![Main fundraiser photo](https://images.gofundme.com/i7cVWfAMOmZO8LMRnsMfbVkmjmI=/720x405/https://d2g8igdw686xgo.cloudfront.net/38575560_1555529429919699_r.jpeg)
Ralph Needs to Drive from Wheelchair
Donation protected
What is the Need:
I need an E-Z Lock wheelchair lock installed in my modified Dodge Grand Caravan so I can drive from my wheelchair. I am unable to continue to transfer from my wheelchair to the driver’s seat.
Who Benefits?
Myself! I want to maintain my independence by continuing to drive!
I have Muscular Dystrophy and a new Permobil power wheelchair - I needed the new wheelchair to ensure a safe lockdown behind the wheel.
What Will the funds be used for?
Installation of E-Z Lock driver tiedown to enable my continued driving safely from the wheelchair. Below is a copy of the estimate of the work.
The vendor is unnamed here, and is the premier mobility vehicle dealer/converter/dealer in Connecticut. I'm on my third vehicle through them since April1996 and can attest to their superior service!
See video links how the lockdown works further down.
![](https://d2g8igdw686xgo.cloudfront.net/38575560_1555532602968537_r.jpeg)
When are the funds needed?
I hope to be able to fund this modification on or before June 30, 2019. I expect that the work can be completed in 4-5 weeks after the order is placed.
A little more about me:
I have been driving by transferring from a wheelchair since April 1996; (3) wheelchair driver vans, top to bottom: 1989 Dodge B250; 1998 Ford E-150; 2008 Dodge Grand Caravan, modified with zero-effort steering & brakes and Featherlite push/rock hand control. (~ 75K miles)
![](https://d2g8igdw686xgo.cloudfront.net/38575560_1555533525634875_r.jpeg)
![](https://d2g8igdw686xgo.cloudfront.net/38575560_1555533609478199_r.jpeg)
I need to continue to drive from my Permobil F3 wheelchair.
Why is this cause is so important to me?
• Being abIe to drive am involved with my outside interests requiring transit to participate: Chairman, Ansonia Cultural Commission; Board of Directors, Center for Disability Rights; Advisory Board, Salvation Army Greater Valley.
• No options for traveling locally: Valley Transit District (ADA paratransit) only runs Monday-Friday until 5:30 p.m. Unable to even go to church on Sunday without driving. There are no wheelchair taxi options in my area either.
• We are building our Valley-Voice CT e-publishing business and need a greater advertising presence in our readership. That can be done best in face-to-face sales calls - I need to be able to drive.
Photo: Meeting in front of Ansonia CT city hall. L-R: Alderman Vaccaro, Ansonia Mayor Cassetti, Alderman Henri, 12/28/2015
• I've been driving in modified vans for nearly 23 years - meaning that I've enjoyed a sense of freedom and independence.
How does the lockdown work? See the following video links:
E-Z Lock, How it Works: https://youtu.be/V_T3SIduHI0
Lockdown Process: https://youtu.be/6UOgRgKvzJs
Driving: https://youtu.be/uNTUSvYfkBI
I need an E-Z Lock wheelchair lock installed in my modified Dodge Grand Caravan so I can drive from my wheelchair. I am unable to continue to transfer from my wheelchair to the driver’s seat.
Who Benefits?
Myself! I want to maintain my independence by continuing to drive!
I have Muscular Dystrophy and a new Permobil power wheelchair - I needed the new wheelchair to ensure a safe lockdown behind the wheel.
What Will the funds be used for?
Installation of E-Z Lock driver tiedown to enable my continued driving safely from the wheelchair. Below is a copy of the estimate of the work.
The vendor is unnamed here, and is the premier mobility vehicle dealer/converter/dealer in Connecticut. I'm on my third vehicle through them since April1996 and can attest to their superior service!
See video links how the lockdown works further down.
![](https://d2g8igdw686xgo.cloudfront.net/38575560_1555532602968537_r.jpeg)
When are the funds needed?
I hope to be able to fund this modification on or before June 30, 2019. I expect that the work can be completed in 4-5 weeks after the order is placed.
A little more about me:
I have been driving by transferring from a wheelchair since April 1996; (3) wheelchair driver vans, top to bottom: 1989 Dodge B250; 1998 Ford E-150; 2008 Dodge Grand Caravan, modified with zero-effort steering & brakes and Featherlite push/rock hand control. (~ 75K miles)
![](https://d2g8igdw686xgo.cloudfront.net/38575560_1555533525634875_r.jpeg)
![](https://d2g8igdw686xgo.cloudfront.net/38575560_1555533609478199_r.jpeg)
![](https://d2g8igdw686xgo.cloudfront.net/38575560_1555533640189461_r.jpeg)
Why is this cause is so important to me?
• Being abIe to drive am involved with my outside interests requiring transit to participate: Chairman, Ansonia Cultural Commission; Board of Directors, Center for Disability Rights; Advisory Board, Salvation Army Greater Valley.
• No options for traveling locally: Valley Transit District (ADA paratransit) only runs Monday-Friday until 5:30 p.m. Unable to even go to church on Sunday without driving. There are no wheelchair taxi options in my area either.
• We are building our Valley-Voice CT e-publishing business and need a greater advertising presence in our readership. That can be done best in face-to-face sales calls - I need to be able to drive.
![](https://d2g8igdw686xgo.cloudfront.net/38575560_1555536699414507_r.jpeg)
• I've been driving in modified vans for nearly 23 years - meaning that I've enjoyed a sense of freedom and independence.
How does the lockdown work? See the following video links:
E-Z Lock, How it Works: https://youtu.be/V_T3SIduHI0
Lockdown Process: https://youtu.be/6UOgRgKvzJs
Driving: https://youtu.be/uNTUSvYfkBI
Organizer
Ralph Villers
Organizer
Ansonia, CT