People Inc.The Road to Independence Starts in the Front Seat
Aug 07, 2026
Paul Porter had one request when he started thinking about a new accessible vehicle: he wanted to ride in the front seat. That goal started during a visit to Florida, where he realized how much he enjoyed sitting up front in an accessible van instead of in the back.
Paul Porter (left) pictured with his modified vehicle and Casey Moore (right), the People Inc. EMODs coordinator who assisted the project
"I always remembered a van down there that let me sit out front," Porter said. "Sitting up front is just so much nicer than having to get in the back and shout to the van driver where we're going."
By 2025, Porter knew it was time for a change. His previous van was nearly a decade old, and after carefully saving his money, he purchased a new Toyota. Through People Inc.'s Vehicle Modification program, that vehicle was transformed into one that better fit his needs and independence.
Vehicle modifications are part of People Inc.’s Environmental Modifications (EMODs) Department, the only program serving both the Western New York and Rochester areas offering project management and oversight services that help eligible people with intellectual and developmental disabilities work through safety and other issues in their living area.
The vehicle was modified so Porter could ride in the front seat.
"We secure the funding, ensure the person's eligibility through the 1915(c) waiver and support them throughout the process," explained People Inc. Environmental Modification Project Manager Casey Moore. Then the modifications are made by a specialized manufacturer.
In addition to vehicle modifications, the team helps with changes in the home like ramps, wheelchair lifts, widened doorways and more.
The Environmental Modification team guides people and their care coordinators through a complicated approval process with the New York State Office for People with Developmental Disabilities (OPWDD).
The van was also modified to include a ramp, so Porter could safely enter and exit the vehicle.
"What I really appreciated was Casey kept me up to date as we moved along in the process. If I called, he got back to me really quickly. Everything moved around so quickly,” said Porter.
"Being able to have access out to the community—that's what vehicle modification is about. People aren't as reliant on other transportation services and can get where they want to go," said Moore. "Vehicle modifications help people access their communities, improve their independence and ultimately improve their quality of life."
For additional information, contact People Inc.’s EMODs team at emods@people-inc.org or call the EMODS program line for Western New York: 716.880.3815 or the Greater Rochester region: 585.719.3417.