Keep Angeline Rolling

Hi, my name is Angeline (aka Geli!). I am a full-time powerchair user and a non-ambulatory individual. For the past three years, I’ve been fighting to secure a wheelchair accessible vehicle, applying through countless agencies (like Vocational Rehabilitation), charities, and even personal fundraisers, but every effort has come up short. This ongoing struggle has taken a serious toll on my mental health, yet I continue pushing forward because reliable transportation isn’t a luxury for me (or anyone!) it’s a necessity.

Wheelchair accessible vehicles (WAVs) come with an enormous price tag. A new or gently used accessible van typically costs around $40,000–$70,000, far, FAR more than a standard car. The cost includes the specialized modifications, including ramps or lifts, securements to safely transport my powerchair, lowered flooring, and adaptive controls ON TOP of the cost of the vehicle itself. Unfortunately, insurance and most assistance programs do not cover these expenses.

Your support through this fundraiser would go directly toward covering the $40,000 needed for a reliable, safe, and fully accessible vehicle that meets my mobility needs. Every contribution, no matter the size, helps bring me closer to the independence, dignity, and opportunity that come with having transportation that truly works for me.

Right now, I roll nearly two miles each way to work, navigating broken sidewalks, inclement weather, and constant safety risks. When I try to use the bus, I’m often skipped, fighting wasps at the bus stop, the bus is full, or I experience harassment (even sexual harassment). For longer trips, such as medical appointments or my upcoming fellowship opportunities, I am forced to use a travel chair that strips away my independence, causes me pain and pressure sores, and drastically reduces my stamina. This means I cannot fully participate in work, fellowship events, or even community life.

Beyond my personal needs, accessible transportation is vital to the work I do. I am a disabled educator and advocate, dedicated to increasing self-advocacy skills and opportunities for disabled people. Through my professional role, my involvement in disability councils, and my volunteer work, I strive to make my community more inclusive and empowering for others like me. Without reliable transportation, I cannot show up fully for the people I work with or the communities I serve.

Owning a wheelchair accessible vehicle would transform my life. It would allow me to travel safely in my custom powerchair, maintain my independence, and fully engage in opportunities that I’ve worked so hard to earn. It would give me the chance to reconnect with adaptive sports like wheelchair rugby and kayaking, activities that have brought me confidence, joy, and friendships with other wheelchair users. Most importantly, it would allow me to keep building connections, breaking down barriers, and uplifting other disabled voices in my community.

After three years of roadblocks, I am asking for your help. Every contribution brings me closer to safe, reliable, and dignified transportation. Thank you SO much for supporting my independence and helping me continue this important work.