VMI’s E-venture Contest Leads Family to Northstar E Wheelchair Accessible Van

Vantage Mobility International (VMI), a leader in the manufacturing and distribution of wheelchair accessible vehicles, recently selected the Pascale family of Birmingham, AL as the winners of the July E-venture contest. VMI’s E-venture provides the use of a 2014 Dodge Grand Caravan with the Northstar E manual side ramp conversion free for 30 days, $300 to spend on an adventure of the winner’s choosing and a free digital camera to capture the experience. The Dodge Northstar E allowed 35-year-old wheelchair-bound Joe Pascale to experience independence, prompting his parents, who are his caregivers, to buy the van so it could continue.

“We created the E-venture contest to give caregivers, who tirelessly give of time and energy to help their loved ones in wheelchairs, a chance to experience life and enjoy an adventure,” said Doug Eaton, President of VMI. “The Northstar E is the one of the only side-entry, in-floor manual ramp conversion on the market that comes at an affordable price to caregivers. The E-venture contest gives families a chance to experience how simple and affordable mobility can be with the Northstar E.”

Two years ago, Joe contracted the flu, which led to complications that left him severely brain damaged. The Pascales drive quite a distance for his treatment and prior to the Northstar E, it could add hours to their travel time to lift Joe and his wheelchair in and out of their vehicle. They used their E-venture win to begin transporting Joe to his specialized treatments in Baltimore with ease. They used the $300 to take him on a fun adventure to his favorite college campus. The one free month with the VMI Northstar E improved the Pascales’ quality of life so much they just had to purchase it.

“We didn’t get out much with our old vehicle,” said mother Rose Pascale, “It took so much time to lift Joe into the car’s chair and sometimes it would stop working altogether. The Northstar E has made such a difference in our daily lives. Now, we get out every day, whether it’s going to Barnes and Noble or the aquarium!”

The Northstar E is one of VMI’s newest wheelchair ramp conversions offering the industry’s easiest manual, in-floor side entry ramp. This ramp conversion requires little maintenance and offers affordable convenience for wheelchair users and their caregivers.

VMI’s Northstar E manual in-floor, side entry ramp features include:

• Full-cut floor and removable passenger seat that allows a wheelchair user to sit next to the driver
• A simple manual ramp that can be stowed and deployed by caregivers of any size or age without bending
• In-floor ramp keeps doorway clear when stowed
• In-floor ramp offers more interior space for wheelchair maneuverability
• Optional mid-row seats offer increased passenger capacity and alternative seating options
• Side-entry benefits for the cost of a rear entry conversion

ABOUT VANTAGE MOBILITY INTERNATIONAL

VMI (www.vantagemobility.com) is a manufacturer of wheelchair accessible full-size and minivan conversions, as well as wheelchair lifts and transfer seats for the mobility industry. Their full line of products include domestic and import minivan conversions such as the Honda Odyssey, Toyota Sienna, Dodge Grand Caravan and Chrysler Town & Country with Northstar in-floor or Summit fold-out ramp systems . VMI's mobility products enable consumers to travel with comfort, convenience and peace of mind. For more information, contact Jessica Wilder at (214) 520-3430 (ext. 305) or jwilder@tprm.com. VMI can also be found on Facebook and Twitter (@wheelchairvan).