Life Before a Wheelchair Van
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 to enjoy the same activities as his non-disabled peers. He reflected on the decision, saying, "I gave up therapy. I lost my ability to walk."
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 due to medical conditions.
Dueñez-Lazo said, "I retired 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."
The family's wheelchair van 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 the vehicle, the family's mobility and freedom were limited.
"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. I fell trying to lift him into the van and tore my ACL," Dueñez-Lazo said.
The experience highlighted the necessity of a reliable wheelchair van for the family.
While ease of getting in and out of the vehicle was a concern, the family also wanted the vehicle to reflect their personality. Dueñez-Lazo had previously looked at a gray vehicle, 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 classic rock 'n' roll, Dueñez-Lazo said her son is "a product of his father's generation," enjoying music from artists like 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.
