I didn't have to do any of the work finding contractors or getting bids for anything. The Rehab engineer after his eval sent out 4 bids for conversion van (well actually he sent three but i already knew who I wanted to go with so I had them contact the engineer to put in the bid. and thankfully his was the lowest). For the home modifications he sent out three, got two back. I think it was two. anyway, the lower bids win. but like you who knows when the contractors will even get started.
I am manage sorta until they put in sidewalk, ramp, and extend door landing. Its not best, and not convenient but is workable. I have an 8ft portable suitcase ramp that I use to get my
scooter in/out. but I have to open door all way, open up/unfold ramp, drive scooter down, walk back up the three steps, close/fold ramp back, close door. walk back down steps to scooter.
With the power chair I will at least be able to leave ramp open all the time. can come up ramp, unlock door, go back down ramp in chair pulling door open with rope. then turn chair around and go back up ramp pulling door closed. so although not easy and extra energy/effort i can do it until get the ramp.
i have to go thru yard to my door which means dirt/sand/soft ground. Thankfully the chair will go thru that but of course the sidewalk will be wonderful. cut down on bringing in mud, dirt, sand etc... into the apartment.
Once I get the sidewalk, ramp, extended landing to door then will be so easy. ride along sidewalk, up ramp, open door. WOO HOO.
Oh the other thing they are going to put different hinges on my doors inside like to bedroom and hall. So the door will open flush against wall giving me about three more inches thru doors with chair.
I rent so am lucky VR is willing to do so much to apartment since I could move at anytime. The ramp though will be a rollaramp so if i move it goes with me. The sidewalk, landing stays of course. So the landlord is actually pleased to be getting a free sidewalk <G>
I know all the parts are in for the chair (it has rehab seating, tilt/recline, power leg elevation, my joystick will be more like a goal post. not the one that like video games (only example i can think of). Just not the standard joystick. My hands/fingers will cramp quickly using a joystick that operate with two fingers/thumb. Now that parts are in they are putting it together this week. At least that is what they told me Monday when I called them.
Once it's together then they deliver it which could be next week.
Then van company comes gets the chair to install ezlock. then i go to van place for them to determine where to put base of ezlock in the van that allows me the easiest transfer to drivers seat.
Then I come home. Once they have all that done including transfer seat. they will drive the van and chair back to me at my home. Oh and somewhere in there VR/Rehab Eng has to check van out to make sure everything is as ordered, working, and ok.
I did find that i had to call the advocate in Feb as the Rehab eng wasn't responding to my calls or emails. And the VR counselor hadn't heard from him. Once I did that he finally got the report to VR. I was so mad though as he had told me during eval he would get the report done the next week and to VR (this was in Jan). And when the advocate contacted him and his supervisor, he finally emailed me asking me questions about what decided on, etc.... So it was clear he hadn't looked at my file since the day he was here. Even all the bids were obtained at the end of Feb after I called the advocate.
Same with the power chair. I have had to call almost weekly to see where they were in the process, the status etc.... Thankfully I was calling as found out they weren't doing anything, and it too was laying in stack. So I called weekly after that, kept asking questions of process. had them repeat to me every call process, status, etc... (the chair was ordered by my doctor in Nov 06).
so anyone out there trying to get a scooter/chair, van or anything you have to be your own best advocate. pester if have to. squeaky wheel gets the oil.
I truly believe if I hadn't stayed on top of everyone even though I am sure they saw me as a pest I wouldn't be rec'ing either for many more months. And I am sure the rehab engineer isn't happy with me at all, as his supervisor got involved, the head of VR for the state got involved.
My VR counselor has been wonderful, on the ball, quick, responses to all emails. It was the rehab eng being the issue. VR couldn't do anything without his report. Once VR rec'd report boy things have been moving quickly.
Wishing you guys continue progress thru this process. And best wishes to you and esp your husbands health.
I think I saw you mentioned he has MD. I have spinocerebellar ataxia which is a progressive degenerative neuro disease. Seems to me its a close to combination of MS and MD. For couple years they thought I had MS. Only June 06 they finally made dx of SCA.
But I am thankful I can still do much, work, visit Disney, go on cruises, and live independently. I feel blessed for what I have, am getting from VR and insurance (power chair). And that i have a great employer willing to work with me so i can continue working with them.
The van will go back to the shop sometime next week & it will propably take about 6 weeks for installation. (They are providing a rental lift van during the time.)
---Kathy
That's how DH & myself feel about it!
pretty nervous as to how hard it will be for him to learn to drive. And how much it will inhibit my being able to drive the van. He will be getting the joystick & the touchpad, sounds very similar to yours. 
