Superior Van & Mobility is the largest family-owned mobility dealership in the nation. It’s leading the way in increasing access to wheelchair-accessible vans, SUVs, lifts, scooter carriers, and adaptive driving equipment.
This summer, Superior stuck a few more feathers in its cap and stood out with its Indiana ties as well.
Recognition and Growth
In June, Superior’s longtime manufacturing partner BraunAbility — the largest wheelchair-accessible vehicle manufacturer in the United States — was named to Forbes’ first-ever Accessibility 100 list, which “highlights the biggest innovators and impact-makers in the field of accessibility for people with disabilities.”
As the list article states: “When you see a wheelchair ramp extend from a minivan or taxi, or see someone in a wheelchair get securely strapped into their disabled spot on a bus, chances are BraunAbility is behind the technology. Its products are used in more than 50 countries on six continents and have generated more than $1 billion in sales.”
As Superior’s own Jonathan Palmer, marketing and brand ambassador for the Greater Indianapolis and Cincinnati areas, says, Forbes’ recognition of BraunAbility is a proud, promising moment for Superior as well.
“As one of BraunAbility’s trusted dealer partners, this recognition reinforces the quality and impact of the products we provide every day,” Palmer said. “It also reflects a growing national focus on accessibility and inclusion — trends that directly align with our mission to empower mobility and independence. This recognition not only validates the work we’re already doing in communities across the country but also signals exciting growth opportunities as more individuals, families, and organizations seek reliable, top-quality mobility solutions.”
Hoosier Heroics
One way that BraunAbility and Superior grew locally was through their recent upgrade of the onsite therapy car at the Rehabilitation Hospital of Indiana (RHI).
“While the vehicle has long been part of RHI’s therapy area, this latest improvement — made possible through our ongoing partnership with RHI, BraunAbility, and the leadership of Jennifer Henke, Director of AI and Sustainability and RHI Foundation board member — adds significant value,” Palmer said.
The latest improvement includes Superior’s installation of BraunAbility’s new Turny Evo Swivel Seat, which rotates outward and lowers toward the ground, making vehicle entry and exit easier for people with limited mobility.
“This upgrade ensures the therapy car can now serve its full purpose: preparing patients for real-world mobility and independence,” Palmer said.
In regard to other Hoosier organizations, Superior also helped the Fort Wayne Fire Department prepare for real-world scenarios by providing mobility training exercises focused on safely extracting individuals in wheelchairs from mobility vans following a crash.
This training is part of the ongoing partnership between League for the Blind and Disabled and Fort Wayne’s public safety departments, aimed at strengthening emergency response efforts for individuals with disabilities.
“By working together, we’re helping build a more inclusive and prepared community — one where safety and accessibility go hand in hand,” Palmer said.
Individual-Level Efforts
In addition to making an impact with state and nationwide initiatives, Superior can help you and your neighbor, friend or loved one.
One such personal story is the case of Hoosier Stacey Oldham. Thanks to Superior’s installation of a curbside scooter lift for her van, Oldham never misses her son’s soccer games.
Diagnosed with multiple sclerosis at the age of 20, Oldham has mobility issues on the right side of her body. Doctors told her she likely wouldn’t live past the age of 50. Now, at 56 years old, she is active in her community and advocating for people with disabilities, thanks in large part to an Alternative Financing Program loan and vehicle modification made possible by INDATA, STAR Financial Bank, and Superior Van & Mobility.
While serving as co-chair of the Fishers Advisory Committee on Disability, Oldham found herself in need of transportation assistance.
“I was struggling and thinking, ‘How could I afford this right now?’” she said.
Easterseals Crossroads Vice President of Adult Services Brian Norton explained, “In Stacey’s case, we were able to help her purchase a curbside scooter lift for her van to help her be more independent and improve her quality of life out in the community.”
Oldham was impressed with how INDATA, STAR Financial Bank, and Superior Van & Mobility were able to join forces in helping her determine the equipment she needed at a price that would fit her budget.
“I felt like, ‘Wow, all of these pieces are working together, I don’t have to go to each (organization) individually,’” she said.
This story serves as a testament to the strength of Superior’s community ties and the lives it can improve on a local and national level.