your specific disability.

You can also find loans to help pay for adapted vehicles by searching for money based on your disability instead of purely focusing on veterans benefits. Search through our Wheelchair Van Loans section to find other loans that apply to you.

We are always seeking to expand funding opportunities for the disabled to help pay for a handicap accessible minivan. If you know of other disability grant and loan programs for disabled veterans, please let us know.


Automobile Adaptive Equipment Program
The Automobile Adaptive Equipment (AAE) program permits physically challenged persons to enter, exit and/or operate a motor vehicle or other conveyance. The VA also provides necessary equipment such as platform wheelchair lifts, Under Vehicle Lifts (ULV), power door openers, lowered floors/raised roofs, raised doors, hand controls, left foot gas pedals, reduced effort and zero effort steering and braking, air conditioning and digital driving systems.

Eligibility

  • Veterans who are service connected for the loss, or loss of use of one or both feet or hands, or service connected ankylosis of one or both knees or hips.
  • Veterans who are service connected for permanent impairment of vision of both eyes that have a central acuity of 20/200.
  • NSC veterans are eligible for equipment/ modifications that will allow ingress and egress from a vehicle only.

Note: Eligible service connected veterans who are non-drivers are not eligible for reimbursement for operational equipment.

Required Documentation to VBA

  • The following must be submitted to the VBA:
  • Completed VAF 10-1394, “Application for Adaptive Equipment”
  • Copy of Valid Driver’s License
  • Bill of sale, Invoice, Lease Agreement or Registration Form
  • Window Sticker

If a window sticker is NOT Available you could:

  • Inspect and document the vehicle and items
  • Use a Comparable Vehicle Listing Guide
  • Get an invoice or bill of sale, it must substantiate the items of adaptive equipment
  • Have proof of ownership (Vehicle Title)
  • Have proof of release of disposal of a previously owned vehicle

If veteran paid sales tax, adjust 10-1394 to reimburse Repairs: Marked PAID and include the certification statement signed by vendor


Used Vehicles
Prorated by reducing the standard equipment reimbursable amount for like items by 10% per year. (This includes any add on adaptive equipment previously installed)

Maximum deduction of 90% of the new reimbursement rate will be allowed for vehicles 10 years or older (Vehicles will have a residual value of 10%)

Leased Vehicles
Same guidelines apply for leased vehicles just as if the veteran purchased a new or used vehicle.

Lease must be to the veteran and he/she be responsible for the repairs and maintenance of the vehicle, and not to any business.

Cost limitations will not exceed the allowable reimbursable amounts.

Conversions
Mini- Van

  • Reimbursement for mini-van conversions will be made in an amount equal to or less than the average cost of a conventional van modification, plus 25% (SC only).
  • VA will reimburse for the cost of transporting/delivery of the vehicle.

Full Size Van

  • This type of conversion is considered comfort, far exceeds the space required for transportation
  • The amount should not exceed conventional van conversion

Pick-up Trucks

  • The space modified about half that of a mini van
  • The dollar amount should not exceed mini van conversion

Motor Homes

  • All modifications must be pre-authorized.
  • Only VA approved add-on equipment may be authorized.
  • Maximum reimbursable amounts established for automobile adaptive equipment will not be exceeded for similar items authorized as adaptive equipment in a motor home.
  • Amount authorized and the purchase and installation of an approved lift in a motor home will not exceed the average amount authorized for purchase and installation of similar lifts installed in vans by the authorizing VA facility.
  • VA is not responsible for the removal, modification or reinstallation of any convenience items contained in the motor home, e.g., cabinets, stoves, showers, refrigerators, etc.

Repairs
Routine service to items is not considered a repair e.g., brake shoes, drums & pads or other adjustments (only the power booster). Power Steering and Automatic Transmission service or fluid refills are not authorized (only the transmission itself, or the power steering components).

Maximum reimbursement is for the total amount of the certified invoice.

Repairs, cost of parts and labor, is listed in thee current Mitchell Mechanical Parts and Labor Estimating Guide for Domestic Cars.

Towing is not normally an authorized repair.

Exceptions to the 2 vehicles in a 4-year period rule
Normally only allowance can be provided for 2 vehicles in a 4-year period.

Exceptions to this rule are:

  • Theft
  • Fire
  • Accident
  • Court of legal actions
  • Costly Repairs
  • Changes in the drivers medical requirements necessitating a different type of vehicle

Required documentation to remove a vehicle of record
Important Note: These vehicles may not be sold or given to family members or any other party residing in the same household of the veteran, or transferred to a business owned by the veteran.

  • Proof of trade-in
  • Proof of sale
  • Proof of other means of disposal, e.g., total loss by accident , act of God, fire, theft, etc.

How to Apply
Please contact your local PVA National Service Officer for assistance with the application.