Strawberry Fields Receives New Wheelchair-Accessible Van

Strawberry Fields is celebrating the addition of a new accessible van for our residential intellectual disability program. Reliable transportation is crucial for attending medical appointments, engaging in recreation, and maintaining community connections.

An $83,390 grant from the Statewide Local Share Account program made the purchase possible, covering both the RAM ProMaster van and a certified paratransit package. The package includes a wheelchair lift, reinforced flooring to support the weight of the lift, non-skid surfaces, and added safety features. Outfitting a van with accessibility features alone can cost more than $30,000, which is why grant support is so critical for investments like this.

Staff were especially pleased with the rear-entry lift, which solves a frequent problem with our old side-entry van that could easily be blocked when other cars parked too close. The new design ensures residents who use wheelchairs can board safely and comfortably every time.

The difference was clear on the very first day. During staff training on how to operate the new lift and safety features for wheelchair riders, one resident eagerly joined in, rolled onto the lift, and signaled his excitement to ride. He was a willing test subject, and his enthusiasm was visible. That same day, the van was already on the road, taking residents to a medical appointment and a recreational outing.

Strawberry Fields is grateful to everyone who made this purchase possible, especially Representative Scott Conklin and Centre County Commissioners Mark Higgins, Amber Concepcion, and Steve Dershem, along with our partners in the Centre County Government Human Services. Their support made this important investment possible.