Tag Archives: Paralyzed Veterans of America

35th Annual National Veterans Wheelchair Games

If you’re looking for a summer vacation getaway full of excitement, look no further than the National Veterans Wheelchair Games held this year in Dallas, Texas. Whether you’re taking the whole family to experience these acts of courage and strength, or making a stop on your summer accessible road trip, this event supports and benefits our country’s veterans by encouraging a spirit of healthy activity and friendship.

The History
Since the Games began over 30 years ago in 1981, the event has grown from only 74 competitors to over 500 in 2014. This event is presented each year by the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) and Paralyzed Veterans of America, with additional support from numerous organizations, corporate and community sponsors. Wheelchair sports had their start in the aftermath of World War II, when young disabled Veterans began playing wheelchair basketball in VA hospitals throughout the U.S. Since 1980, when the VA’s efforts brought about an enhanced awareness of the rehabilitative value of wheelchair athletics, VA therapists have used wheelchair sporting as a therapeutic tool for supporting Veterans with disabilities.

The Location
The event has moved from city to city over the years and 2015 marks the 35th annual NVWG. The event is being held in Dallas, a city with much to offer as host, including cultural districts, the best restaurants, hotels and museums for something to do while you’re not at the games. This years games are being held June 21–26, so if you’re looking to turn up the heat this summer, Dallas is the perfect place to be!

The Events
Veterans can compete in 18 different events at the games, including: 9-ball, air rifle, hand cycling, quad rugby, softball, track, table tennis, weightlifting, and many more. Athletes are classified by degree of disability and then further into divisions. Although registration for this years event ended April 15, if you are a U.S. military service veteran who uses a wheelchair due to mobility impairments, be on the lookout early next year to register!

If you aren’t a veteran, or just happened to miss registration but still want to be involved with this event you can always sponsor the games, or volunteer! More than 3,000 local volunteers are required to assist with all aspects of the games, from helping with transportation, to event set-up, water distribution, assistance with meals, and much, much more. Summer time calls for travel and excitement, and what more of a rewarding way to spend your summer days then traveling to Dallas to support our veterans.

Special Wheelchair Basketball Event at MHS!

Special Wheelchair Basketball Event at MHS!
On Tuesday, March 25th at 6:30pm The Mass Hospital School is having a special night of hoop for a great cause!

The New England Paralyzed Veterans of America NEPVA Celtics (ranked #1 in Division 3 of the National Wheelchair Basketball Association) will play an exhibition wheelchair game against the HealthBridge Management “Dribblers” and coaches from Canton Youth Basketball!

Tickets are $6 for adults and $3 for children, and all proceeds will benefit NEPVA’s trip to the Nationals in Louisville, KY!  Refreshments and raffles will be available.  Tickets can be purchased at the door.

VETERANS BENEFITS: OPERATION INDEPENDENCE MOBILITY VEHICLE PROGRAM

VETERANS BENEFITS
Come to VMi New England Mobility Center and learn more about the Paralyzed Veterans of America and Operation Independence
veteran mobility equipment VMi New England
OPERATION INDEPENDENCE
VMI is the premier manufacturer of wheelchair accessible vans. At the VMi New England Mobility Center we are experts in mobility assessment and customization. We have combined our knowledge with the Veterans across America to increase awareness with disabled veterans regarding VA vehicle benefits, and help them get the benefits they have earned while serving our country:
•  You may be entitled to VA funding for adaptive automotive equipment
•  In many cases, you may also be entitled to a one-time auto allowance for the vehicle itself.Operation Independence helps veterans get into their first wheelchair accessible van. Whether you are entitled to the auto allowance grant or will be personally funding your first wheelchair accessible van, the VMi New England Mobility Center will give you a $1,000 rebate towards the van we are converting for you.VETERAN MOBILITY BENEFITS
To be eligible for financial assistance in purchasing a new or used automobile (or other conveyance), a Veteran or serviceperson must have acquired one of the following disabilities as a result of injury or disease incurred or aggravated during active military service, or as a result of medical treatment or examination, vocations rehabilitation, or compensated work therapy provided by the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) (38 U.S.C. 1151):•  Loss, or permanent loss of use, of one or both feet
•  Loss, or permanent loss of use, of one or both hands, or
•  Permanent impairment of vision in both eyes with a
•  Central visual acuity of 20/200 or less in the better eye with corrective glasses, or
•  Central visual acuity of more than 20/200 if there is a field defect in which the peripheral field has contracted to such an extent that the widest diameter of visual field has an angular distance no greater than 20 degrees in the better eye
Even if you are not entitled to the auto allowance grant (21-4502), you may still qualify for an adaptive automotive equipment grant (10-1394) for a wheelchair accessible conversion on a vehicle which you would fund through alternative means. .
“FEDERAL BENEFITS FOR VETERANS, DEPENDENTS AND SURVIVORS”
veteran mobility equipment

The VMi New England Mobility Center values our veterans and the services they provided to protect our freedoms. We see first hand the impact of the sacrifices they have made defending our country. As a result we have put together information that will make it easier for them to find the benefits and support they need.

Key areas of benefits are focused on here:
1. Service Connected Disabilities
2. VA4502 Grant
3. Automobile Adaptive Equipment (AAE)

Service-Connected Disabilities
Disability Compensation Disability compensation is a monetary benefit paid to veterans who are disabled by an injury or illness that was incurred or aggravated during active military service. These disabilities are considered to be service-connected.
Click here to review the Federal Benefits for Veterans
http://www.va.gov/opa/publications/benefits_book/benefits_chap02.asp

VA 4502 GRANT
Can a Veteran Receive Financial Assistance From VA to Purchase an Automobile?
Yes. Financial assistance, in the form of a grant, is available to purchase a new or used automobile (or other conveyance) to accommodate a veteran or service member with certain disabilities that resulted from an injury or disease incurred or aggravated during active military service. The grant may also be paid, if disabilities are a result of medical treatment, examination, vocational rehabilitation, or compensated work therapy provided by the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA)

 

The grant is paid directly to the seller of the automobile for the total price (up to $18,900) of the automobile. The veteran or service member may only receive the automobile grant once in his/her lifetime.
Effective October 1, 2011

Section 804- Enhancement of automobile assistance allowance for veterans would increase automobile assistance from $11,000 to $18,900, effective October 1, 2011

Click here to see a pdf for more details Automobile and Special Adaptive Equipment Grants Click here to review the Federal Form VBA-21-4502
http://www.vba.va.gov/pubs/forms/VBA-21-4502-ARE.pdf

Automobile Adaptive Equipment (AAE)
The Automobile Adaptive Equipment (AAE) program permits physically challenged persons to enter, exit, and/or operate a motor vehicle or other conveyance.

Veterans are trained, through the VA Driver’s Rehabilitation Program, how to safely operate their vehicle on our nation’s roadways.

The VA also provides necessary equipment such as platform wheelchair lifts, UVLs (under vehicle lifts), power door openers, lowered floors/raised roofs, raised doors, hand controls, left foot gas pedals, reduced effort and zero effort steering and braking, and digital driving systems.

Additionally, VA’s program provides reimbursements for standard equipment including, but not limited to, power steering, power brakes, power windows, power seats, and other special equipment necessary for the safe operation of an approved vehicle. For more information click on the link below.
http://www.prosthetics.va.gov/AAE.asp

DEPARTMENT OF VETERANS AFFAIRS

“Automobile and Special Adaptive Equipment Grants”

Can a Veteran Receive Financial Assistance From VA to Purchase an Automobile?
Yes. Financial assistance, in the form of a grant, is available to purchase a new or used automobile (or other conveyance) to accommodate a veteran or servicemember with certain disabilities that resulted from an injury or disease incurred or aggravated during active military service. The grant may also be paid, if disabilities are a result of medical treatment, examination, vocational rehabilitation, or compensated work therapy provided by the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA).

The grant is paid directly to the seller of the automobile for the total price (up to $11,000) of the automobile. The veteran or servicemember may only receive the automobile grant once in his/her lifetime.

What Disabilities Must You Have to Qualify for the Automobile Grant?
A veteran or servicemember must have one of the following disabilities to qualify for the automobile grant:

  •  loss, or permanent loss of use, of one or both feet
•  loss, or permanent loss of use, of one or both hands, or
•  permanent impairment of vision in both eyes to a certain degree

Does VA Pay to Adapt a Vehicle?
Yes. Those qualified for the automobile grant, and veterans or servicemembers with ankylosis (immobility of the joint) of one or both knees or hips resulting from an injury or disease incurred or aggravated by active military service may also qualify for the 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.

How Can I Apply for an Automobile and/or Special Adaptive Equipment Grant?
You can apply for the automobile and/or the special adaptive equipment grant by completing VA Form 21-4502, Application for Automobile or Other Conveyance and Adaptive Equipment and submitting it to your local VA regional office. The instructions on the VA Form 21-4502 contain a list of adaptive equipment that has been pre-approved for particular disabilities.

Note: After you complete and submit Section I of the application, VA will complete Section II and return the original to you. You are responsible for obtaining the invoice from the seller, updating Section III, and submitting the form to your local VA regional office for payment.

If you are entitled to adaptive equipment only (i.e., service connected for ankylosis of knees or hips) you should complete VA Form 10-1394, Application for Adaptive Equipment – Motor Vehicle and submit it to your local VA medical center. Additionally, VA Form 10-1394 should be completed for approval of equipment not specified on the VA Form 21-4502.

How To Really Move On When You Can No Longer Walk

There are a lot of nightmare scenarios no one wants to personally experience. One is getting a phone call that someone you love is hurt and another — permanently ending up in a wheelchair. Many people say they’d rather be dead if this happened to them, but oh how things change when you actually find yourself in this situation.

Keep Newey Mobile - VMi New England Wheelchair Vans

Simply put people don’t want to die, so they deal with it and move on, but it’s never that easy.  And for some even, they’re never able to, so forever languishing in a living hell.

To truly see how it is possible to move on after becoming a wheelchair-user and be enlightened, read on for seven awesome insights.

Accept that you must reinvent yourself.

One of the first things to know when you become a wheelchair-user is that you are no longer who you were before.  If your body is different after going through such a dramatic injury. A lot of people fight against this, wanting to hold onto their previous able-bodied self, but the fact is they will never be that person again.

Instead of desperately holding onto someone you once were, embrace this as an opportunity to reinvent yourself.  If you no longer do tree work, get that engineering degree you always wanted and finally feed that part of your brain from here on out.  A serious bodily injury can really open new doors.

Find out how to still use your body as much as possible.

It can be so difficult no longer being able to use your body like before, but don’t give up on moving your body just because you can’t use it 100 percent.  Instead, push yourself as much as possible.  If you can’t move your legs, you can try electrical stimulation to the legs.  If you can’t transfer yourself but you get really close, try for years until you finally get it.  Never give up on your body’s strength and pushing it (safely of course).  Even if you move your body involuntarily, knowing you’re still utilizing all four limbs in some way is a must for the soul long-term.

You should also be working out on a regular basis. Serious cardio and strength training is a must when you use a wheelchair since getting your heart rate can be a great way to boost endorphins in the brain.  When you’re not getting the cardio you would otherwise get from regular able-bodied activities, like walking all the time, you must find another way to get it. It’s a huge must.

Develop a negative thinking coping mechanism.

It can be almost too easy getting into a negative train of thought when things aren’t going well as a wheelchair-user.  The tendency to blame the wheelchair for all of your problems is almost too easy.  Whenever you find yourself angry because you need a wheelchair, try to click your mind into a positive place; a place you’ve created just for this.  Maybe it’s a happy memory or a place you absolutely love.

Take on the “survivor success” mentality. 

I love this one. Never forget that you are a survivor for living life sitting-down.  This is an existence that challenges a human both mentally and physically.  Whenever you feel empty inside because you can’t use your god-given legs, remind yourself that you are a  survivor in the exact sense, and let that feed your ego if you must.  Not many people can do what you do and do it so well. Yes, you do rock.

Learn to love yourself.

It can be easy being jealous of everyone that can walk when you can’t, but if you learn to love yourself completely, you’ll be a lot happier.

If you have a hard time finding things you absolutely love about yourself, make a list and ask friends and family their input.  You’ll be surprised at what you hear and chances are it will make you feel awesome.

Appreciate your unique perspective.

It can take several years to get to the mindset of enjoying the interesting perspective of  living life sitting down —  the people we meet, the lessons we’ve learned through our struggles, the way it helps us look at life differently, perhaps even better.  When you have a body that doesn’t respond like it once did, you have no choice but to look at the world differently. This without question, sharpens the mind.

Be grateful for what you still have.

Each moment you’re able to breathe is a gift whether you believe it or not, and when you use a wheelchair this is even more true since so many of us have had near death experiences. It may sound cliche, but yes, do count your blessings. 

Life is too short to wish for unicorns and golden tickets in chocolate bars. The here and the now is all we got. Enjoy your ice cream before it melts.

How have you been able to move on after becoming a wheelchair-user?

 

 

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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