Accessible Van Shopping

Our wheelchair-accessible Dodge minivan is dying a slow death. With 90,000 miles and lots of wear and tear, it's just seen better days. No longer as reliable as we'd like, and the ramp and power doors often malfunction. It's been years since the remote worked, too. Yet the thought of replacing it completely overwhelms me.

Our family has grown used to a side-entry van with bench seat in back. It accommodates all five of us and often an extra passenger or two (grandparents, carpools). As I examine new models for sale online, it seems there are countless more options available now than when we last purchased. Still can't make a decision, but there are at least tips galore on what to consider when selecting something. Check out these online resources.

In the end, we're still wondering if we are better off purchasing a slightly used vehicle rather than brand new (big $ savings). Also wishing we could make rear-entry work for us, since it's cheaper (but rules out parallel parking, which we do a lot of in NYC and elsewhere). Lastly, I'm trying to reduce my reliance on all things "high tech" (aka high malfunctioning), so a manual ramp is actually more attractive because it breaks less often (but it's not "touch of the button" convenient).

So many choices! So little money! Please tell me: what's a mom to do?

Welcome Home

Andrew returns from sleepaway camp tomorrow. He has spent the past three weeks at the Southampton Fresh Air Home in Southampton, New York. It's always an awesome experience for him, and this year was no different. The camp is specially designed for children and young adults with physical disabilities. SFAH adapts virtually every traditional camp activity so all campers can participate, regardless of their physical limitations. The counselors are exceptional; the facilities, fabulous; and the campers are delightful. Andrew loves it -- and so do we!

What makes SFAH really unique, though, is the "heart" of the camp. Whenever I leave this place I cry like a baby. It's not that I miss Andrew, which I do more than I ever would have realized. It's more that I'm overwhelmed with gratitude that such a special place exists and that our son can be a part of it. Because he is there and enjoying himself, we can rest and relax and gear up for the coming year -- storing up energy, patience and enthusiasm for what lies ahead. His world expands every summer, and he comes back more confident, mature and happy. Everybody wins...and I cry like a baby because I'm just so grateful.

So what am I thinking about as we anxiously await Andrew's return tomorrow? What has moved me to blog for the first time in almost two months?!

Given some R&R and time to reflect on family life and mine as a parent, I've come up with the following objectives for the coming year. We need to :

1) find ways for Andrew to be as independent with us/school as he is at camp;

2) find ways for Andrew to stay social throughout the school year, and not become too consumed by academic and therapeutic "obligations";

3) find ways to relax and rejuvenate as parents and siblings, and not let Andrew's special needs overwhelm our day-to-day lives;

4) help balance Andrew's experiences with typical peers and those who are also "differently abled," like him. He lives in both worlds and we need to capitalize on the benefits of both.

Starting tomorrow, our family has 11 months to work on the above. Where should we begin?