Photo Courtesy of PATF
Russ Yoder of Telford, PA, owns a full-sized van with a lowered floor and a Vangater lift. His vehicle is equipped with zero-effort horizontal steering and EMC gas/brake hand controls. With the help of the Pennsylvania Assistive Technology Foundation (PATF) and the Veterans Administration (VA), Russ was able to get his specialized vehicle payments down to a more affordable monthly rate.
Russ was enlisted in active duty for the U.S. Navy when, while on leave, he was in a car accident that left him a C-5 quadriplegic. Being a Veteran qualified Russ to receive funding towards an accessible vehicle. The VA covered the cost of the conversion, including the cost of all adaptive equipment. The PATF worked to get Russ a low-interest loan for the cost of the vehicle chassis. “Working to get a loan through PATF was a very simple and quick procedure,” Russ said. “The staff was friendly and helpful.”
Photo Courtesy of PATF
“VCI Mobility always has been good. They answer all my questions and address my problems in a timely fashion,” Russ said. “They really did a nice job on my new van.”
Russ’s whole lifestyle has changed since making the decision to drive and then taking the appropriate steps to make it happen. Instead of relying on others to get him where he needs to go once a week or so, Russ goes out daily. He can drive to all of his appointments and has been working on projects he could have never been able to work on before, such as volunteering in the community and dedicating time to his photography.
“Driving has changed how I interact with people.” Russ said. “I feel more of an equal because when you’re on the road, you’re the same as everyone else.”
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Hi Russ, I enjoyed reading about your adventure to get behind the wheel again! I live in Telford too and commute to work so reading about you reminding me of my attempt to get on the road. Congrats!