Disabled Daniel Seeks Government Transportation Grant For Wheelchair Lift

by Daniel J. Wright
(Tonopah, Arizona, USA)

My name is Daniel Wright. I'm disabled and live in Tonopah, Arizona.

My fiancé and I moved here from Minnesota about 15 months ago. I receive SSI for my income and my fiancé works for me as my personal care attendant.

When we first moved here we thought I would be able to get my assistance (medical from state and SSI transferred) immediately, but no, it took six months for that to get started.

My fiancé couldn't start her job as my attendant till my medical was started. So during that time we were not able to pay rent. When it finally did start we could pay our rent but were $7,000 behind.

Our landlord is a saint because he tried everything he could do to help us. He has repaired my old van many times and bought parts and supplies for it. But now it's totally junked. I had to junk it.

My fiancé's dad bought us a 2002 Ford Windstar but it has no lift for my wheelchair. So I am stuck using my manual, which is extremely painful to sit in due to my permanently dislocated, crushed hips.

All I need is $3,000 to get a platform lift that sits on the back of my minivan.

Then about six months ago my fiancé came down with cervical cancer. That was a painful, stressful time but now they think she's pretty much cleared up.

My landlord is a very patient kind-hearted guy. If it wasn't for his patience we would be homeless so I have been looking into government grants.

I'm literally at the end of my rope. I don't know where else to turn for help. If anybody can help, comment here.