car for disabled person

by Valentin

Leissigen

This project is about raising money for the vehicle conversion of a Ford Tourneo Custom so that I can drive it myself as a wheelchair user and thus be mobile and independent.

Share crowdfunding project

CHF 11’806

107% of CHF 11’000

107 %
Stretch goalä
  • Funding goal: CHF 10’000 achieved
  • Stretch goal: CHF 11’000
  • Regardless of whether the stretch goal is achieved, the funds will be paid to the project.

116 backers

24 days to go

This is what it's all about.

Dear reader

My name is Valentin, I am 21 years old and live with the rare disease FOP (Fibrodysplasia Ossificans Progressiva) since I was born. FOP is regressive and reduces my mobility already in a strong way and it is going to get worse in the future. I am dependent on a wheelchair, because I just can walk a few steps, which needs also much energy.

I got my driving license in December 2022. After that I knew, that I am going to need a bigger car, so that I can go with the wheelchair behind the driving wheel. The insurance for disabled people (it is called «Invalidenversicherung» or «IV») only pays two thirds of the costs, because there is a more inexpensive opportunity (a little car, where I have to drive backwards if I want to leave the car and this car can not be used by another person). Because FOP gets worse it was clear since the beginning that we need a car, that my family can also use, for the case that I can not drive anymore because of my health.

With this appeal I hope that we reach the CHF 10’000 which I need for the renovation.

Best regards

Valentin

Why a car for me?

While other people with FOP had problems with getting the drivers license or a car, I had luck.

For me it is very important to have mobility, because my disability reduces me in many parts of my life: I am disadvantaged when I am searching a job and a car will help me to consider a job or a training which is further away. In my free time I work in different associations, for example in the youth parliament, in an adult education centre or in different project groups, for giving back something to the society. With a car I can do these occupations also in a better and easier way, because I am not dependent on my mother who has to drive me to these places next her work.

My social life is also important for me: My friends give me energy, especially in bad times. I can visit them with a car or can organize a trip with them and show them my gratitude.

And I have regular doctor’s appointments in Spiez and Bern and regular appointments at my physiotherapist in Spiez. I work 30% in Bern, in September I will work 10% with hourly wage in Leissigen and receive from the insurance for disabled people a compensation payment of CHF 1’100.- with this I pay my insurance costs, my subscription for my smartphone and my subscription for public transport (I can use it only for bus travels because I have to call them in advance and tell them that I travel with the wheelchair and not every train-station / bus-station is handicapped accessible).

With this appeal I want to draw attention to the fact that freedom is something very important, which gives me independence and self-determination. My need is to live self-determined and at least not be dependent on someone in one point of my life.

I want to thank you very much if you support this request in a financial way and / or if you share this request in social media and in your community.

This is what I need backing for.

The IV pays CHF 57’446.50, I need to pay CHF 70’898.45 (renovation + car without value-added tax). The renovation costs CHF 12’727.60 (70’898.45 – 58’170 (car)).