Purchasing a wheelchair accessible van: Financing, funding and rebates

Guide to financing or funding an adaptive vehicle

For most people with physical limitations seeking to increase their mobility and independence through the use of an adaptive vehicle, the cost of such a vehicle can seem overwhelming. There are a number of special funding programs, manufacturer rebates and mobility reimbursement offers as well as organizations to help.

Advice and Tips on funding or financing a wheelchair accessible vehicle
Rebates on wheelchair accessible or adaptive vehicles
Man in wheelchair in front of adapted car

Rebates when purchasing a wheelchair accessible vehicle

Many vehicle manufacturers offer rebate programs for people purchasing an adaptable vehicle for their mobility needs. Many automakers have their own mobility programs, so be sure to check out their websites before purchasing a car or van. For example the FCA US DriveAbility Program offers a rebate of up to $1,000 when installing adaptive driving equipment on new Chrysler, Dodge, Jeep®, Ram, FIAT® and Alfa Romeo vehicles. With the General Motors Mobility Reimbursement Offer you can receive up to $1,000 when you install eligible mobility-related equipment to newly purchased vehicles on GM´s list of eligible vehicles. Alternatively, you can receive up to $1,200 when you have qualifying adaptive equipment installed on an eligible purchased or leased new Express or Savana van. Toyota´s Mobility Program also provides up to $1,000 to customers for the exact cost they paid to purchase and install qualifying adaptive driving or passenger equipment. There are many more mobility reimbursement offers from leading OEM´s and vehicle manufacturers. So make sure you browse their websites before making a purchase.

Vocational rehabilitation programs for people with disabilities
Advice on how Vocational Rehab can assist in funding a wheelchair accessible vehicle

Vocational Rehabilitation programs 

Vocational Rehabilitation (VR) has a number of programs to help people who have physical disabilities with their wheelchair accessible and/or adaptive driving equipment. Each state maintains a department of Vocational Rehabilitation. These state funded programs assist people with limited mobility or physical handicaps getting back into or remaining in the workplace.

Department of Veteran Affairs
Funding a wheelchair accessible vehicle for veterans

US Department of Veteran Affairs

If you are a veteran or servicemember with a physical disability, you may qualify for financial assistance through the Department of Veteran Affairs (VA). The Automobile Adaptive Equipment (AAE) program ensures physically challenged veterans to drive again with an adapted vehicle. Veterans are trained, through the VA Driver's Rehabilitation Program, how to safely drive their vehicle.