The Lazo family's loyalty to BraunAbility began in an unexpected way — during a hailstorm in Denton, Texas. Their local mobility dealer, Advanced Mobility (now MobilityWorks) in Fort Worth, learned of the storm's impact on the family's vehicle through the news and quickly took action to ensure their safe return home that same night. This initial encounter with the exceptional service of a BraunAbility dealer set the stage for a lasting commitment to the brand.

Over the years, the family has driven multiple BraunAbility vehicles. Today, Juanita Dueñez-Lazo drives a BraunAbility Toyota Sienna Hybrid, affectionately named "Ruby Cara" in honor of Cara, a BraunAbility product specialist whose exceptional service made a lasting impression.

Lazo Jr. has used mobility aids for much of his life. As a child, he could walk with leg braces and a walker, but he chose to stop physical therapy so he could enjoy the same activities as his peers.

"I gave up therapy. I lost my ability to walk," Lazo Jr. said.

Eventually, Lazo Jr. transitioned to a power wheelchair. He wasn't the only one in the family who needed a wheelchair accessible vehicle; his father, Arthur Lazo Sr., also started using a wheelchair because of medical conditions.

"I retired in 2012 to become their caregiver. My husband is almost 87 years old, and our son lives with us. My role is to provide for them. That's a priority. The vehicle is an essential need for us," Dueñez-Lazo said.

Life Before a Wheelchair Accessible Vehicle

The family's red BraunAbility Toyota Sienna Hybrid is now used daily to get to and from doctor's appointments, visits with family and friends, church, water exercise classes and sporting events. Prior to getting a wheelchair accessible vehicle, the family's mobility and freedom were limited.

"Before 2011, we had a van, but it didn't have a ramp, so I had to physically lift Arthur into the van and roll his chair up a portable ramp, which got to be too much physically," Dueñez-Lazo said.

The physical strain took its toll.

"I fell trying to lift him into the van and tore my ACL," she said.

The experience highlighted the necessity of a reliable accessible vehicle for the family.

While ease of getting in and out of the vehicle was a concern, the family also wanted the van to reflect their personality. Dueñez-Lazo had previously looked at a grey Toyota Sienna, but she preferred something more vibrant.

"I couldn't picture myself going out every day to look at a gray vehicle. I love color," she said.

Lazo Jr. also appreciates the vehicle's red color, but his main concern was being able to play his music.

A fan of 1950s music, Dueñez-Lazo said her son is "a product of his father's generation," enjoying CDs from musicians such as Ritchie Valens and Chuck Berry.

Initially hesitant about the lack of a CD player, he was relieved to learn he could listen to his favorite music using Apple CarPlay.

The family's desire for specific vehicle features highlights a common theme among customers: A wheelchair accessible vehicle is a meaningful investment.

Dueñez-Lazo said it is important to choose a vehicle that meets not only individual needs but also personal preferences.

"There are so many challenges around us. The vehicle makes a huge difference. I wanted something that I want to get in and drive. I wanted something nice for my family," she said.

For the Lazo family, the van is more than a mode of transportation; it allows them to connect with friends, family and the wider community.

"Arthur's friends have come up and said, 'Can we take Arthur out with us?' To do that, they have to take the van. That's what it's for. It provides a level of freedom that we wouldn't otherwise have," Dueñez-Lazo said.

"The van has provided me with a sense of freedom, a sense of independence and empowerment," Lazo Jr. said.

To learn more about BraunAbility vehicles and moblity products, visit your local mobility dealer.