NMEDA Accepting Entries for "Local Heroes" Contest

• By Cindy Horbrook
• Mar 14, 2014

Anyone in need of a wheelchair accessible vehicle may want to recruit their loved ones to help them enter and win the “Local Heroes” contest. Four “Local Hereos” will win a wheelchair accessible vehicle tailored to their needs as part of the National Mobility Equipment Dealers Association’s (NMEDA) annual contest.

In a news release, NMEDA CEO and executive director Dave Hubbard said, “It is rewarding to work on such an important project each year that literally changes the lives of people with inspirational life stories. It is their contributions and triumphs we recognize and celebrate through our Local Heroes contest.”

NMEDA defines Local Heroes as people who volunteer, educate, advocate, achieve and persevere. This could be either someone living with a disability or someone who has dedicated his or her life to helping someone with a disability.

To participate in the contest, the entrant, a caregiver, a friend or family member can submit either written or videotaped stories about triumphing over mobility challenges at www.mobilityawarenessmonth.com. The winner is determined through online voting open to the public at the same web site. Story submissions began Feb. 25 and voting began March 11. Submission and votes will be accepted through May 9.

NMEDA will announce the winners during National Mobility Awareness Month in May. Chrysler, Toyota and AM General’s Mobility Ventures LLC are among the companies proving vehicles to the winners. Two Toyota Siennas will be customized by NMEDA members Braun Ability and Vantage Mobility International (VMI). Chrysler Group, LLC will provide a Dodge Caravan for conversion. Mobility Ventures will donate its MV-1 accessible vehicle.