For Emberly Lietz and her family, navigating her mother's Alzheimer's diagnosis has brought many emotional and physical challenges. As her mother's condition progressed, she eventually became wheelchair-bound and required full-time care. Her father also experiences mobility challenges, making family outings increasingly difficult. 

As her mother's care needs grew, Emberly began looking into transportation options that would allow their family to continue spending time together. After learning more about NDAD's resources, she reached out about the Accessible Van Loan. 

With access to the van, her family has been able to bring her mother to special occasions and enjoy time together that once felt out of reach. For her father's birthday, they were able to bring her mother back to his apartment to celebrate together and take her out to dinner the following day. More recently, the van allowed her mother to attend her granddaughter's baby shower, with plans to include her in upcoming family celebrations. 

“Rather than the walls feeling like they're closing in on us, NDAD opens them up,” Emberly shared. 

Having access to transportation has made a difference for her entire family, allowing them to continue creating memories and sharing experiences together. 

“We now have the opportunity to do things that we loved as a family,” she said. “There are a lot of resources out there and NDAD is one of the best.” 

NDAD's Accessible Van Loans 

NDAD is proud to offer programs that help individuals with health challenges and their families maintain independence and stay connected. If you or someone you care for needs accessible transportation for a short-term need, NDAD's free Accessible Van Loans may be a helpful option.