Heather needs a wheelchair van!

Did you know that only 48% of Philadelphia’s SEPTA subway stations are ADA compliant? Or that 54% of Greater Philadelphia commuter rail stations are ADA compliant? Did you know that paratransit services are legally allowed to charge double the fare of a one-way bus fare? Did you know CCT Connect (the paratransit service in Philadelphia) has a one-hour window of time in which they are able to be early/late for pick-up or arrival times? ⠀

⠀

Did you know that if a person requires wheelchair access to a vehicle, the cost of converting a vehicle to meet that need is, on average, an additional $20,000 on top of the cost of the vehicle itself? Did you know that the median annual income of a disabled person in the workforce is $25,550, while the annual cost of owning a car (including registration, insurance, inspections, repairs, gas, etc) is $9,498? ⠀

⠀

Did you know reliable transportation leads to better health outcomes and a richer quality of life? One of my biggest dreams in life has been to be able to drive my own wheelchair accessible vehicle. Gratefully, the Medicaid waiver that I am on will convert a vehicle for me as long as I purchase the base vehicle brand new.

After averaging the MSRPs of the current vehicles at BraunAbility, the wheelchair vehicle company I will be purchasing through, I am currently looking at a purchasing price ~$37,113 for a vehicle that will work for my needs. My dream vehicle sits at $45,445 but that is an enormous stretch that I can only entertain in my dreams. I have raised $1.5k using just my tiny disabled artist hands, but I’m now asking for more help, bigger help. 

⠀

My journey is far from over. It only truly began in the months before the pandemic hit. If you would like to help me fund my van, I want you to know that my gratitude truly is never-ending. The people who have shared and purchased my art to help me raise money so far have truly humbled me. The support I have seen and continue to see is an honor every day. Thank you all so much.