A 1997 Dodge minivan that was converted for wheelchair access for people with disabilities has been donated to SEMO Alliance for Disability Independence.

The donation was from Sandy McLane and McLane Investment.

SADI is a community-based independent living center promoting and assisting people with disabilities.

Miki Gudermuth, SADI executive director, explained that the organization had applied to the Missouri Department of Transportation for a grant to obtain a wheelchair van. However, the grant was not awarded in part because of a letter of protest from a local provider and in part because a county transportation committee was looking at ways to coordinate services.

"But persons with disabilities have waited too long already," Gudermuth said. "We told Ms. McLane about our barriers to acquiring a van, and that's when she made that most generous offer of Dr. Jerry McLane's van."

The organization is looking for revenue to maintain the van and to hire a driver. In addition, SADI has formed a transportation advisory committee to set up criteria for the van's use and to provide long-range planning for transportation options for people with disabilities.