The Sewing Mom

This post brought to you by NMEDA. All opinions are 100% mine.

Did you know that the month of May is National Mobility Awareness Month?

The whole purpose of National Mobility Awareness Month is to increase awareness of the fact that in the United States and Canada, over 18  million people have mobility issues, many are veterans.  In fact, in the U.S. alone, people with disabilities make up the 2nd largest minority; that’s a staggering fact!

NMEDA, The National Mobility Equipment Dealers Association, is sponsor of National Mobility Awareness Month, wants to hear stories of local heroes.  These stories can be about anyone, a family member, a friend, a co-worker, anyone who is dealing with mobility challenges.  Submitted stories will be showcased by both local and national media and may be voted on by friends, family and peers.  Winners will receive one of 3 custom wheelchair accessible vehicles.

There are many manufacturers, dealers and other professionals who are dedicated to improving the lives of those suffering from mobility issues.  Other sponsors include BraunAbility, Bruno Independent Living Aids, VMI//Vantage Mobility International, Toyota, Chrysler and SanTan Honda Superstore (Chandler, AZ).

Please submit a story of someone you know who deserves the opportunity to win and live an active, mobile lifestyle!

This is a Sponsored Post written by me on behalf of NMEDA. All opinions are 100% mine.

For 5 years I worked as a paraprofessional in an elementary school where my job was to assist 5th and 6th grade students who were either mentally or physically impaired. I will always remember working with one very special young lady who was confined to an electric wheelchair due to a bone disease she’s had from birth. She always stood out to me, not because of her disability, but because of desire to be “normal”, or just like all the other kids. She was succeeding too, and was a joy to be around.

I imagine her today being in high school and one of the most exciting events of any teenager is learning to drive. I’m honestly not sure for her if driving a vehicle herself is possible, but there is a non-profit trade association called NMEDA that promotes safe driving and equipment for disabled people. NMEDA dealers sell handicap vans and vehicle modifications for disabled people which includes vehicle modifications for disabled passengers as well as disabled drivers.

It’s not something you ever really think about, but have you ever considered how a disabled adult gets into and out of a vehicle? I visited the NMEDA website and was amazed at the modifications they are able to make including driver’s seats that pivot, extend out of the vehicle and then lower so the driver can slide from the driver’s seat directly to their wheelchair. It’s pretty incredible technology if you ask me. I think I’d be hesitant to buy anything promoting itself as a handicap van off the internet, or without knowing it is from a NMEDA authorized dealer. NMEDA really seems to know what it’s doing. Besides dealers, NMEDA also has Quality Assurance Program (QAP) which is the only nationally recognized accreditation program for the Adaptive Mobility Equipment Industry. QAP is based on the principle that in order to satisfy customers consistently, companies must have a systematic and documented approach to quality.

I think it’s so important for every person to feel independent and driving, as just about any adult with a driver’s license can tell you, is a sure fire way to gain independence! I hope my young friend can someday take advantage, I know she would be thrilled. I’m sending her parents the link so they can locate a dealer nearby. If you know anyone in need of mobility, you should send them the link as well. Do you know if there are any dealers near you?