(New York, NY) – Vantage Mobility International (VMI) recently donated two wheelchair-accessible Honda Odysseys to the New York City Mayor’s Office for People with Disabilities and the Office of Veterans Affairs. American Honda Motor Co., Inc. supplied the two vehicles that VMI adapted with its Northstar conversion, which provides a power in-floor ramp for unrestricted access and greater interior maneuverability for all types of wheelchairs.

“To have use of a vehicle of this caliber and convenience will impact tremendously the work we do to provide assistance for people with disabilities in New York City,” said Matthew Sapolin, Commissioner of MOPD.

Mayor Bloomberg acknowledged the donations by meeting with Doug Eaton, CEO of VMI and representatives of other participating organizations at Gracie Mansion.

“Mobility is paramount to freedom and independence,” said Eaton. “VMI provides technologically-advanced solutions, like the Northstar in-floor conversion we used in the two donated vehicles, for people with disabilities to help them face any mobility challenge.”

Other organizations helping celebrate the vehicle donations were Accessible Vans and Mobility (AVM), a local dealer specializing in converted vehicles, representatives from Veterans Affairs and American Honda Motor Corporation, Inc. and United Spinal.

“Working with the Office for People with Disabilities has been an amazing and humbling experience,” said Eaton. “Commissioner Sapolin and his office serve the New York City community of people with disabilities in an unparalleled capacity. We only hope this donation helps them accomplish even more good work.”

Year round, the Mayor’s Office for People with Disabilities, under the leadership of Commissioner Matthew Sapolin, works hand-in-hand with other City agencies to ensure that the voice of the disabled community is represented and that City programs and policies address the needs of people with Disabilities.  According to US Census figures, there are over 50 million people living with disabilities in the United States and only 29% work full time as compared with 79% of people without disabilities.