NMEDA Member Mobility Ventures To Donate MV-1 Universally Accessible Vehicle For 2014 Local Heroes Contest

TAMPA, FL--March 6, 2014: The National Mobility Equipment Dealers Association (NMEDA) is pleased to announce that Mobility Ventures LLC, designer and manufacturer of the MV-1, the first American vehicle purpose-built and designed from the ground up in support of wheelchair users to meet or exceed the guidelines of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), is joining the 2014 National Mobility Awareness Month Campaign as a Local Heroes Contest Vehicle sponsor.

The 2014 National Mobility Awareness Month Campaign (NMAM) marks the third year for what has now become a successful annual contest in which now four deserving "Local Heroes" will be awarded a wheelchair accessible vehicle tailored to meet their needs through an online contest.

"We are proud to be a part of the 2014 Local Heroes Contest. We believe in the mission of the National Mobility Awareness Campaign to educate seniors, caregivers and people with disabilities about wheelchair accessible vehicles and adaptive mobility equipment options," said Mobility Ventures Vice President, Sales and Marketing, John Walsh. "MV-1 is the perfect vehicle for this contest as it is universally designed, allowing people of all abilities equal access to a quality, safe and inclusive transportation option."

"NMEDA is very pleased and grateful to have the MV-1 donated by Mobility Ventures," said Dave Hubbard, NMEDA Executive Director and CEO. "Local Heroes are from all walks of life and we define them as people who volunteer, educate, advocate, achieve and persevere," says Hubbard.

Caregivers, friends and family members are invited to submit entries, either written or videotaped stories of how they are triumphing over their mobility challenges. Story submissions began on February 25th and voting begins March 11th. Submission and votes will be accepted through May 9th. Winners for 2014 will be announced during National Mobility Awareness Month in May.

In 2013, 1,225 entries received 2.3 million votes from across the country that resulted in three deserving Local Heroes in Lexington, Kentucky, Villa Park, Illinois and Victoria, British Columbia, Canada being awarded fully customized wheelchair accessible vehicles.

About National Mobility Awareness Month: 
 May is National Mobility Awareness Month and is the annual celebration that encourages seniors, veterans, caregivers and people with disabilities to enjoy active, mobile lifestyles. Founded in 1989 as a not-for-profit trade association, the National Mobility Equipment Dealers Association (NMEDA) supports the awareness month with the assistance of approximately 600 mobility equipment dealers, manufacturers and driver rehabilitation specialists located in the United States and Canada dedicated to expanding opportunities for people with disabilities. For updates, please visit MobilityAwarenessMonth.com, as well as Facebook, Twitter (@NMEDAcom) and Pinterest.