For Brad and Dan, the duo behind the non-profit All Access Life, accessibility is more than a cause. It’s a calling. Through their engaging videos, tech reviews, and social media content, they introduce the world to adaptive products and assistive technologies that make everyday life more inclusive for people with disabilities.

What started as two friends sharing their experiences has grown into a thriving online community that educates and empowers millions. Their videos highlight everything from voice-activated tools and mobility devices to simple life hacks that make independence possible — always with humor, authenticity, and heart.

Brad, who has non-verbal Dyskinetic Cerebral Palsy, has spent his life breaking barriers alongside Dan, his best friend and caregiver. For years, Brad relied on his mom’s Grand Caravan to get around, meaning every outing required her help. But with Driverge Canada’s recent conversion of their 2025 KIA Carnival into a side-entry wheelchair accessible vehicle, that’s no longer the case.

Now, Brad and Dan have the freedom to travel independently, film new content on the go, attend events, and connect with their growing community, all on their own schedule.

“This vehicle has opened a whole new level of freedom for us,” says Dan. “We can go where we want, when we want, and share more accessibility stories than ever before.”

This partnership represents the heart of what both organizations stand for: innovation, independence, and inclusion. Driverge Canada is proud to support All Access Life as they continue using their platform to change perceptions and spark progress in the accessibility world. Stay tuned as we follow Brad and Dan’s adventures across North America — proof that with the right ideas made to move, anything is possible.

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Safe, dignified mobility starts with the person behind the wheel. That’s why Driverge partnered with National Interstate Insurance to publish a clear, practical guide to wheelchair and passenger handling best practices—so fleets can reduce risk, protect riders and drivers, and keep vehicles in service.

Read the whitepaper: https://loom.ly/gkN6_Kg
Explore Driverge driver training programs: https://loom.ly/13teXsI

Why driver training matters right now

Whether you operate NEMT, senior living shuttles, municipal paratransit, or healthcare transport, your drivers are doing complex work in dynamic environments—tight schedules, varying curb heights, weather, and diverse passenger needs. A short, consistent set of procedures improves:

• Safety & compliance: Fewer incidents and better adherence to securement and ADA-related practices.
  • Rider experience: Faster, calmer boarding and secure rides that build trust.
  • Uptime & cost: Less damage to equipment, fewer delays, and reduced claims.

What the guide covers (and how to use it)

The whitepaper distills field‑tested steps into checklists your team can adopt immediately:

1. Pre‑trip readiness
   Quick inspection of lift/ramp operation, restraints, belts, seat tracks, and flooring; confirm batteries/controls; stage equipment for the first stop.
2. Curbside setup & communication
   Position the vehicle safely, set the brakes, deploy cones or hazard lights as needed, and explain each step to the passenger or caregiver before moving.
3. Boarding & deboarding
   Correct lift/ramp angles, hand placement, and chair control; maintain three points of contact; manage bystanders; never rush a slope transition.
4. Securement fundamentals
   Four‑point tie‑down technique, belt routing at the correct angles, occupant restraint fit, and re‑check after the first turn or stop.
5. Cabin management
   Clear aisles, stable stowage of loose items, climate control for all rows, and seating adjustments to keep conversation and visibility comfortable.
6. On‑road etiquette
   Smooth throttle and braking, extra following distance, wide turns, and a careful approach to speed humps and driveway aprons.
7. Incident response & documentation
   Immediate scene safety, basic communication protocols, and concise reporting so supervisors and insurers have the facts they need.

Use the guide as a standard operating procedure, a new‑hire training aid, and a refresher tool for quarterly ride‑alongs.

Turning best practices into everyday habits

• Coach to the checklist. Post laminated SOPs near the lift controls and in the driver area.
  • Drill the basics. Practice securement on an empty vehicle until it’s second nature.
  • Measure what matters. Track boarding time, securement errors caught in QA, and passenger feedback; celebrate improvement.
  • Refresh often. Short tailgate trainings and periodic competency checks keep skills sharp.

Add structured training to lock in results

For teams that want deeper competency building, Driverge offers hands‑on driver training focused on lift operation, securement, passenger assistance, and route-specific risk scenarios. Courses are designed to be practical, repeatable, and easy to roll out across multi‑site fleets.

Get program details: https://loom.ly/13teXsI

Start here

1. Share the whitepaper with supervisors and drivers.
2. Adopt the included checklists as your baseline SOP.
3. Book an on‑site or virtual training session to reinforce skills.

Download the Best Practices whitepaper: https://loom.ly/gkN6_Kg
Talk to our training team: https://loom.ly/13teXsI

Note: This article is for general educational purposes; always follow your organization’s policies, local regulations, and OEM component instructions.

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Summer wanderlust is calling—make sure your wheelchair-accessible van is ready to answer. Here are 4 quick tips to prep your WAV for the perfect road-trip season:

1⃣ Map out accessible stops. Use apps like Wheelmap or AccessibleGO to find ADA-friendly rest areas, hotels, and attractions so you can focus on fun, not logistics.
2⃣ Test before you go. Cycle your ramp or lift a few times, clear debris, and confirm the battery or hydraulic system is fully charged. Reliability starts at home.
3⃣ Load with accessibility in mind. Stow luggage so pathways stay clear and mobility tools stay within easy reach—no one wants a ramp blocked by suitcases!
4⃣ Check seating & restraints. Inspect tie-downs, occupant belts, and seat tracks for a secure, comfortable ride over long miles.

Driverge Vehicle Innovations has you covered. Explore our travel-ready WAV conversions at https://loom.ly/DxPK5A0 Safe travels!

Driverge #WheelchairVan #AccessibleTravel #RoadTripTips #MobilitySolutions

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1. One Ford chassis, dozens of proven Driverge configurations
From a compact rear-entry Ford Transit Connect that slips into tight city spaces to a full-size Ford Transit WAV with a heavy-duty wheelchair lift and up to four securement positions, Driverge Vehicle Innovations offers a turnkey package for virtually every mission. Need a curb-side bus door for rapid shuttle boarding or a fully shelved mobile workshop for electricians? Driverge’s Ford Transit conversions let you mix and match SmartFloor® seating, L-track tie-downs, ladder racks, inverters, and climate upgrades—so your fleet can pivot between mobility and vocational needs without swapping platforms.

2. Ford Pro-certified quality that protects your OEM warranty
Because Driverge is a Ford Qualified Vehicle Modifier, every wheelchair accessible van or vocational upfit follows Ford engineering data, crash standards, and corrosion requirements. That means factory airbags, advanced driver-assistance tech, and power-train warranties stay fully intact—giving fleet managers peace of mind and lowering lifetime maintenance costs.

3. Lower total cost of ownership through faster, factory-grade upfits
Pre-engineered Driverge build bundles slash lead times compared with piecemeal aftermarket installations and get your Ford Transit or Transit Connect earning revenue sooner. Each unit ships with safety labels, FMVSS compliance, and a clean finish, so there’s no secondary downtime. Combined with Ford’s fuel-efficient EcoBoost® and hybrid options, Driverge Vehicle Innovations helps you cut operating expenses while delivering first-class accessibility or work-ready functionality.

Ready to spec your Ford fleet conversion?
Visit Driverge.com or call 844-DRV-FLEET for a fast quote on Ford Transit wheelchair vans or vocational upfits.

(Keywords: Driverge Vehicle Innovations, Ford Transit conversions, wheelchair accessible vans, Ford vocational upfits, ADA compliant van, Ford Pro upfit, fleet solutions)

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The new logo has been thoughtfully designed to align with Driverge’s brand identity, utilizing the same customized typeface and colors for a cohesive visual association. The logomark features interlocking “U”s that represent “upfitting” and symbolize the strong partnerships U.S. Upfitters has built with customers, suppliers, and its employees over the years. A unique design element is the hidden “S” formed by the tilted “U”s, subtly reinforcing the brand’s creativity and mindfulness.

“The U.S. Upfitters’ brand has tremendous equity and we consider this rebranding an investment in the brand’s future,” said Craig Kemmerling, vice president of sales for Driverge Vehicle Innovations. “Our new logo and tagline signify a bold step forward for U.S. Upfitters and it will parlay well with where work vehicle industries are going.”

Accompanying the rollout of U.S. Upfitters’ new logo is a new slogan, “Fit Right. Work Right.” The “Fit Right” part of the theme relates to both the quality of vehicle unfitting and the elevated level of service customers should expect from U.S. Upfitters. ”Work Right” is the direct benefit to the customer. When the fit is right, there is peace of mind that the crew will do the work correctly and efficiently.

“Our new logo and slogan signify a bold step forward for U.S. Upfitters as we continue to innovate and expand our offerings,” added Kemmerling.

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Driverge Vehicle Innovations, one of the country’s leading builders of wheelchair accessible vans, shuttles and transporters, announced today that it has recently acquired Van-Action (2005) Inc. and Freedom Motors Inc., Savaria Corporation’s Canadian wheelchair van conversion manufacturing business. In addition to increasing its production capabilities, this strategic step establishes Driverge’s international presence, marking a significant milestone in the company’s history.

This acquisition expands Driverge’s footprint by adding two manufacturing locations in Canada. The addition of the Freedom Motors Inc. and Van-Action (2005) Inc. operations aligns with Driverge’s long-term growth strategy and dedication to delivering innovative vehicle solutions to its diverse customer base.

“Savaria has been an important long-term partner and we are excited to announce the acquisition of Van-Action (2005) Inc. and Freedom Motors Inc., and welcome their talented team members to our organization. This move not only supports our commitment to innovation but increases our capacity to provide life-changing solutions for individuals facing mobility challenges,” said Mark Minatel, President of Driverge Vehicle Innovations.

Driverge Vehicle Innovations will leverage the acquired facilities to expand its consumer product line, with a focus on building customized and reliable transportation solutions for individuals with mobility challenges. The company looks forward to a successful integration process and the continued delivery of innovative mobility solutions.

About Driverge Vehicle Innovations

Driverge Vehicle Innovations is one of the country’s leading builders of commercial accessible vans, shuttles, transporters, vocational and work vehicles. Driverge is a Ford Pro Upfitter, Mercedes-Benz eXpertSOLUTIONS Upfitter and Ram Commercial Q-Pro supplier. With manufacturing facilities in Ohio, Kansas, South Carolina and California, Driverge provides vehicle conversions to numerous industries and government agencies, including healthcare, wheelchair transport services, fleet management, hospitality, rideshare and other vocational markets. Driverge acquired commercial equipment upfit company U.S. Upfitters in 2022, which operates facilities in Illinois, Wisconsin, Maryland and Colorado. Driverge Vehicle Innovations and MobilityWorks together make up WMK, LLC, established in 1997 and recognized on the Inc. 500|5000 list of Inc. Magazine’s fastest-growing privately held companies, as well as Newsweek’s list of America’s Greatest Workplaces.

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“We are excited to welcome U.S. Upfitters’ customers and team to Driverge Vehicle Innovations,” said Driverge President Mark Minatel. “In building Driverge’s future, we are committed to innovation, expertise and customer-focused business opportunities, like U.S. Upfitters. Additionally, their products, capabilities, and commitment to employees align with Driverge’s growth goals and the value we place on our team members. We believe the acquisition of such an outstanding business will offer our customers inventive products and more options from market-leading vendors.”

Customers currently served by U.S. Upfitters range from fleet management companies and government agencies to dealerships, upfitters, and contractors of all vocations. Its website also offers customers the option of buying online.

For U.S. Upfitters co-founders Jim and Joan Fuller, selling to a like-minded company that shares U.S. Upfitters’ values and focus on customers were primary considerations. “This is an ideal opportunity for the business to grow within a culture that reflects our own. It provides future opportunities for our customers and our team,” explained Mrs. Fuller, who will remain a part of the business as Vice President of Finance.

Mr. Fuller, who will remain President of U.S. Upfitters, added, “Our commitment has always been to combine qualified and experienced workmanship with an amazing collection of brands to service a hard-working and skilled customer base. This passion and mission can continue with Driverge.”

Driverge is the country’s leading builder of commercial accessible vans, shuttles, transporters, work vans and recreational vehicles. It is a Ford Qualified Vehicle Modifier (QVM), Mercedes-Benz MasterSolutions® Upfitter, and Ram Commercial Q-Pro supplier. With manufacturing facilities in Ohio, Kansas, South Carolina, California, Illinois, Wisconsin, Colorado, and Maryland, Driverge provides vehicle conversions to numerous industries and government agencies including healthcare, wheelchair transport services, fleet management, hospitality, rideshare, and other vocational markets. Driverge Vehicle Innovations and MobilityWorks together make up WMK, LLC which was established in 1997.

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“We are ecstatic about our new manufacturing facility being developed at Chapel Hill Business Park. We are excited for our extraordinary team members to be able to continue to call Akron and Summit County home, as we have for the last 25 years. Our team has built an incredible, national business with such an amazing mission based on serving others, and it started and endures here in Akron,” says Mark Minatel, president of Driverge Vehicle Innovations. “Our business continues to grow and through the vision of ICP and in partnership with our local and state governments, we will continue to invest, innovate and create jobs in this community. We are looking forward to adding to our team and a great future at Chapel Hill Business Park,” continued Mr. Minatel.

“Driverge is the perfect user for this type of space. It is an ideal light assembly business and having a location in Akron was important to them,” said Chris Semarjian, owner of ICP. “With the robust demand for industrial space, we have found great success converting former retail locations into multi-tenant business parks,” continued Mr. Semarjian.

Founded in 1997, MobilityWorks began with a single location on Moe Drive in Akron and has since grown to 95 stores and four manufacturing facilities across the country. MobilityWorks/Driverge Vehicle Innovations, owned by Flexpoint Ford, is the largest upfitter of Ford Transits and upfits for Mercedes Benz USA and Dodge/Chrysler – Stellantis.

“Our engineering team performed layouts for several buildings to help determine which option made the most sense. Chapel Hill Business Park was the perfect fit due to its location and the unique layout of the property,” said Michelle Nicholson, director of leasing for ICP.

“I would like to thank ICP, JobsOhio, the City of Akron and Summit County officials for making all of this possible,” said Chris Paczak, chief marketing officer at Driverge. “We started site selection for a new state-of-the-art manufacturing facility over three years ago. We viewed facilities across the country and in northeast Ohio and kept returning to the former Chapel Hill Mall property. It was challenging to design and engineer assembly lines inside of a former mall, but with the creative mindset and collaborative efforts of ICP, we were able to make this vision a reality,” continued Mr. Paczak.

Greg Hopkins, Director of Real Estate for MobilityWorks/Driverge Vehicle Innovation, and Kristy Hull, Senior Vice President at JLL, represented the tenant in this transaction.

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