This is a sponsored post written by me on behalf of National Mobility Equipment Dealers Association for IZEA. All opinions are 100% mine.
I never really understood just how hard it is for people with physical disabilities to get around until I took care of my mother for 9 months after she had a stroke and was wheelchair-bound. One day she was independent, taking care of herself, and doing the things she loved to do. Then, all of a sudden, she didn’t even have the freedom to move about her own house after a severe bleeding stroke. She had completely lost her freedom. I needed to get mom to her doctor appointments and when she got better she wanted to go out again. She wanted to go shopping or out to dinner, she wanted to get her hair done and visit the family after she’d worked so hard in physical therapy. But that was no easy task with a wheelchair; we had to move her from the vehicle to the seat of the car, pack up the wheelchair and squeeze it into the car. When we got there we had to unpack the wheelchair, move mom into the wheelchair, and do it all again to take her home. The risk of mom falling was overwhelming and It was exhausting for all of us. I was sooo terrified of hurting her or slipping as I was helping her.
If mom had a wheelchair accessible vehicle, she could regain her freedom! Up the ramp into the van; no more transferring seats or risk of falling. The National Mobility Equipment Dealers Association or NMEDA, is a nonprofit trade organization committed to helping people with mobility issues so they can have the technology they need to regain their freedom and cruise with independence! It is good to know that NMEDA has the quality assurance program (NMEDA QAP) that is recognized as THE standard in developing quality dependable and safe mobility equipment too. That way mom has the best equipment with the best service.
Life doesn’t need to stop just because of mobility issues! We’ve proven that driving to Florida twice in her handicapped accessible van – Once for a cruise and once for a trip to Walt Disney World.
So don’t get discouraged! My family was excited to work with the NMEDA dealer: Each one is certified with a quality assurance program. They will customize everything for Mom’s specific needs. They will even take the time to come to us and give us specialized training to operate everything safely (which is hugely important). They also offer 24-hour local emergency roadside assistance. This kind of reliable service and support sure makes me feel a lot better about mom’s safety while we are out and about. Whether in the US or Canada, their technicians work to make sure that each vehicle provides the safety and comfort that I want my mom to have.
NMEDA is a spokesperson for disability resources and they work closely with other organizations, like the Veterans, to ensure the best resources are available and the best standards are upheld. If you or your loved one has mobility difficulties, you understand the challenges they face. As a caregiver or friend, you may help someone regain their freedom by sharing this information. Additionally May is National Mobility Awareness Month. People need to know where to turn for help!
Imagine someone using her facial muscles to propel themselves anywhere they want to go! This is just one example of the amazing things this organization is accomplishing. It is exciting to work with an organization that is truly dedicated to creating and providing equipment uniquely designed to give people their freedom. Just imagine how NMEDA can help your loved one!
Mom now gets around her home with a walker but if she is still unable to walk a normal distance so we still need the wheelchair and walker – it’s a joint effort I suppose. But, my kids were so glad that Grandma is still here and I am too! It’s AMAZING to think that she suffered a massive stroke, was rehabilitated, and then drove to Florida on vacation with our family! Cherish your memories!
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