We knew we needed a way to transport my scooter. We had seen small trailers online for $199.00. We knew we would need a hitch on our van. I checked into what hitches would cost and asked about installation. I don’t recall those estimates, other than it was expensive.
I decided to look for a grant to help us. I searched again online “Grant” and discovered Assistive Technology Grants, also known as ATG. I called about the grant and met Brooke Harrie. I told her I had known a Tom Harrie in Waterloo who recently passed away. It turned out to be her husband’s, brother. He was well known for his civic mindedness. We did some reminesing. Brooke told me to write to the Assistive Technology Grants and tell what I needed and why; what it was estimated to cost and to put it to her attention. I quickly heard back from Brooke. The organization was willing to help me out. They wanted me to go look at equipment at a Mobility company. My husband and I went thinking that we would get help to purchase a small trailer and hitch with installation. Brooke came out to see my scooter. We took it apart to show her it was too heavy for me to lift it even when it was taken apart. Brooke wanted us to meet with a certain person at the Mobility company. He showed us around demonstrating equipment. We still thought we were looking at trailers We went home and started rethinking the trailer and hitch.
First a trailer would not fit in our garage.
When we went somewhere with the scooter it would also be out in the rain and snow.
The trailer would have to be stored outside in the weather.
We would have to hitch it up every time we went to the store.
Brooke asked what we thought of the Armstrong Lift. At the time we didn’t know what ti was. We had to go back and see it again. She told us how it mounted on the inside of the van on the side. It was hinged so it could be pulled out when needed and pushed to the van side wall if we wanted to haul something. When the lift was in use we would have plenty of space for groceries. We were interested. We went back to the Mobility company for another look. ATG would pay for the lift and installation but first our van had to pass an inspection at a mechanic of our choice. Repair costs would be our responsibility. We knew last fall our air conditioner on the van had quit. It was in September and we knew we didn’t need air conditioning for awhile. Our mechanic looked at the van and we had the repairs fixed including the air conditioning.
We were so glad Brooke had introduced us to the Armstrong Lift. Our van would fit in our garage along with the lift. Bill wouldn’t have to lift on the scooter or take it apart to load it or reassemble it!
We had room for groceries and the lift could be pushed out of the way to haul things in the back of the van. Later I learned to operate the lift, too. We just love it and are thankful Brooke introduced us to it and ATG helped us out financially! THANk YOU!
For more information on Assistive Technology Grants. I suggest doing a Google Search for Assistive Technology grants. You will even find a grant application you can fill out and sign online.
