Tag Archives: NH

Boston’s 5th Annual Wounded Vet Motorcycle Run

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 Boston’s Annual Wounded Vet Bike Run Inspired by Cpl. Vincent Mannion Brodeur began in 2011. One of the most severely wounded veterans in the nation, Vinnie is the recipient of the Bronze Star and Purple Heart. While serving in Iraq in 2007 with the 82nd Airborne, Vinnie was critically injured by an insurgents improvised explosive device. After surviving 40 operations and a year long coma Vincent has become an inspiration for people throughout the nation. All proceeds from Vinnie’s Run went to creating a handicapped accessible living space for Vinnie. Every year Boston’s Wounded Vet Run will be dedicated to different veterans. All proceeds raised go towards housing modifications to suite a comfortable living for the disabled veteran. Besides housing modifications, funds are also used to improve the quality of life of disabled veterans. Recreational needs, cars, and basic living needs are also other fields of charity the ride is dedicated to. The event is sponsored by the Italian-American War Veterans, a federally chartered non-profit veterans organization. They fought, and we ride, a bike run honoring the wounded veteran’s of New England.

The Honorees for the 5th Annual Boston Wounded Vet Run

2015 Event Information

When?
Saturday, May 9, 2015
Registration begins at 9am.
Kickstands up 12pm

Where?
Begins at:
New Boston Harley
650 Squire Road, Revere, Ma

Ends at:
Suffolk Downs Race track
550 McClellan Hwy East Boston

Cost:
$20 per person
10$ passenger
$20 Walk-ins
Donate Here!!

Motorcycle NOT REQUIRED TO PARTICIPATE
Those who do not ride can join us at Suffolk Downs at 1:30 for ceremony, food, and entertainment.

2015 Honorees
U.S ARMY SSGT Nick Lavery
U.S ARMY SSGT Mike Downing
U.S. ARMY SGT Brendan Ferreira
U.S ARMY SSGT Travis Mills

Vendors please call:
617-416-0782

Accessible Haunted Houses in New England

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According to the Websites these Haunted Houses are accessible.

Spooky World Presents Nightmare New England
Are you wheelchair accessible?
Yes, all of our indoor attractions are accessible and have wooden floors. Please note that our outdoor attractions have paths that are grass, gravel and woodchips.

Is a Military Discount offered?
Yes – we are proud to honor our past and present men and women offering service to our country. To receive a $7 discount per ticket, please show your Military ID at any of our ticket windows when purchasing. A Military ID discount may not be combined with any other coupons or offers.

Ghoulie Manor
Are you wheelchair accessible?
Yes, we are! If you don’t come with a wheelchair, you may need one by the time you leave.

Factory of Terror – Fall River, MA
Factory of Terror – Worcester, MA
Q. Is the Factory of Terror wheelchair accessible?
A. Yes, we have designed our attraction to make it wheelchair accessible.

Six Flags Fright Fest – Springfield, MA
Although the site does not  state it is Wheelchair accessible in the Plan Trip section it says: “7. Stop by Stroller Rental if you need a stroller, wheelchair, wooden stakes, silver bullets, garlic, or holy water.”

Canobie Lake Park Screamfest
Are the haunts wheelchair accessible?
Our haunted attractions can accommodate conventional and electric wheelchairs or electric service vehicles – although certain elements/effects will require the use of an alternate pathway. We do recommend, however, that you plan your visit with someone who is aware of your needs and can physically assist you when necessary.

Is Nightmare Vermont handicapped accessible?

Yes!  This year we are at the Memorial Auditorium which is wheelchair accessible. However, we can only make accommodations for our Thursday, Friday, Sunday and Wednesday shows.
Call 802 355-3107 two days in advance to make arrangements.

Note: You should call in advance to make sure their accommodations meet your needs.

Three Questions to Ask Your Mobility Consultant about Wheelchair Accessible Vehicles

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Answer search
When beginning your search for a wheelchair van in MA, RI, CT, VT, NH & ME, it is important to know which questions to ask your Mobility Consultant.  This could be the first time that you are going through this process, and VMi New England along side Automotive Innovations wants you to have a memorable experience.

We encourage your questions to help make purchasing your wheelchair accessible vehicle enjoyable and educational. Here are five of our most frequently asked questions proposed to our Mobility Consultants:

Do you have a service department for wheelchair van repairs?
Our technicians are highly trained and certified and are able to handle any problems you may have with your wheelchair accessible van.  By adhering to Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standards (FMVSS), becoming a Quality Assurance Program (QAP) facility, Automotive Innovations has shown its dedication to improving the quality of life for people with disabilities every day.

Can I test drive a wheelchair accessible vehicle before I purchase one?
Yes you can!  Our “Try Before You Buy” program means that you can test out our vehicles before you make your purchase, so that you can determine which vehicle will suit your needs.  Please contact us for more details.

How do you determine which wheelchair accessible vehicle will be right for me?
Our consultants take every step to get to know our customers to ensure that you purchase the right wheelchair accessible vehicle for you. Our Mobility Consultants go through a detailed step-by-step process to learn about your specific needs in order to get you the proper wheelchair van type, size and modifications to your wheelchair van.This mobility update has been brought to you by Vmi New England and Automotive Innovations your Bridgewater, MA New England NMEDA Mobility Dealer – Need some information on how to make your vehicle wheelchair accessible or upgraded with the latest and most convenient features?

New Hampshire Mobility Rebate Resources

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New Hampshire Disability Grants and Funds for Wheelchair Vans

Financial Aid Resources for Handicap Vans for New Hampshire (NH) Residents
For elderly and disabled people in New Hampshire, grants are readily available from a variety of sources to fund—in part or in its entirety—a wheelchair van. Perhaps you’re looking to purchase or lease a used or new handicap van or perhaps you’re hoping to install conversions like a wheelchair ramp, a scooter lift or adaptive driving controls to make a van more handicapped friendly.

Whatever the case may be, numerous New Hampshire agencies, organizations and foundations are standing by to provide financial aid or to help you locate sources for which you qualify. We’ve done the preliminary research for you. Peruse the resources below and contact any and all that are applicable to you.

We’d also like to remind you that disability-specific groups are a prime source for grants and other help. Find local New Hampshire chapters and inquire within.

Sources for New Hampshire Disability Grants and Assistance


Bureau of Elderly and Adult Services (BEAS)
BEAS serves New Hampshire residents over the age of 60 and residents over the age of 18 who suffer from a chronic illness or disability. This is an excellent resource for information and all sorts of services and support.
129 Pleasant Street
Concord, NH 03301
(603) 271-9203 or (800) 351-1888

Governor’s Commission on Disability
This is an agency of the State of New Hampshire’s government. It is devoted to removing barriers from the lives of the state’s disabled population. Contact this body with your questions about securing disability grants you can put toward a wheelchair van.
57 Regional Drive, Suite 1
Concord, NH 03301
(603) 271-2773 or (800) 852-3405

The Harry Gregg Foundation
This is a cross-disability charitable foundation providing direct financial aid to New Hampshire residents. It began in 1989, created in memory of its namesake, the founder of the Crotched Mountain Rehabilitation Center.
1 Verney Drive
Greenfield, NH 03047
(603) 547-3311 ext. 1490 or (800) 394-3311 ext. 1490
hgf@crotchedmountain.org

Institute on Disability (IOD)
IOD works to improve access to assistive technologies for disabled people living in New Hampshire. This is a good source of information about acquiring and using such technology in the state. It is affiliated with the University of New Hampshire.
Assistive Technology
Institute on Disability
10 West Edge Drive
Suite 101
Durham, NH 03824
(855) 374-9969

New England Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) Center
The New England ADA Center serves persons with disabilities in New Hampshire. It works to preserve and increase the rights, independence, self-determination and quality of life of the state’s disabled population. Use this key resource to locate an array of disability grants to apply toward a wheelchair van.
180-200 Portland Street
Suite 1
Boston, MA 02114
(617) 695-1225 or (800) 949-4232
ADAinfo@NewEnglandADA.org

New Hampshire Aging and Disability Resource Centers (ADRCs)
For the elderly and disabled living in New Hampshire, the state’s ADRCs are available to provide information and assistance. Talk to a representative to learn about funding options for your handicapped-accessible vehicle. You can find your local office using the link above.

The New Hampshire Council on Developmental Disabilities (NHCDD)
NHCDD offers disability grants to individuals and organizations, along with many other types of assistance. State residents with a condition meeting the Federal guidelines for a developmental disability are eligible for help from the Council.
21 Fruit Street, Suite #22
Concord, NH 03301-2451
(603) 271-3236

New Hampshire State Offices of Veterans Services
U.S. veterans who become disabled in the course of active duty or Veterans Affairs-sanctioned services, or whose disabilities are thus made worse, qualify for all manner of support and disability grants. New Hampshire veterans can often receive the full cost of a wheelchair van in financial aid.
275 Chestnut Street
Room 517
Manchester, NH 03101-2411
(603) 624-9230 or (800) 622-9230

New Hampshire Statewide Independent Living Council (SILC)
This is New Hampshire’s chapter of the country’s SILCs. It is dedicated to helping the disabled lead more independent lives. It furthers this goal by providing reliable information, services and aid to state residents with disabilities.
Paula Ninivaggi
Statewide Independent Living Council
c/o Governor’s Commission on Disability
57 Regional Drive
Concord, NH 03301
(603) 271-0476 or (800) 852-3405 ext. 0476
info@silcnh.org

New Hampshire Vocational Rehabilitation (VR)
Check in with the New Hampshire VR agency, which operates under the auspices of the state’s Department of Education. It assists disabled state residents in securing employment. If a handicap van is necessary for you to find or to get to work, financial aid is available.
101 Pleasant Street
Concord, NH 03301-3860
(603) 271-3494
Lori.Temple@doe.nh.gov

These are only some of the resources available for New Hampshire disability grants and assistance.
If you work with or know of another New Hampshire agency or organization that should be listed here, please pass along any pertinent information to: Jim Sanders, Director of Interactive Marketing, Jims@abilityvan.info

Rehabilitation Services

Office of Rehabilitation Services
The Office of Rehabilitation Services helps people with disabilities become employed and live independently in the community. They provide a variety of programs and services to empower individuals with disabilities to prepare for, obtain and maintain employment and economic self-sufficiency.

Vocational Rehabilitation
The focus of the Vocational Rehabilitation Program is to help people with disabilities prepare for, obtain and maintain employment. Individuals who apply for this program are interested in becoming employed. If a person receives Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) or Supplemental Security Income (SSI) and they are interested in working, they are assumed to be eligible for this program.

Services for the Blind and Visually Impaired
The Services for the Blind and Visually Impaired offers a variety of training and adjustment services for individuals who are blind or who have significant visual impairments. The goal is to help them become independent, active, and self-sufficient members of their community. Services are available for children and adults.

Disability Determination Services
The Disability Determination Services unit determines the eligibility for children and adults with disabilities who are applying for cash benefits from the federal Social Security Administration’s programs – Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) and Supplemental Security Income (SSI).

Assistive Technology Access Partnership
The Office of Rehabilitation Services administers the Assistive Technology Access Partnership which can help individuals with disabilities get assistive technology devices and services.

Funding wheelchair vans through New Hampshire disability grants can significantly reduce your out-of-pocket expense for new and used handicap van or a van conversion to be wheelchair accessible. We’ve gathered several resources for disability grants to aid you in your quest to buy a handicap van or convert a van to be wheelchair accessible. Once you’ve secured the handicap funding for your wheelchair van, AMS Vans is happy to deliver your handicap van to New Hampshire or nationwide.

Disability Grants in New Hampshire (NH)
The organizations listed below may or may not provide mobility funding for wheelchair van loans. For more details, check with the foundation and local New Hampshire grants providers.

AT in NH
Assistive Technology in New Hampshire is a program that provides access to assistive technology solutions through equipment re-use, explorations, loans and low-cost funding alternatives.

How to Apply for New Hampshire Grants or Mobility Funding
New Hampshire residents are welcome to submit all disability grants, handicap loans, government programs, fundraisers, or other mobility funds. We accepts all funding assistance programs to ensure your handicap needs are met. Help build the most complete list of grant information for the disabled by submitting any disability grants or mobility programs specific to the area of New Hampshire or nationwide.

Prepare Your Mobility Equipment For the Colder Weather

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Cold temperatures not only slow wheelchair users down, but can also slow down their vans and accessible equipment. For example, if you use a hydraulic wheelchair lift, you may have noticed that the colder the weather, the slower the lift reacts. The cold thickens the fluid, making it move slower through hoses, valves and cylinders.

There’s not much you can do about that, but preparing other equipment for cold weather is important to help avoid accidents and breakdowns.

If you live in the New England area · call our Mobility Center today (508) 697-8324 · We’ll rust proof your wheelchair accessible vehicle, give you an oil change, tune-up, and/or semi-annual ramp/lift service and have any other accessible equipment checked before the temperature dips. If you ask we can also check your battery, antifreeze level, heater, brakes, defroster and thermostat.

Do It Yourself:

  • Purchase winter wiper blades that cut through snow and ice.
  • Keep the gas tank at least half full. It reduces condensation and makes your vehicle easier to start on cold mornings.
  • Buy tires that have MS, M+S, M/S or M&S on them, meaning they meet the Rubber Manufacturers Association guidelines and can bite through mud and snow.
  • For better traction and control, rotate tires so the best ones are in the front.
  • Get an electric engine block heater. It warms the engine so the motor can start. It connects to normal AC power overnight or before driving. In extremely cold climates, electrical outlets are sometimes found in public or private parking lots. 
  • Cold weather is tough on accessible van batteries. Buy one with greater starting power, higher cold cranking amps and reserve capacity for energy when the engine isn’t running.
  • Use synthetic oil to make starting a cold engine easier.

Before you drive:

  • Keep rock salt on hand to melt ice off walkways for a safer wheelchair ride.
  • Clean the snow off the roof and hood so it doesn’t “avalanche” onto the windshield and block your vision.
  • Clear the head and tail lights for best visibility.
  • Scrape the ice off mirrors and windows.

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Here at VMi New England Mobility Center and Automotive Innovations we’ll service and repair your wheelchair accessible vehicle and/or equipment even if you didn’t buy it from us! So bring us your mobility van no matter the year (old or new), chassis (Honda, Dodge, Toyota, Ford, Chrysler, excreta..), or conversion (Side Entry, Rear Entry, VMI, Braun, Ricon, Rampvan, Elorado, Amerivan, excreta..)!!