Need Info Desperately - Cerebral Palsy Message Board

Lobo_Princess · 03-30-2004, 11:57 AM

My best friend is the mother of a 9 year old little girl who suffers from CP. I'm posting here trying to find out some info on how or who she would go to to get a handicap accessible van or some other vehicle donated to her. She is very low income and is not with her little girl's father. She receives a disability check for her daughter and very little child support and has a hard time just making it from month to month. She has also found out that she is pregnant again and very high risk due to her weight & a miscarriage 4 years ago. It's not good for her to have to lift her little girl because she is almost as big as her. She really needs a van or some sort of handicap vehicle so that she can use the wheelchair and not have to pull and tug her little girl out of a car. If anyone has any info regarding this please please reply. Thanks and God bless!

Zagreus · 03-30-2004, 07:14 PM

I'd start with your local government. I would think someone there should have information on how the Americans with Disablities Act applies. Check with family services. Social workers can be very helpful and get you the info you need, I would think.

Lobo_Princess · 03-30-2004, 10:44 PM

She has contacted our local social services, the local community action place, and all the disability programs near here and still cannot get any help. She applied to an independent living org. for a wheelchair ramp and was told " we are not helping children at this time, only adults " so she's pretty much at the end of her rope with trying to get help around here.

Dunga · 03-31-2004, 08:14 AM

Government resources are limited. I am surprised that there main focus is on adults. It is the opposite in our County. I would look at fund raising(Auction/Raffle/food/beverages). Someone would have to spear head that effort though. Go to a bank and set up an account (tax exempt)and set up the account for the van/lift and any other specialized equipment that might be needed in the future. It sounds like there will be other needs. Also be in touch with the different vehicle manufactures. They will give specific rebates for vans that have lifts put in them. ($1K-$2K) rebate depending on manufacture.
We have had many families do this in our county.
All the Best.