At Universal Motion, every client journey is unique — and every story matters. The following is a firsthand account, written by our client, sharing their experience of finding the right accessible vehicle and what that moment truly meant to them.
She’s back — my “Rolling Toward Possibility” alter ego
We bought our very own accessible van! Even writing that still feels a little surreal. It all came together so quickly — one of those moments where something shifts from “maybe someday” to “why not now?” before you’ve fully had time to catch up.
A quick trip to Campbellford Hospital about six weeks ago quietly set things in motion. We used the Community Care accessible van in the middle of winter, and it felt… easy. Possible. Like maybe this wasn’t something far off in the future after all. From there, things moved fast. A little hope turned into late-night research. Questions turned into conversations. Somewhere along the way, we found ourselves working with a team who made the whole experience feel comfortable, human, and — most importantly — possible.
We weighed our options. We gave it a moment. And then, as these things often do… the universe gave us a little nudge. And here we are.
This is where the inspiration began.
Last summer, during our weekend getaway to Toronto for Kyla’s wedding, we had our first opportunity to try an accessible van. It was something I had carefully arranged — a practical solution to make the trip possible and take some of the stress out of getting there and back.
And then something shifted.
For the first time, it felt easy. Getting in, getting out, being part of the day without all the extra layers of effort we had quietly gotten used to. There was a sense of freedom in it — the kind that doesn’t ask for much, just makes things feel possible again.
We didn’t say much at the time, just one of those quiet, shared understandings… one day. Not right now. Not something to rush. Just a quiet knowing that an accessible vehicle would be part of our future. Looking back now, it feels like more than just a moment. It feels like the beginning of something — the kind that introduces you to people and places you don’t yet realize will become part of your story. That first experience came through Universal Motion, though at the time we had no idea just how important that connection would become.
We left that day thinking about freedom.
This week… we brought it home.
Isn’t it beautiful — and not white. Our last two cars have been, and we were ready for a change.
Before I tell you all the details, here’s how this one found us. We had been casually looking for a while — Facebook Marketplace, AutoTrader, a few accessible vehicle dealerships. There were some interesting options, though nothing that quite felt right. With Ken heading into a three-day Ontario run on the heels of his whirlwind trip to St. John’s, last Wednesday I said we should take a couple of weeks off looking and come back to it in April.
And then… the very next morning, the universe had other plans. Sameh from Universal Motion reached out to say they had just received a 2022 Chrysler Grand Caravan SXT with unbelievably low mileage — 20,488 km.
A few days of soul-searching, details, questions back and forth… and six days later, on my birthday, we bought it.
This is where things start to get practical — and a little exciting. Up until this point, everything we had been looking at was side-entry vans. That just seemed to be what was out there at the time, so naturally we assumed that’s the direction we’d go. And then — one of those perfectly timed moments — Sameh’s email appeared. “We just got this van yesterday, I know it’s a rear entry, thought of sharing it with you.” I think he was expecting me not to be interested. It turns out… it was exactly what we didn’t know we were looking for.
Our driveway setup works perfectly for a rear-entry van, and it means we can come and go without worrying about space on either side. This winter especially made that clear — there simply isn’t anywhere to put the snow. Side-entry vans absolutely have their advantages, especially in parking lots. For our everyday life, rear entry feels like the right fit.
Inside, we’ve found a setup that truly feels like “the best of both worlds.” Instead of using traditional straps every time — and having Ken bend down multiple times to secure them — this van has an EZ-Lock system, allowing my chair to lock into place quickly. Most days, I’ll ride in the second row behind Ken, and if we have extra passengers, I can move to the third row and use the standard strap system. A little flexibility built right in… so yes, Hannah Montana was right.
And then there’s Ken. Within minutes of seeing the ramp, he was already figuring out how his guitars would fit, and how his bass amp could be rolled right up with a set of caster wheels. I have a feeling this van is about to take on more than one role… and I wouldn’t rule out a skateboard exit just yet.
This is where we start to realize… it’s not just an accessible van. A heated seat and steering wheel in the middle of winter — something Ken is already pretty excited about. Power sliding side doors and liftgate that open without the usual juggling act — because arms full of flowers (or groceries) is just part of life. Remote start, so the van is already warm by the time I wheel up to it. Inside, it somehow understands we don’t all feel temperature the same way. Room for everyone — and still space to make it our own. Even the air feels different in here — cleaner, lighter… a small detail that matters. When I’m not in the van… it will become something else entirely. It’s not just about getting in anymore… it’s about how it will feel once you’re there.
That little wheelchair symbol on the back… it carries more meaning than I ever expected. For a long time, my accessible parking pass sat quietly in the glove compartment — expired, untouched. I simply hadn’t needed it.
That’s about to change.
Ken is heading out to get it renewed, and for the first time, it feels less like a necessity… and more like an invitation.
Spring is just around the corner, and I already have plans. Garden centres, flower farms, little day trips that once felt like too much to figure out — now starting to feel possible again. Look out ladies, I’m heading your way… I already have a list started.
And this time, I won’t be wondering if I can get there.
The seats are a really nice balance — part leather, part fabric — which feels both comfortable and practical. Something that looks good, though also feels like it can handle real life.
This is where things get especially interesting. The second-row seats fold up toward the doors, creating the space I’ll roll into, and this is where I’ll be sitting most of the time — right behind Ken. In a side-entry van, there’s sometimes the option to ride up front in the passenger seat… though I have to say, I’m getting quite comfortable with the idea of being chauffeured around from the back like a queen.
And just like that… a “one day” quietly became today — the start of another chapter.