Ben Willys Wheels

I am not one for asking for help, especially money, but today I am, because I need a new vehicle that I can drive from my wheelchair which is going to cost over $150,000.

A bit over 18 months ago I snapped my bicep muscle pulling my wheelchair into my car.  46 years of pushing my wheelchair around has taken its toll on my shoulder.  While the initial pain has gone, I have lost a lot of strength in my arm and the muscle will not heal without surgery, taking me out of action for 3 months.  My doctor told me this is common for ‘old bastards’ who have been in wheelchairs for a long time.  His advice was to get a new vehicle where I can drive from my wheelchair, taking a bit of strain of my shoulders. 

Since then I have done a lot of research into what vehicles are available and the costs.  Oh my God did I say costs??  I will share some of the options I have looked at on my blog – http://benwillyswheels.blogspot.com.au/ .   So you can see why I have chosen this option.

The best option I have come across is a Volkswagen Transport from Capital Special Vehicles in Dandenong.  They completely modify the van to my needs.  Getting into the van has a hydraulic lift on the side and it tucks nicely under the van when finished.  The driver’s seat is removed and I can drive straight into the space.  I would need a new wheelchair, that will work with the docking station device to lock the wheelchair in.   There is also a back support which stops the wheelchair from tipping backwards in the event of a head on accident.  This vehicle has a lot of safety features, which others fail to deliver, however they come with a cost – the van all up would cost over $150,000 from the quote I received in June 2015 and then the new wheelchair would cost $6,000.

I can get assistance from the government of $10,000 for the vehicle and $1,000 for the wheelchair.

I was injured in a car accident at the age of 13 months leaving me as a T3 paraplegic.  I have never let that stop me.  I grew up with my family on the farm at Yalca South, going to Yalca South Primary School and then on to Numurkah High School.  I have worked all my life from the age of 18.  I was the State President of Victorian Young Farmers in my 20s and more recently organised family reunions for both my mother and father’s sides.

I have worked all my life in one job or another and more recently have been working at Telstra for over 20 years.  I could sell my house and downsize, dip in to my Super, but the harsh reality is I need to think of my long term future.  I don’t know what I will need in years to come and what the cost will be.  I might need care in my old age.  If this was just a new car I could afford it, but it’s not.  This van will keep me independent.

Below is a video from Capital Special Vehicles, they use for promotion, it does not have the hydraulic lift.


If you can assist I would be very grateful, if you are not in a position to help, which I totally understand then just please share this.  Join the Facebook page and blog that I have setup and follow the journey.

Thank you for your help.