Being confined to a wheelchair makes any kind of travel difficult, especially when you don’t have a wheelchair accessible van. Minot’s Jacob Olson has cerebral palsy and has used a wheelchair all his life. Fortunately, his aunt Nita found a valuable resource in NDAD to help him get around. 

“Borrowing the van from NDAD has been a godsend,” shares Nita Olson. “We’ve looked into getting a van for ourselves, but the expense is not an option for us. We can easily call NDAD’s office in Minot to see if it’s available and we can use it for appointments or to go shopping. It makes getting around so much easier.”  In the past she said that they would have to lift Jacob in and out of a seat. Using the van has made the trip more enjoyable.
“He loves being able to get out of the house. Jacob can drive his chair right into the van and back out. It’s smooth and easy to use. Without it, he wouldn’t be able to go out,” Nita mentions.

They’ve been regular users of NDAD’s accessible van loan for the last year and a half. Now 31, Jacob shared how much the NDAD van is appreciated. “It’s provided me with so much more independence and freedom that I am truly grateful for. I cannot express enough the utmost gratitude and appreciation I have for the van,” states Jacob. “I feel like it’s truly been life changing for me personally. Thank you all so much.”

NDAD has six accessible vans with ramps – two in Grand Forks, two in Minot and soon, two in Fargo – available for loan to people who are full-time wheelchair users and their driver. These vans can be used for pre-approved events within North Dakota. 

Nita went on to say that soon they will have to get his wheelchair adjusted again so she needs to call and make another van reservation. Without missing a beat, she wanted to make sure others knew how easy the process was. “It’s a free service. You fill it with gas upon return, keep it clean and do the pick-up and drop off. It’s great and convenient. I would tell anyone who needs help to call NDAD and see what they have to offer. It could really improve your life, too.”

If you are interested in borrowing a van or would like more information NDAD’s direct financial assistance or other services, please contact the office nearest you.