Thank you for making this video and raising awareness of what it's like to travel with a wheelchair.

Would have loved to see you drive it!

Nice van, I’m looking at the current generation of Sienna’s. I currently have Grand Caravan BraunAbility foldout but I’m looking at a VMI Infloor because of length of my Permobil powerchair

I have a disability called spina bifida I was born with and I am 39 years old. And I am on SSI and I hate being on ssi. I feel like a bumb. Because I am getting money from the government for not even working. I hate SSI also because I can't do anything or own anything without SSI taking it away from me. I can't own a car or house or get a job. So if anyone is thinking about going on SSI don't do it. You will regret it like I do. And you will hate being on it just as bad as I do.

I can totally relate to this. I always walked with a leg brace and crutches. I started having hip pain, and my physiatrist advised me to get a wheelchair. My pride totally dictated the decision to NOT transition to a wheelchair, especially when doing a lot of walking. That choice totally ruined my hip, causing me to require hip replacement. Unfortunately, that surgery went horribly wrong (doctors, especially surgeons, don't think they need to listen to their patients), and I have now lost the ability to stand up. I'm paying the price for that horrible decision.

Hello, love your van. I have the Braunability Chrysler Pacifica Van, with the transfer seat installed. I usually transfer from my Wheelchair to the drivers seat or just drive my car that has the Braun Chair topper installed.

So everything else was good but you gotta complain about a mirror? Really? Like you didn’t just roll past a full length mirror you could use

Incredibly relatable… so many memories of struggling to keep up on school trips, one time my friends loaned a wheelchair for me even though I was protesting, because they knew I was in too much pain to walk. ❤

1000% a person that doesn’t use a wheelchair, should not be designing. I say it all the time.

Really like this long form impromptu format! You’re a good story teller, it’s engaging. Also very relatable, I’m almost through college yet have been struggling physically since high school. Using my wheelchair at college has been something I haven’t been able to do, I’m not ready for it mentally. Even though I use it regularly and am planning to seek a job as a wheelchair user. 😅 Accepting your disability is a wild journey!!

Marriot,right?

What about the shower within the bathroom..?

its like they were so close but so far

The bathrooms in the DISABILITY SPECIFIC DOCTOR I go to are so insanely not wheelchair friendly. It confuses me why they don’t consult disabled people for disabled spaces. Even with my mom’s help its still difficult, I can’t imagine if I was alone.

And something like a mirror might have originally meant to be plain by design/the designer who made the room accessible, but was changed by the owner for the look. How interesting

what boat is this?

Really enjoyed this vid Marisa, your personality really shines on video! Congrats on the year and I’m keen to see what’s to come in the future :)

Congratulations on a year since your channel's launch, Marisa!

I had the exact same thing happen to me. I parked in a handicapped spot and had a placard exactly where it was supposed to be. There were 4 handicapped spots bunched together and there was a man in a wheelchair in between them. Before I had a chance to get out of the car, he told me to move my car. At the time, I was ambulatory with crutches. I got out of the car and went off on him. I'm sure he regretted ever saying anything to me! But I really hoped that he learned a lesson - not every disabled person uses a wheelchair. Also, I have been disabled almost all of my life but I just learned today that this was disability pride month. We need to take a page from the gay community and message that out!

Okay I really really need to know so I hope you don't mind me asking! But did you wear the monkey slippers every day or just day one?

Fatty

You describe this all so well, this includes feelings we all feel and it’s so validating to hear you say this. I always say, I do what I can, when I can, however I can. But in reverse of that, however, means a wheelchair, when, I can’t walk, I’m doing what I can to move!

This was very informative. After 9 years, I finally was able to buy a wheelchair van last July. Somehow, my driving restriction disappeared from my license though I have never been able to drive without some kind of accommodation), and after some research discovered the whole DRS process. I am on the path of getting a DRS evaluation for possible hand controls (I found about low assist from you - thank you! Good to know that's available). I started the process in July 2023 and, mostly through my internal medicine office's incompetence, am still waiting for an appointment. Now I know that my expectations are entirely unrealistic. Maybe I'll be driving by next year. Wish me luck!

THE TURTLE NECKLASE HAS A MOVABLE TAIL!!! I love all the outfits but my brain kerploded with the turtle necklace, I have a mighty need now, hahahahaha

Your style is soo cutee and your so beautiful 💗💗

Congrats on your new job! And happy disability pride month. I love your quote “pride is the opposite of shame.” As for the impromptu format, it’s totally fine. You can make whatever format you want/can. We’ll just take in the videos as they are

You described exactly where I was until June 4, 2024. Even 1 of my doctors doesn’t understand my getting the chair. I got it anyway and I am so happy with it.

Why not just say Thanks and carry on with your day

This is a very valid point. More people need to hear this. A wheelchair or mobility aid is freedom or access. Truly life changing.

Looks great. But, not always easy to find a parking spot where you can have a ramp at the side.. another car is bound to box you in. I have a client and she is in a wheelchair but drives her own car.

WHAT A SERIES!! So proud of you girl! I 100% believe they put all the red tape so you'll give up and they don't have to pay out. I've witnessed it myself here in Canada. I'm just on the other side of the border. I found your videos because of the wheelchair van tour short. I've been using a manual chair for 8 years. My vehicle is turning 16 this fall and I'm looking into my options. It's taken me awhile to admit I WANT a power chair/van even if I don't technically NEED it. However the manual chair is doing nothing for me because I can't do errands independently. Thank you SO much for making this video!! I thought a car/travel size chair with a lift would be a good option for me. As soon as I saw you complaining about putting the chair into the back and in comparison how easy it was with the van... decision made.

Weeeeeeeee!

My cat was hearing all the bird noises and getting really curious lol! I'm in the learning stages of gardening and my current hobby is pulling invasive plants out of front lawn and from around the bushes.

AWESOME!

I was trying to avoid a wheelchair because I could walk fine but now the pain I experience is more than one can bear continuing to do more damage. Seams stupid and pointless to not try your available options out to help yourself and to relieve pain that does not go away. So if people want to judge let them who cares its time to be selfish for your own well being and relive the suffering for yourself. All the stereo typing and judgmental ness for a person with disability needs to stop.

That is amazing❤

4:07 MUNCHER

This is awesome!

No

I’m so sorry if this is an invasive question but how did you get accessed to drive? I was born with a physical disability and I’ve been trying for years to find a place to get an assessment. Any advice would be greatly appreciated! Also, your van is super cool!

Congratulations 🎉

Last one looks like a yellow warbler? I'm not a birder, but the color is the clue I picked up on for my guess

Dude that’s awesome!

Wounder full van mam how much cost of this van

I think what you said about these systems not being built to help people, having lots of red tape and being hard to access unfortunately isn't an American exclusive thing. I've found it to be the same over here in England. It really sucks, is very frustrating and demoralising.

Last night, the water in my house got clogged, resulting in water bursting and flooding around. Luckily it got settles fairly quickly. However, one of the spots where water was showering the room, happened to be where I keep my big power wheelchair. I had to take everything a part, and so am very excited to follow along and clean my wheelchair now that things have dried down the next day! So I am glad I found this video! Question: do you know if the covers are Abel to go in the wash? (They smell bad and got soaked!). Also if you have any tips on good cleaning products for wheelchairs, let me know bc I’m lost 😂❤ Anyways, love videos like this where you chat while doing things like cleaning!

You have evey right to be addicted to this and i support you fully !

We are supportive. Not so much chatter about it please.

Lucky you to have this assess van😂

I need that one!