A new 2007 Ford Cutaway van, equipped with a lift, driver controls and space for three wheelchairs, was delivered to the UA Disability Resource Center last week.

The van came after the DRC received a $55,000 grant from the Arizona Department of Revenue, a year after the DRC and Parking and Transportation Services applied for the grant, said PTS marketing manager Bill Davidson.

“”At the time, (the DRC was) saying that a new van would really be instrumental and sustain them with accessibility and travel to competition sites around Arizona,”” Davidson said.

“”We’re very pleased to be a part of the process by providing the needed transport.””

The van will be used for the entire DRC population but will primarily contribute to the Adaptive Athletics program, Davidson said. The program gives disabled students a chance to engage in sports such as basketball, rugby, tennis, track, road racing and weight training.

“”All teams will be able to compete in all the competitions,”” Davidson said. “”They have fantastic teams that are ranked nationally, so this will be fantastic for them.””

The van will greatly assist the DRC with accessibility during Athletics trips around Arizona, DRC director Sue Kroeger said in a press release.

The van replaces a 1993 Ford that had high mileage and needed a lot of maintenance, Davidson said.

“”This van came at just the right time, because it helps them so much with their disabled student population,”” he said. “”Now they don’t need to worry about what they’re going to do to fulfill the needs of the group they’re working with.””