Marine Veteran Travels on His Own Terms With Accessible Van from MobilityWorks

For Marine veteran Carson McLeod, accessible transportation is about more than just getting from Point A to Point B—it’s also about being able to travel on his own terms. After connecting with MobilityWorks through the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) and finding support from nonprofits, including Help Our Military Heroes and the Semper Fi Fund, Carson started his search for an accessible vehicle that would let him travel conveniently and independently.

 

Before he received his wheelchair accessible van, Carson navigated through physical therapy sessions, where car transfers posed a frustrating obstacle.

“I despised car transfers,” he said. “Having to disassemble my wheelchair and then throw it in the car with me…I had a lot of difficulty with that. I knew I didn’t really want to have to do that every time I got in and out of my vehicle, so I was looking for something more streamlined where I wouldn’t have to do that every time.”

Carson worked with the VA to find a partner in his quest for the right vehicle and felt that MobilityWorks could provide an in-depth introduction to the world of accessible vans.

“MobilityWorks made the most sense in terms of someone being there to help me out, work with me and make sure that I could even drive my vehicle instead of going out on my own and getting a car that wouldn’t really work for me,” said Carson.

He appreciated the personalized approach at MobilityWorks and the expertise of Certified Mobility Consultant Lillie Williams of our Oakland location, who visited Carson at his home to demonstrate different styles of accessible vans. This interactive at-home experience allowed Carson to explore options that could be tailored to his needs and preferences. He ultimately decided on the Toyota Sienna because of its fuel efficiency, reliability and ease of use.

Since acquiring his accessible Sienna, Carson has enjoyed traveling on his own terms. He uses it for everyday tasks such as running errands and attending appointments at the VA, but he can now also do the things he enjoys most in a more convenient way, such as visiting friends or traveling to new places like the art museum in Sacramento. In the future, Carson plans to explore the scenic landscapes of Big Sur and Salinas, inspired by his admiration for the author John Steinbeck’s works.

Whether you’re an adventurer like Carson or simply looking for a more convenient way to get to the grocery store, MobilityWorks can help you find a vehicle that fits your unique needs. Our team will work with you however you prefer—online, at home or in one of our over 95 locations across the country. Give us a call today at 877-275-4907 to schedule your appointment!