Lawson is supported by BraunAbility and his local mobility dealer, MobilityWorks in Plainfield, IL. When you purchase a mobility product from BraunAbility, you join a powerful community.
Lawson Sizemore was attending the Abilities Expo in Chicago when he first saw his dream vehicle in person: a limited-edition 50th-anniversary BraunAbility Entervan®. According to Sizemore, he knew immediately that he had to drive the van. "When I found it online, that was the one I wanted from the get-go. When I saw it in person, we had to buy it," he said. The wheelchair accessible vehicle, a BraunAbility Chrysler Pacifica, was fitted with unique badging and gold accents that caught his eye. A college student, Sizemore recently packed his van to the brim with essentials and moved to the University of Illinois where he studies journalism.
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The Road to Purchasing a Wheelchair Accessible Vehicle
For Sizemore, the road to finding the perfect accessible vehicle was a long one. When he was in high school, the Sizemore family van became unfit for his wheelchair, and he needed accessible transportation before he went to college. It was then that a neighbor surprised the Sizemores with a generous donation for a wheelchair van, and a family friend set up a GoFundMe. During that time, Sizemore found out he could drive an adapted vehicle, and in just over a year, he got behind the wheel of his new van.
Whether he’s running weekly errands, visiting home, or working with the University of Illinois men’s basketball team, Sizemore loves taking trips in his accessible vehicle. He said, “I love driving anywhere, so every trip is fun. If I have somewhere to be, I can go whenever I want because I have my car.”
Driving Modifications for People with Disabilities
Sizemore lives with Charcot-Marie-Tooth disease (CMT), a condition that causes nerve damage in the arms and legs. As a result, he uses a power wheelchair for mobility. Before getting his wheelchair accessible van, Sizemore relied on family for transportation. He said, “Before I was driving, I was very dependent on my parents, and their schedule kind of revolved around my schedule.” Being involved in many school activities, he said, “They would always have to pick me up and drive me places. They would have to wait on me after school.” For Sizemore, driving a wheelchair van allowed him to be more independent.
Sizemore worked with a certified driver rehabilitation specialist (CDRS) to determine what kind of adaptive driving equipment he would need. He uses driving aids called hand controls. These controls allow sizemore to drive his vehicle using one hand for the gas and brake and the other for his steering wheel spinner knob, so he can turn his vehicle with ease.
The BraunAbility Chrsyler Pacifica
Before purchasing his limited-edition wheelchair van, Sizemore considered converting an existing vehicle to be wheelchair accessible, but he ultimately decided to purchase a new BraunAbility vehicle.
Sizemore was particularly fond of the sleek look of the Chrysler Pacifica. He said, “I think the 50th edition, with the gold trim, the grille, and the sleek black sports edition, is something a young guy like me looks for when trying to buy a van. It’s not like a soccer mom car, it’s more sleek and cool.”
First Trip in a Wheelchair Van
You might imagine a new driver taking their first trip to the local mall or a favorite restaurant to celebrate getting their license, but for Sizemore, he asked his brother and his best friend to come with him to a local grocery store, where he bought flowers for his mom. For him, driving a wheelchair van was not only about finding independence but about celebrating the person who supported him along the way.
A Longtime BraunAbility Customer
Lawson’s decision to choose BraunAbility was influenced by his prior experiences with the brand. “I've used BraunAbility ramps and equipment before, so I know it's obviously one of the best companies out there,” he said.
A World of Independence with an Accessible Vehicle
Sizemore described the freedom an accessible vehicle has provided him, saying, “When you’re able to drive to the store and get what you need and then drive back on your own without anybody else going with you or without having to tell anybody that you’re going, it’s a whole new world of independence.” Sizemore’s advice for anyone looking to purchase a wheelchair accessible vehicle is simple,“Don’t settle. Go for the top-tier companies, like BraunAbility,” he said.
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