Seniors, Wellness and Social Development
April 14, 2015

Investing in Inclusion Helps Individuals and Families

Accessible Vehicle Funding Removes Transportation Barriers

More than $400,000 has been invested, through this year�s Accessible Vehicle Program, to help 26 people with mobility challenges to acquire or adapt personal vehicles for accessibility.

�The Accessible Vehicle Program continues to make a real difference in the lives of persons with disabilities and their families. We know that transportation challenges can present a barrier to inclusion and, through this program, people are able to gain more control over their personal mobility and, as a result, are better able to participate in all aspects of life.�
- Honourable Clyde Jackman, Minister of Seniors, Wellness and Social Development and Minister Responsible for the Status of Persons With Disabilities

The Accessible Vehicle Program provides financial support to eligible individuals and families towards the cost of purchasing and/or installing accessibility features for a new or existing vehicle. Partial grants can also be applied toward the cost of a new vehicle manufactured with accessibility features incorporated in its design.

The program was initiated in 2012 as part of Access. Inclusion. Equality. A Provincial Strategy for the Inclusion of Persons with Disabilities. It is designed to remove barriers and increase transportation options for individuals with disabilities throughout Newfoundland and Labrador. Since its inception, more than $875,000 has been invested to help 54 people purchase accessible vehicles, or retrofit existing vehicles.

One of this year�s recipients is Perry Goodyear of Grand Bank.

�The funding I received under the Accessible Vehicle Program made life so much easier for me and my family. My daughter can now bring me to the post office, my doctors� appointments, the bank, the grocery story � or anywhere I need to go. I appreciate the help we received, both from the Provincial Government and community sources, to make this possible.�
- Perry Goodyear, 2014-15 Accessible Vehicle Program funding recipient.

For more information on the Accessible Vehicle Program, visit: www.swsd.gov.nl.ca/disabilities/.

QUICK FACTS

  • More than $400,000 has been invested this year, through the Accessible Vehicle Program, to help 26 people with mobility challenges to acquire or adapt personal vehicles for accessibility.
  • The Accessible Vehicle Program provides financial support to eligible individuals and families towards the cost of purchasing and/or installing accessibility features for a new or existing vehicle.
  • The program was initiated in 2012 as part of Access. Inclusion. Equality. A Provincial Strategy for the Inclusion of Persons with Disabilities.
  • Since its inception, more than $875,000 has been invested to help 54 people purchase accessible vehicles, or retrofit existing vehicles.

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Perry Goodyear of Grand Bank and his daughter Robyn pose alongside the accessible vehicle they acquired with assistance from the Accessible Vehicle Program and community sources.

Media contact:

Heather May
Director of Communications
Department of Seniors, Wellness and Social Development
709-729-0928, 697-5061
heathermay@gov.nl.ca

2015 04 14                              10:55 a.m.