Operation Independence helps veterans get into their first wheelchair accessible van.

Vantage Mobility International (VMI), VMI's Select Dealer Network, and Paralyzed Veterans of America have combined knowledge to increase awareness with disabled veterans regarding V. A. vehicle benefits and help veterans get the benefits they have earned while serving our country.

Handi-cap Aids & Mobility Auto Sales is Oklahoma's VMI Select Dealer. We are experts in mobility assessment and customization and have an experienced team of Certified Mobility Consultants.


Our V.A. Specialist is Dennis Madden.



Dennis is a Certified Mobility Consultant with more than 7 years of experience working with veterans and navigating through V. A. policies and procedures.

P.V.A. plays a vital communication role in Operation Independence, helping to "get the word out" to veterans around the country, as well as their invaluable advocacy role assisting veterans with V.A. issues, including vehicle mobility benefits. 

Al Kovach, National Senior Vice-President of the Paralyzed Veterans of America, explains it this way:

IMPORTANT UPDATE!  As of March 13, 2012, VMI has EXPANDED the $1,000 Rebate Program to include ALL Veterans purchasing an accessible minivan for the first time, regardless of eligibility for V.A. funding.

 

~  You may be entitled to V. A. funding for adaptive automotive equipment.
~  In many cases, you may also be entitled to a one-time auto allowance
        for the vehicle itself.

Whether you are entitled to the $18,900 auto allowance grant or will be personally funding your first wheelchair accessible van, VMI (through us as a Select Dealer) will give you a $1,000 rebate towards the van to be converted.

IMPORTANT UPDATE:  As of March 13, 2012, VMI has EXPANDED the $1,000 Rebate Program to include ALL Veterans purchasing an accessible minvan for the first time, regardless of eligibility for V.A. funding.

To be eligible for financial assistance in purchasing a new or used automobile (or other conveyance), a Veteran or Serviceperson must have acquired one of the following disabilities as a result of injury or disease incurred or aggravated during active military service, or as a result of medical treatment or examination, vocations rehabilitation, or compensated work therapy provided by the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) (38 U.S.C. 1151):
~  Loss, or permanent loss of use, of one or both feet
~  Loss, or permanent loss of use, of one or both hands, or
~  Permanent impairment of vision in both eyes with a Central visual acuity
       of 20/200 or less in the better eye with corrective glasses, or Central
       visual acuity of more than 20/200 if there is a field defect in which the
       peripheral field has contracted to such an extent that the widest diameter
       of visual field has an angular distance no greater than 20 degrees in the
       better eye.

Even if you are not entitled to the auto allowance grant (21-4502), you may still qualify for an adaptive automotive equipment grant (10-1394) for a wheelchair accessible conversion on a vehicle which you would fund through alternative means.

Let our V. A. Specialist, Dennis Madden, walk you through the system so you can determine your level of benefits.

 

Q. Is this an on-going program, or is there an end date?
A. This highly successful program has just been extended through 11/11/2013! VMI will evaluate the program again in November of 2013 and make a decision to extend it or let it expire.  The $1,000 rebate is a current promotion, and promotions can change within the current program.

Q. If the Veteran does not qualify for the 21-4502 and is only entitled to the 10-1394, will you still honor the $1,000 Rebate?
A. Yes, VMI will contribute $1,000 toward the purchase price for a conversion if the Veteran is either entitled to the $18,900 Auto Allowance Grant (21-4502) or the Veteran is funding their own vehicle for their first wheelchair accessible van conversion in conjunction with the Adaptive Automotive Equipment Grant (10-1394). The $1,000 rebate is not available for Veterans who have previously received the 10-1394 for a wheelchair accessible van.

Q. What if the Veteran does not qualify for the 21-4502 and has already received a 10-1394? Will you honor the rebate for a repeat 10-1394 Veteran?
A. No, with one exception. The VMI $1,000 rebate does not apply for Veterans who have previously received the 10-1394 grant to fund a wheelchair accessible van conversion. The rebate applies to Veterans who are entitled to the $18,900 Auto Allowance Grant (21-4502) or to Veterans who are funding their own vehicle for their first wheelchair accessible van conversion in conjunction with the Adaptive Automotive Equipment Grant (10-1394).  Veterans who have previously received a 10-1394 grant for adaptive equipment other than a wheelchair accessible van conversion are eligible for the $1,000 rebate to help fund a van for their first wheelchair accessible van conversion.

Q. Is the rebate available only for New vans?  
A. The rebate is valid on a New or Used chassis, with purchase of a new VMI conversion.