UNITY — Unity has had the benefit of a handivan for approximately 15 years. The vehicle can provide accessible and affordable rides within Unity. It has been of great assistance for movement and excursions of long-term care residents and seniors.
The unit was under repair after damage was discovered.
“We must do a yearly maintenance check on the vehicle. This year, it was discovered that someone had done significant damage to the roof, Recreation Director Lisa Feser says.
“It appears that someone tried to go under something that was not high enough for the van.”
Feser said the town had difficulty finding the parts needed and delivery time was lengthy.
“We do a quick once over of the van between rentals but climbing on top of the van and looking for that kind of damage was not on our radar, until now,” says the Town of Unity.
The town said they are working to produce a new rental policy to prevent this type of incident from reoccurring.
“If the driver, at that time, would have just come forward this would all be covered by insurance but since they did not, insurance will not cover it. We are still hoping someone will come forward,” says Feser.”
The handivan is rented through the town office. There are different costs for in-town and out-of-town excursions, but all are affordable. With the rising costs of everything, the town says they will need to increase the rates to simply cover the van’s costs which no one is thrilled about, but Feser says they have no choice at this point.
“During the summer months, we have used the handivan at least once a month,” Paula Sittler, manager of Parkview Place Senior Assisted Living Facility in Unity, says.
“We have had to postpone three trips this spring. Most recently we used private passenger vehicles to do a country drive. This is not an ideal way for us to travel as we often have residents that are wheelchair-bound and are not able to participate without the use of the handivan.”
Handivan drivers do not need a special licence as the town just requires a photocopy of the driver’s licence of who will be operating it on the rental. However, Feser said this may have to change.
“I have sent out a letter asking a local organization if they would help with the repair bills as a donation to the van. It is really disappointing to me that someone didn’t come forward. The van is such a great service that we offer, and I would really hate to see it go. While it was out of commission it affected several people. People needing to go to appointments in the city, people that need it just to get out for a drive and functions. It really does affect the mental health of people that can’t get out without the van.”
Feser says she is doing her best to come up with a new policy that will ensure the handivan is an option for everyone, regardless of income.
