The Koshman family of Kelowna faced a devastating blow this week when their wheelchair-accessible van was stolen from their driveway, leaving their 36-year-old son Dustin without his primary means of transportation. The specialized 2002 Dodge Caravan, customized with thousands of dollars in adaptations, disappeared overnight on Wednesday from their Rutland neighborhood.
“It’s more than just a vehicle,” explained Dustin’s mother, Kim Koshman, fighting back tears. “For Dustin, that van means independence, dignity, and his connection to the community. Without it, he’s essentially homebound.”
Dustin, who lives with cerebral palsy, relies on the van for everything from medical appointments to social activities. The vehicle features custom modifications including a motorized ramp, specialized restraint systems, and lowered flooring to accommodate his powered wheelchair.
The theft represents more than just a financial loss for the family. The van, insured for basic coverage, doesn’t reflect the true value of the specialized adaptations that make it suitable for Dustin’s needs. The Koshmans estimate they’ve invested over $15,000 in modifications beyond the vehicle’s market value.
“It’s not something you can just replace by going to a dealership,” said Dustin’s father, Ray Koshman. “These adaptations take months to install correctly, and in the meantime, we’re struggling to figure out how to get Dustin to his physiotherapy appointments.”
The RCMP confirmed they’re investigating the theft. Constable Mike Della-Paolera noted that specialized vehicles like the Koshmans’ are occasionally targeted because of their parts value, though the distinctive nature of this van makes it more recognizable.
“We’re asking the public to keep an eye out for this vehicle,” said Della-Paolera. “It’s a silver 2002 Dodge Caravan with British Columbia license plate KA767L and has visible wheelchair accessibility modifications including a side-entry ramp.”
According to Statistics Canada, approximately 6.2 million Canadians aged 15 and older report having a disability, with mobility challenges being among the most common. For these individuals, specialized transportation isn’t a luxury but a necessity for maintaining quality of life.
Sam McLeod, executive director of the Kelowna Accessibility Society, pointed out that the theft highlights a broader challenge facing people with disabilities.
“Accessible transportation remains one of the biggest barriers to inclusion,” McLeod explained. “When someone loses their adapted vehicle, they’re not just losing a car – they’re losing their ability to participate in society. And the wait times for funding and building new accessible vehicles can stretch into years.”
The community has rallied around the Koshman family, with local rideshare drivers offering free transportation and a GoFundMe page established to help with immediate transportation costs. Several local businesses have also pledged support toward either recovering or replacing the vehicle.
Dustin, who works part-time as a peer counselor for others with disabilities, expressed frustration beyond the practical challenges. “I’ve worked hard for my independence,” he said during a phone interview. “Whoever took this van probably doesn’t realize they’ve stolen my freedom, not just a vehicle.”
The family is appealing directly to whoever took the van to return it, no questions asked. “We’re not interested in pressing charges,” said Kim. “We just want Dustin’s lifeline back.”
Anyone with information about the stolen van is urged to contact Kelowna RCMP at 250-762-3300 or Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-8477.
For the Koshmans and thousands of Canadian families who rely on specialized transportation equipment, these vehicles represent far more than their metal and mechanics – they’re essential tools for equality and independence in a world that often overlooks accessibility needs until they’re gone.
