Ontario paid $15,000 each to 1,300 needy people with disabilities for van conversions last year

Van conversion for driver in wheelchair photo- Ontario March of Dimes

The first wheelchair van in Summerside is big news on PEI. Only families who have insurance, an accident settlement or $20,000 of their own money can afford mobility for someone in a wheelchair.

Mobility is an accepted part of out lives. We need to get to school, work, shopping and social events. For someone in a wheelchair it presents barriers to the community.

Ontario has been adapting wheelchair vans for more than a decade, offering up to $15,000 for van conversions. Families are allowed to upgrade the vehicle every 10 years. Taxis in Toronto and Mississauga are also carrying the wheelchair adaptations.

“Since 1999, March of Dimes has operated the Home and Vehicle Modification® Program, funded by the (Ontario) Ministry of Community and Social Services. Through this program, individuals of all ages with accessibility barriers related to their home or vehicle can receive financial assistance of up to $15,000.” says the Ontario March of Dimes who administers the program.”

“Over 1,300 consumers received grants totaling $9.245 million.”

On Prince Edward Island, the PEI Disability Support Program offers a once in a lifetime $3,000 contribution for home adaptation or van conversions. $3,000 would barely cover a cheaply built wooden ramp in a home or a widened entrance. We know of no PEI DSP clients who have been able to adapt a van for $3,000 which is why the Summerside converted van is unusual.

Ontario also offers a once in a lifetime home adaption grant of $15,000.

There are adapted vans on PEI but the owners have paid for them from their own funds. For low to moderate income people with disabilities, the ability to drive themselves or be driven is a hopeless dream.