Liberty Motor Company provides wheelchair accessible minivans, handicap conversion vans, mobility vans, wheelchair lifts for vans, used vans for sale & for personal use, as well as for use as taxis and paratransit vehicles
 
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Manitoba Funding Options for Wheelchair Accessible Vehicles


Funding for wheelchair accessible vehicles varies across the country. In every province and territory, there are a number of groups who will provide financial aid if their requirements are met. The following groups are some of the sources who currently offer financial assistance to someone in Manitoba who is purchasing a wheelchair accessible minivan or equipment that will modify a minivan. 

 

Cerebral Palsy Support Foundation of Canada

http://www.cpsc.ca/fundinfo.html.

The Cerebral Palsy Support Foundation of Canada may provide funding for assistive devices in vehicles to people with Cerebral Palsy and other disabilities that affect their mobility. The Foundation’s support must be used as a last resort. The charity is also willing to become a co-funder when other financial resources have been obtained, but further assistance is needed. The maximum amount of support that a successful applicant can receive per year is $1,000. When funding is unavailable, a Funds Pending List acts as a waiting list for those who have the necessary qualifications for the charity’s aid.

Cerebral Palsy Support Foundation of Canada
Application form: http://www.cpsc.ca/022008/FUNDINGAPPLICATION1.doc.

Telephone: 905-259-3421

Cerebral Palsy Association of Manitoba (CPAM)

The Cerebral Palsy Association of Manitoba has a Grant program that will help to fund wheelchair lifts and modifications to vans so that they can accommodate lifts. Applicants must be members of the charity for one year and have Cerebral Palsy. The level of financial assistance that will be granted depends upon the amount of funds available at CPAM, as well as the number of requests for aid that it receives. In addition to the application, supporting documents (including vendor quotes) need to be submitted. All other funding sources must be exhausted prior to seeking aid from CPAM.

Toll free: 1-800-416-6166
Telephone: 1-204-982-4842

Chrysler Automobility Program

Chrysler’s Automobility Program has been extended for 2009. The manufacturer offers a $750 reimbursement if a person with disabilities purchases assistive devices for a wheelchair accessible van. Verification of the disability and of the modifications made to the purchased van are required.  Please call Chrysler Automobility for more information prior to purchasing a van.

Telephone: 1-800-265-6908

Federal Excise Gasoline Tax Refund Program

http://www.cra-arc.gc.ca/E/pbg/ef/xe8/xe8-09b.pdf.

People with permanent mobility challenges who are medically certified as being unable to use public transportation are eligible to receive a refund on a portion of the federal excise tax on gas. The rate used to decide this refund is $0.015 per litre or $0.0015 per kilometre. The gasoline must be for your personal use only. Claims for less than $200 should be submitted by June 30 (if the gas was purchased between January to June 30) or by December 31 (if the gas was purchased between June 31 to December 31). Claims will only be accepted one month late. Refunds of more than $200 can be made at any time within the two years after the gas was purchased, though only one claim can be made per month. Refunds for less than $5 will not be honoured.

Toll free telephone:  1-877-432-5472

Federal Income Tax: Eligible Medical Expenses (2008)

http://www.cra-arc.gc.ca/E/pub/tg/rc4064/ or http://www.cra-arc.gc.ca/E/pub/tg/rc4064/rc4064-08e.pdf.

  • Modified Vehicles: If you are disabled, you or your dependents may claim a modified vehicle as a medical expense on line 330 or 331 of your federal income tax forms. 20 per cent of the van’s purchase price may be claimed, up to a maximum of $5,000. The vehicle must have been previously or recently modified (i.e. within six months after it was purchased), and the amount claimed must not include the cost of modifying the vehicle.
  • Vehicle Modifications: Individuals who are disabled and their dependents may also claim vehicle modifications as a medical expense on line 330 or 331 of their federal income tax forms, as long as the alterations were needed so that a person in a wheelchair could drive or be transported by the van. A prescription must be sent validating your claim.

Telephone: 1-800-959-8281

Ford Mobility Program

http://www.ford.ca/app/fo/en/special_offers/mobility.do.

For a limited time, the Ford Mobility program offers up to $1,000 in financial assistance to be put towards vehicle modifications when a new Ford is leased or purchased by someone with mobility challenges. Only specific modifications or equipment (like wheelchair lifts and adaptive driving equipment) are eligible to receive aid. All other alterations must receive Ford’s approval. Modifications have to be made to the vehicle within the six months following its delivery. Other conditions, such as the need for a doctor’s note verifying the disability, also apply to this offer.

Telephone: 1-800-387-7944

GM Mobility Program

http://www.gm.ca/gm/english/corporate/offers/mobility-program/overview.

The GM Mobility Program is a joint effort with Bridgepoint Community Rehab Drive Assessment and Training Center and Saint Elizabeth Health Care. The manufacturer may reimburse customers who adapt eligible GM vehicles up to $1,000, even if other funding has been secured. Please contact GM Canada Mobility for more information about receiving assistance.

Telephone: 1-800-463-7483

GST/HST Specially Equipped Motor Vehicle Rebate

http://www.cra-arc.gc.ca/E/pbg/gf/gst518/README.html.

The GST or HST that was paid or is owed on the modifications of a converted van may be reimbursed. The application for this rebate must be submitted within four years after the tax was paid or became due. Those individuals who have leased their modified vans then opted to purchase them may also apply.

GST/HST Specially Equipped Motor Vehicle Rebate application:
http://www.cra-arc.gc.ca/E/pbg/gf/gst518/gst518-09e.pdf.

GST/HST credit telephone: 1-800-959-1953

Honda Mobility Program

People with physical disabilities may be reimbursed up to $600 by Honda Canada for the purchase of qualified adaptive equipment in select vans. Please contact a Honda dealership for an application and more information about the program, as well as customer, equipment, and vehicle eligibility.

Find a Honda dealer: http://www.honda.ca/HondaCA2006/Dealers/default.htm?L=E.

Customer Relations: 1-888-946-6329

Kia Mobility Program

http://www.kia.ca/offers/details/MB.

Kia Canada’s Mobility Program offers up to $750 to people with disabilities to assist them with buying and installing adaptive equipment on their vans. Please contact a KIA dealer for more information.

Find a Kia dealer: http://www.kia.ca/dealers.

Kia Customer Assistance: 1-877-542-2886

Kin Canada

Some Kin Canada clubs may provide funding for individuals who are buying wheelchair accessible vans. Please call your local club to determine if it can help.

Kin Canada club listing (mailing addresses only):
http://www.kincanada.ca/en/index.php/about/finding_a_club.

Kin Canada club and district website listings (Individual club websites will provide phone numbers):
http://www.kincanada.ca/en/index.php/about/club_websites.

Lexus Mobility Program

http://www.lexus.ca/lexus/experience/en/home/whatsnew/whatsnew_archive.jsp#mobility.

The Lexus Mobility Program may assist people who have mobility challenges when they purchase or lease new Lexus vehicles. The program offers customers up to $1,000 for the purchase and installation of adaptive driving aids, a wheelchair lift, and more. The modifications must be made to the vehicle within the four months after it was delivered. This assistance can be combined with other valid Lexus consumer incentives. Please consult the manufacturer’s local sales departments for more information.

Find a Lexus dealer: https://www.lexus.ca/lexus/experience/en/dealerSearch/findadealer/dealer_main.jsp.

Telephone: 1-800-265-3987

Lions Clubs

Each chapter is different, but your local Lions Club may offer financial assistance to people purchasing a wheelchair accessible van.

Lions Club locator: http://lionsclubs.org/EN/find-a-club.php.

  • Manitoba Family Services and Housing
  • Children’s Special Services

http://www.gov.mb.ca/fs/pwd/css.html;
http://www.gov.mb.ca/fs/pwd/pubs/chld_special_serv_bookle_en.pdf.
Children who are under 18 years of age, have physical or developmental disabilities, and are living with their families in Manitoba may be eligible to receive funding for wheelchair lifts that can be installed on certain accessible vans. The amount of financial assistance that Children’s Special Services provides is dependent on the child’s needs, his or her family’s situation, and the supports that surround them; no maximum amount of funding is set, but the program provides the minimum level of aid that they believe will adequately meet your needs. If your application is approved, a Family Services Worker will be assigned to you, inform you about the services that are available to you, and help you apply for them.

Children’s Special Services telephone: 204-945-0808

Section 166.4 - Vehicle Modification

http://www.gov.mb.ca/fs/vrmanual/166.4.html.
Manitoba’s Vehicle Modification Program may fund up to 75 per cent (or a maximum of $30,000) of the cost to modify a van, but will not assist with the purchase of the vehicle itself. The van must be used to transport an individual in a wheelchair to their place of employment or to the location where they will be training for work. Financial assistance from other sources must also be retained prior to an application for funding from this program. (Please note: businesses may receive a maximum of $25,000 - or up to 75 per cent - if they modify a van they own for accessibility and use it to transport their employees, as well. They must show that the mobility device user will be given permanent employment.)

Telephone: 1-866-626-4862

Vocational Rehabilitation Program

http://www.gov.mb.ca/fs/pwd/voc_rehab.html.

Manitobans who have a disability, are over 16 years old, and can legally work may be able to receive modifications to their van as part of the Support Services offered by the province’s Vocational Rehabilitation Program. These services are offered to those who would otherwise face obstacles to employment. Applicants must also show their willingness to work.

People with spinal cord injuries, please phone the Canadian Paraplegic Association (CPA): 1-800-720-4933 (Toll free) or 786-4753
People with other physical disabilities, please call the Society for Manitobans with Disabilities (SMD): 1-800-225-9108 (Toll free) or 975-3010
People with visual disabilities, please contact the Canadian National Institute for the Blind (CNIB): 1-800-552-4893 (Toll free) or 774-5421

Multiple Sclerosis Society of Canada – Manitoba Division’s Special Assistance Fund Program

http://www.mssociety.ca/manitoba/Special%20Assistance.htm.

Clients of the Multiple Sclerosis Society of Canada – Manitoba Division may receive up to $300 for assistive devices (such as those needed for a modified van) under the branch’s Special Assistance Fund Program. The funding will only be granted once a year.

Toll free telephone: 1-800-268-7582
Telephone: 204-988-0901

Muscular Dystrophy Canada – Mobility Equipment Program

http://www.muscle.ca/western-canada/services/mobility-equipment-program.html.

Muscular Dystrophy Canada helps their registered clients by providing funds for the modifications made to their vans that cost under $5,000. The organization asks that clients apply for this financial assistance and include with their application, documents such as a letter from an occupational or physical therapist explaining why the van or its conversions are needed, two quotes from separate vendors, and information about other funding that the client has secured.

Toll free telephone: 1-800-366-8166
Telephone: 604-732-8799, ext. 111

President’s Choice Children’s Charity

http://www.presidentschoice.ca/ChildrensCharity/HowToApply.aspx.

President’s Choice Children’s Charity aids families with children under 18 who have developmental or physical disabilities. Household income (must be under $70,000), diagnoses of the disabilities, and vendor quotes are among some of the criteria that will determine the level of support granted. The average amount of funding received by successful applicants is $9,000; the most that may be granted is $20,000. PC Children’s Charity requests that other funding sources be found prior to requesting their financial assistance.

President’s Choice Children’s Charity financial assistance form:
http://www.presidentschoice.ca/DocDownloads/EN/PC_Childrens_Charity_form.pdf.

Telephone: 1-866-996-9918

Religious Organizations

Religious organizations may provide funding. Please discuss this possibility with someone who may be able to help at your place of worship.

SMD (Society for Manitobans with Disabilities):

http://smd.mb.ca/assistive_technology_support_program_and_funding_guide.aspx. or http://smd.mb.ca/uploads/Assistive%20Tech/What%20is%20Assistive%20Technology.pdf.    

SMD is affiliated with Easter Seals and helps to fund assistive technologies, like vehicle modifications for mobility devices, with their SMD Assistive Technology Support Program. Applicants to this program must be members of SMD Alliance, have received under 80 per cent of the required funding, and be purchasing the accessible van. They must also have not been awarded other financial aid from the Program in the current fiscal year. Successful applicants may receive up to 20 per cent of the purchase price. The maximum amount of financial aid that a recipient can receive in this program is $2,500 per year.

Application form for SMD’s Assistive Technology Support Program:
http://smd.mb.ca/uploads/Assistive%20Tech/ATApplication%20Forms%20-%20Nov%203%202008.pdf.

Telephone: 204-975-3033

Toyota Mobility Program

http://www.toyota.ca/cgi-bin/WebObjects/WWW.woa/21/wo/Home-47bJDSoJzFZTm9x4nio3tg/0.5.0.1?fmg%2fhome%2fhome%2ehtml. (Go to “Shopping Tools,” “Promotions,” and then “Mobility Program.”)

The Toyota Mobility Program offers $1,000 in financial assistance to people who have disabilities when they purchase qualified Toyotas that are modified for accessibility. This allowance is intended to fund the cost of installing the mobility aids or adaptive driving equipment inside the vehicle. Applications for assistance can be requested from Toyota salespeople when the vehicle is delivered. Official documentation about the disability and proof of the modifications are required. The completed application must be returned to the manufacturer within twelve months of purchase.

Find a Toyota dealer:
http://www.toyota.ca/cgi-bin/WebObjects/WWW.woa/21/wo/rQTVNUNUPUTcfuU0HN8NKw/0.5.0.1?fmg%2fdealers%2findex.html.

Telephone: 1-888-869-6828

Variety, the Children’s Charity of Manitoba

http://www.varietymanitoba.com/special_needs.html

Variety, the Children’s Charity of Manitoba’s Special Needs Committee offers up to $5,000 in funding per person for families with members who use mobility devices and wish to purchase assistive equipment for modified vehicles. Financial aid from other sources is required before Variety is approached for their assistance. When applying for funding, detailed information about costs must be provided, along with documentation about the disability. Other conditions must also be met before applicants are approved for assistance. 

Application form for Variety, the Children’s Charity of Manitoba’s Special Needs Committee:
http://www.varietymanitoba.com/docs/specialneedsapp.doc.

Telephone: 204-982-1050

Veteran Affairs Canada

Veterans who have disabilities may be able to receive funding from Veteran Affairs Canada depending on their coverage and an assessment. Please call this government department for more information.

Toll free telephone: 1-866-522-2122

Volkswagen Mobility Access Program

Volkswagen Canada offers up to $1,000 back to customers with disabilities who purchase new adaptive equipment, such as wheelchair lifts and pedal extenders, for their 2008-2009 models. Clients are required to complete application forms and send them to the company within 120 days of purchasing the vehicle. Please call Volkswagen’s Information Centre for more details about the program and whether the specific equipment and vehicle that you are interested in are eligible for financial assistance.

Telephone: 1-800-822-8987

Workers Compensation Board of Manitoba

http://www.wcb.mb.ca/about_wcb/policy_manual/s40_benefits_administration/medical_aid/44-120-30_support_daily_living.html.

Under “Vehicle Modifications,” the Workers Compensation Board of Manitoba may reimburse severely injured workers or pay contractors directly for the expenses incurred when modifying vans or replacing vehicles if these changes are required for the individuals to travel safely.

Toll free telephone: 1-800-362-3340
Telephone (General information): 204-954-4922