Every May is an opportunity to raise knowledge and resources for those living with disabilities. The National Mobility Equipment Dealers Association (NMEDA) takes the fifth month of the year to celebrate those who persevere despite their physical impairments.
The National Mobility Equipment Dealers Association (NMEDA) is a non-profit organization started in Florida in 1989. It was created in order to promote and support the equipment required for quality transportation of those living with disabilities. The NMEDA organization combines mobility equipped auto dealers, equipment manufacturers, rehabilitation specialists and other professionals focused on providing greater freedom to the 2.2 million people using wheelchairs.
NMEDA has a simple mission: to bring people living with disabilities happier and healthier lives.
Every year in May, NMEDA takes some time to recognize the people that inspire their very organization. The local heroes contest picks three submissions out of hundreds of uplifting individuals in the wheelchair community whose stories of persistence and determination stand out above and beyond.
National Mobility Awareness Month Winners:
John Rose:
His loving wife Laura wrote John’s submission. John for 39 years was a high school chorus teacher. Unfortunately John was diagnosed with ALS, which forced him to retire from his passionate career in education. ALS did not stop John from becoming an inspiration to his community and thousands of students over the years. After Mr. Rose contracted the disease he was no longer able to raise his hands to direct his choir. His students valued his teaching so much; they learned to read their music through his eyes and lips. During a chorus competition the school received accolades for their inspirational performance.
John co-founded a non-profit called “Where Every Child is A Star” were he sought funding for camp programs and performances. No matter what the financial situation, John always found a way to ensure that every child who wanted to participate in performing arts had the chance.
Dave Hastings and Family:
Dave is one of three children to his parents Lori and Dave. His mother Lori has suffered from muscular dystrophy and was told at one point she could never have children. Her and Dave overcame, however unfortunately Lori had a sudden attack of Myasthenia Gravis (MG) and her mobility and independence was taken away. Dave, in 2012 who had taken care of Lori was diagnosed with Multiple Sclerosis. Despite all of these hardships, the family founded Lories Voice (LV), a 100% volunteer non-profit devoted to fundraising for special needs families with financial assistance.
Steve Karmgard:
Steve Karmgard suffered from a tragic injury in his teenage years that resulted in becoming a quadriplegic. In the past 24 years since his injury, Steve has been working hard in his professional life as well as giving back. He is a valued volunteer for Canine Companions for Independence in his spare time.
These are just a few of the hundreds of inspiring stories of people not only overcoming incredibly hard times but also creating awareness around the struggles associated with disabilities. These three people received wheelchair vans that will help provide greater freedom and ease in their day-to-day lives as well as further their causes.
Searching for a mobility van? Classic Vans offers a wide selection of new and used wheelchair minivans as well as full-sized handicap accessible vans. Visit their website at or call (866) 370-8222.