For families with children who are disabled or have special needs and are confined to a wheelchair, a van that such a child can use can make a tremendous difference in quality of life. Such a van enables families to transport their differently abled children on shopping expeditions, adventures at local museums and attractions or even just to school. It can help children with disabilities take part in family outings with their siblings or get to know grandparents or other relatives. The ability to transport a special needs child for medical treatment can help a family save a great deal of money if the alternative is to call an ambulance for even a minor emergency. A wheelchair van is almost a necessity for a family with a child in a wheelchair.

About financial assistance for families with special needs children

Special needs children are blessings to the families in which they live, but the special care they require can be a challenge to the household budget. Governments, social service agencies and private charities all recognize this state of affairs. Many such organizations address the needs of families with special needs children with financial assistance. A van that can be used by a child in a wheelchair, for instance, makes family activities and the child’s medical care much easier, but they are priced well beyond the needs of all but the most affluent of families. To get such equipment to the children who need it loans and grants are available to help families with the cost.

The first step in getting a wheelchair van is to determine how much money is needed. Most such vans are sold on line. A retailer can provide a list of available vehicles and their projected cost. There may be less expensive vans available if a customer is willing to buy used rather than new.

Secondly, the family should line up the financing. If they can afford the van out of pocket, there will be no problem. If not, they should investigate grants from government sources and private charities and then look for a loan to make up the difference. It may be possible to get subsidized loans for the purpose.

Once the money is in hand the purchase can be processed. The Internet seller in question will be accustomed to delivering their vans in all parts of the country. Once the van is in the family’s hands, they should consult a reliable insurance agent about the coverage required for such a high value vehicle. In particular, make sure the modifications themselves are covered under any insurance policy that covers the van.

Resources on funding equipment for disabled children

The organizations below are concerned about the quality of life of disabled children, but their current programs may not have assistance specifically directed at the purchase of wheelchair vans. Interested parents should contact them and ask what they have to offer disabled children and their families. Even if they have nothing for a particular family, they may be able to offer advice on someone else to contact.

Tremendous advances in wheelchair technology have enhanced the life of disabled children in recent decades. To fully exploit such advances the children must be able to get from place to place. This almost requires a van in which a child in a wheelchair can be transported. Since families with such children are often of limited means, they require financial assistance to take advantage of the full potential of their children’s wheelchairs. Whether they get it from charities, government sources or through a loan, finding grants for disabled children can make all the difference in the lifestyle of a special needs child.