Flores is supported by BraunAbility and his dealer, In Motion Mobility in Sweetwater, FL. When you purchase a BraunAbility mobility product, you join a powerful community.
José Flores’ connection to BraunAbility goes beyond the practical benefits of his BraunAbility Chrysler Pacifica. He shares a personal connection to BraunAbility’s founder, Ralph Braun, who, like Flores, had SMA Type 3.
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Life Before a Wheelchair Accessible Vehicle
Before getting his first BraunAbility van, Flores faced challenges with transportation. At the time, he had a non-accessible van. He recalled the experience, saying, “I used to drive with my arms and legs when I was a teenager, but once I lost my ability to walk, I couldn't drive it any longer.”
At the time, Flores used a motorized scooter and relied on family to get around. He said, “We would take the scooter apart and put it in the trunk. My family would have to lift me. That was our transferring in and out of the vehicle." He described being “bear hugged” each time he got in and out of the car because he could not safely ride from his scooter at the time.
Eventually, transferring in and out of the car and taking apart his scooter became tiring for Flores and his family. To help, Flores' father built a wooden ramp so a family member could drive the scooter into the vehicle. While this allowed Flores and his family to keep his scooter intact, they still had to help him transfer in and out of the vehicle. Not only did transferring become impractical for Flores and his family, but he eventually began using a power wheelchair, which required a more dependable wheelchair ramp to safely get in and out of the car.
A Loyal BraunAbility Customer
It was during a routine hospital visit that Flores discovered he could drive as a wheelchair user. He saw a young woman getting out of her vehicle in a wheelchair and recalled his thoughts, saying, “I was fascinated by it. I was like, ‘Are you kidding me? You’re telling me people in wheelchairs can drive?'”
The woman shared that vocational rehabilitation had helped her get an accessible vehicle, and soon, Flores began his own journey with vocational rehabilitation, receiving training to drive again. This led him to get his first BraunAbility vehicle, a Chevrolet Uplander. This van was a "game changer" for him and his family, eliminating the physical strain of transferring for everyone involved. He described his first vehicle, saying, "It took me for the ride of a lifetime."
After over ten years with his previous vehicle, Flores was ready for an upgrade. He chose the BraunAbility Chrysler Pacifica for multiple reasons. “It has the panoramic sunroof,” he said, a feature he enjoys. He continued, saying, “The color is pearl, so it has a shiny coating when you look closely. It looks really nice.”
Most importantly though, as a power wheelchair user, Flores appreciates the spaciousness of the Pacifica. “When I was shopping around, I looked at some other brands, and when I got in them…in my opinion, the Chrysler Pacifica was the one that had the most [space to do a] 360 spin without banging into the back seat or the side of one of the sliding doors,” he said.
Wheelchair Vans Change Lives
Day-to-day, Flores often uses his vehicle for work as a professional speaker, frequently sharing his story with others. A New York native currently residing in sunny South Florida, Flores enjoys taking cruises and visiting the beach, occasionally driving his vehicle to cruise ports and nearby beaches to enjoy the warm weather. Flores also relies on his vehicle for everyday tasks, like running errands. He described the impact an accessible vehicle has had on his life saying, “Now, I can just come and go whenever I want. I don't have to ask anybody to take me here or there. I [can] come and go as freely as anybody else would, so I’m grateful [for the van].”
Reflecting on his shared diagnosis with BraunAbility’s founder, Flores said, “I am so grateful for BraunAbility and how far they've come with technology and advancements in innovation.” He continued, saying, “I see not only the dramatic changes that have happened in my life in a positive way [but] in the lives of people in the disability community…that they have the opportunity to get their own van. Even if they can't drive but get a van so they can get out of the house and have somebody else drive…It's game changing.”Reflecting on the impact a BraunAbility vehicle has had on his life, Flores said, “Because of BraunAbility, [disabled people are] able to get in our vehicles, get out there and live the best life we possibly can. I know for sure I'm living my best life now because BraunAbility is a part of making that happen.” Flores wants others who are looking to purchase a BraunAbility vehicle to know: "The level of freedom that you will experience by making the decision to get a BraunAbility accessible vehicle is going to be not only mind-blowing but also life-changing. These vehicles open your mind and your eyes to so many other experiences, moments, and memories that you get to build. It makes it all worth it,” he said. He continued, saying, “If you're thinking about purchasing a vehicle, don't think twice, just go for it. You won't be mad that you made that decision, and your life is going to change forever."
To learn more about the Chrysler Pacifica, or other BraunAbility mobility products, contact your local BraunAbility dealer.
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