the transportation barrier
Unreliable public transportation options coupled with the high costs of wheelchair accessible vehicles have continued to pose a persistent barrier for community members who use mobility devices. We have seen a lack of transportation put wheelchair basketball practices, dance classes, family visits, daily errands, and community events out of reach.
In response, we’ve helped to coordinate community rides and connect neighbors for accessible carpooling. In 2024, we launched an Uber program where community members can self-schedule sponsored rides to their local gym, sports practices, or arts programs. But these solutions only work for individuals who can transfer from their wheelchairs into a standard-sized vehicle. More people need more options.
A WHEELCHAIR ACCESSIBLE VEHICLE OWNERSHIP PROGRAM
Endless Highway’s Keys to Freedom program is a resource for full-time wheelchair users who cannot independently transfer from their everyday chair, therefore requiring a ramp-equipped wheelchair accessible vehicle as their primary vehicle. Each cycle, the program will award a grant of up to $40,000 to one eligible individual towards the purchase and customization of a wheelchair accessible vehicle from program partner, Tim’s Trim, Inc.
We understand the difference that vehicle ownership can make. The Keys to Freedom program aims to give independence and control back to disabled drivers, passengers, and families. Review the program details, eligibility guidelines, and policies at the links below to determine if you qualify to apply.
PROGRAM STATUS
Keys to Freedom is now in an ACTIVE grant cycle serving residents in the Greater Rochester region from August 2025- December 2025.
Please note these important dates and deadlines:
- August 23, 2025 | Open for applications
- September 30, 2025 | Applications due by 5pm EST
- December 15, 2025 | Decisions communicated to all applicants
ELiGIBILITY
To be considered, applicants must be individuals who maintain primary residence in Genesee, Livingston, Monroe, Ontario, Orleans, Seneca, Wayne, Wyoming, or Yates County and meet the following:
- a full-time wheelchair user who cannot independently transfer to a standard-sized vehicle
- a licensed disabled driver or a passenger with a designated licensed driver to co-apply with
- demonstrate financial capacity to maintain financing (if applicable), insurance, and regular maintenance
APPLICATION RESOURCES
The Keys to Freedom application process is hosted online. You can preview all application questions, a Requested Documents Checklist, and the Recipient Agreement in PDF form at the links below to help you prepare to complete the online form. When you have reviewed the program guidelines and gathered your documents, click the “Apply” button to get started.
If you have questions or to request accommodations to complete the application through a different method, please contact Caralie Fennessey at caralie@endless-highway.org.
Review. Read the program overview, eligibility parameters, and Recipient Grant Agreement to determine if you qualify to apply.
Download the Guidelines and Grant Agreement:
Prepare. See the questions that are included in the online application process and what documentation you will be asked to submit.
Download the Application Preview and Checklist:
Apply. Answer the application questions and upload your supporting documents. Save your progress as you go along!
Applications are now closed.
pROGRAM cONTACT
For technical questions related to the Keys to Freedom program or application, please contact Caralie Fennessey, Operations Director.
Caralie Fennessey
Operations Director
caralie@endless-highway.org
585-313-8695
Support a future cycle of Keys to Freedom with a donation that gives control back to disabled drivers, passengers, and families