What if there were a clear, practical way to get the wheelchair accessible van your family needs—without losing the benefits that keep your child’s care possible? That’s the promise of MiABLE. In this blog, you’ll walk alongside Christina and her son Gabe, whose rare genetic disorder turned their living room into a “mini ICU.” Their journey shows what’s possible: identifying the need, creating a plan, saving and fundraising through MiABLE, and finally securing the vehicle that brings freedom and dignity to their days.
Written for Michigan families like yours, this roadmap blends story and strategy. You’ll find plain-language explanations, checklists, links to trusted resources, and practical steps you can take today—so you can move from waiting and worrying to driving forward with confidence.
The Human Story—From Need to Keys with a MiABLE Account
Christina’s Family and Gabe’s Legacy
When you meet Christina, you don’t just meet a mom—you meet a caregiver, advocate, and nurse whose life was reshaped by her son Gabe. Gabe’s rare genetic disorder meant their Hudsonville living room looked more like a mini ICU, filled with monitors and medical gear.
Though Gabe has since passed away, his story lives on in every family that learns from it. Christina still volunteers with Lori’s Voice and makes a point to stop in at Clock Mobility, reminding us that community ties last far beyond a single purchase. Before their van, daily life was a constant juggling act: carrying Gabe through Michigan snow, canceling appointments when transfers felt unsafe, and straining just to leave home. You can read their full story here.
The turning point: “We need a wheelchair accessible van.”
Growth spurts, heavier equipment, and endless trips to specialists pushed the family toward one non-negotiable solution: a van with a ramp or lift, securements, room for medical gear, and winter-worthy traction.
Why they chose a MiABLE account
For Christina, MiABLE was the bridge. It protected benefits, allowed friends and relatives to contribute through Ugift, and grew tax-free when used for qualified disability expenses, such as transportation.
Community matters
Through Lori’s Voice’s Van Gifting Program, Christina paired MiABLE savings with nonprofit support and local fundraising, multiplying every dollar.
Outcome and impact
The result? Safer transfers, fewer cancellations, more time together, and a new sense of freedom. And for you, the takeaway is clear: this path can be adapted to fit your family, too.
MiABLE 101—How an ABLE Account in Michigan Works for an Accessible Van
What is MiABLE?
Think of MiABLE as a bridge between what your family needs and the benefits you can’t afford to lose. It’s Michigan’s version of the federal ABLE program, designed to let you save specifically for Qualified Disability Expenses (QDEs) without risking most means-tested support like Medicaid or SSI. The mission is straightforward: to protect your health, independence, and quality of life while giving you greater control over your finances.
Who is eligible today?
Eligibility depends on when the disability began—generally before age 26 (as of 2025). If your child or loved one meets that requirement, you can explore MiABLE right away. Since rules can evolve, it’s smart to double-check updates on the national ABLE resource center or the official MiABLE site before you open an account.
What counts as a Qualified Disability Expense (QDE)?
For families planning an accessible van, the good news is clear: transportation, adaptive driving equipment, vehicle purchases, and modifications all typically qualify. If you’re unsure about a gray area, the ABLE NRC has a decision framework to help you make the call.
Contribution limits, gifting, and caps
Each year, you (and your community) can contribute up to the federal gift tax limit—$19,000 in 2025. If the account holder works, they may add earned income above that cap under certain conditions. Up to $100,000 is disregarded for SSI, and Medicaid usually continues even if SSI suspends over that threshold. A word of caution: always confirm details with a benefits planner. Family and friends can also chip in directly through tools like Ugift.
Taxes and documentation
Earnings grow tax-advantaged, but keep your receipts. Withdrawals from non-QDEs may be subject to taxes and penalties. Invoices, distribution records, and purchase orders create a paper trail that protects you.
How to open and manage MiABLE
You can start online in minutes: choose your investment mix, connect your bank, set up gifting, and add an Authorized Legal Representative if needed. The official MiABLE site offers clear step-by-step instructions.
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Budget Reality—What Drives the Cost of a Wheelchair Accessible Van
Vehicle type
When you start exploring wheelchair-accessible vans, the first major decision is the base vehicle. A minivan often gives you better fuel economy, easier garage clearance, and a gentler ramp angle. A full-size van, on the other hand, offers more interior height and space for complex equipment but may cost more in fuel and insurance. Then there’s entry style: side-entry makes curb access smoother and preserves rear cargo space, while rear-entry can be simpler in tight parking lots or sloped driveways. Consider where you typically park and load most often—those details matter.
Conversion choices
Next come the modifications. Do you need a power ramp or will a manual one work? How low should the floor be dropped? Will a kneel system reduce ramp angle enough for safe, independent use? Inside, you’ll choose between tie-down straps or a docking station, and possibly a transfer seat base or driver hand controls, if independence behind the wheel is your goal.
New, used, CPO, or refinance
A pre-owned conversion can be budget-friendly, especially if it meets your safety needs. But sometimes new is worth it for warranty coverage or specific adaptations. While saving through MiABLE, you might even bridge the gap with a short-term rental.
Where to see real inventory
Don’t just browse online—visit our established Michigan dealers with multiple locations, certified technicians, and brand accreditations. Service capacity is as important as sales.
Hidden line items
Remember: the sticker price isn’t the whole story. Budget for sales tax, delivery, securement hardware, hand controls, winter tires, and extended service plans.
Total cost of ownership
Factor in ongoing needs—annual maintenance, ramp service intervals, battery checks, insurance riders, and eventual resale value. The goal isn’t just buying a van, but keeping it safe and reliable for years to come.
Step-by-Step—Use MiABLE to Save, Fundraise, and Pay for an Accessible Van
Open MiABLE and set the plan
The path to an accessible van begins with a plan. First, open your MiABLE account. Confirm your eligibility, select your investment options, set up automatic transfers, and enable gifting so friends and family can contribute.
Set a specific target
Calculate the total cost, including the van, conversion, restraints, adaptive equipment, driving evaluations, and delivery, and create a timeline that aligns with monthly savings and grant cycles. Having a concrete goal keeps your plan grounded.
Turn on gifting and share your link
Explain why this van matters to your family. Invite birthdays or holidays to become giving moments, and make contributions easy with QR codes, flyers, or direct links to your MiABLE account.
Pair MiABLE savings with grants and nonprofits
Look for additional funding through organizations like Lori’s Voice, and ask your social worker or therapy team about local or regional grants. Combining sources accelerates your goal.
Coordinate with the dealer and insurer
Before making a purchase, obtain a written order that itemizes all QDE-eligible components. Confirm with your dealer how they accept ABLE distributions and check with your insurer that adaptive equipment is covered.
Make the distribution
When ready, transfer the funds from your MiABLE account to the dealer, and keep all receipts, invoices, and bank confirmations in one folder for your records.
Post-purchase housekeeping
Plan for training, schedule regular maintenance, register warranties, and arrange a securement re-check after 30 days to ensure your van continues to meet your family’s needs.
Choosing the Right Wheelchair Accessible Van—Features That Matter
When selecting a van, think about the full experience, not just the sticker price. Measure your wheelchair’s footprint and turning radius, check door height, ramp angle, headroom, and aisle space so everyone fits comfortably. Test with your heaviest chair and all passengers aboard to avoid surprises. Consider everyday realities: driveway slopes, street parking, winter snow, fuel stops, and school pickup lines.
Safety matters too—look for redundant ramp releases, backup power, tie-down training for each caregiver, and easy access to a fire extinguisher and first-aid kit. Choose dealers with certified technicians, parts on hand, and loaner or rental options during repairs. Finally, think about comfort: climate control, heated seats for spasticity, quiet cabins for sensory needs, and sunshades or tinted windows. Every detail you plan now makes daily life smoother, safer, and more predictable.
Honor Their Story, Start Your Journey
Christina’s story is more than a guide—it’s a reminder that behind every accessible van is a family, a need, and a dream. Thank families like hers for showing what’s possible, and let their journey inspire yours. Start with compassion and a sense of urgency. Every small step builds toward something bigger. With a clear plan and steady progress, you’ll move from wishing for freedom to holding your own keys, opening the door to independence and possibility for your family.
Get Your Ride With Clock Mobility
At Clock Mobility, your accessible van journey becomes stress-free and straightforward. You can browse conversions from BraunAbility and VMI on trusted platforms like the Chrysler Pacifica and Toyota Sienna, then compare side-entry versus rear-entry, ramp versus lift, and seating layouts with one of our mobility specialists.
We ship anywhere in the United States, bringing your van right to your doorstep, or you can pick it up at any of our four Michigan locations. Once you’re on the road, our certified technicians handle maintenance and repairs, allowing you to travel with confidence, knowing the BraunAbility dealer network spans the country for support wherever you go.
Ready to find your van and your freedom? Connect with Clock Mobility today, and let’s start the journey together!
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